In Roob’s Observations: What’s the Eagles’ plan at linebacker? originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
A concerning remark from Howie Roseman, Isaiah Rodgers finally addresses gambling suspension and an unreal Andy Reid stat.
We’ve conjured up a new Roob’s 10 Random Observations to help get you through the first Sunday without football in five months. And, no, the Pro Bowl Games aren’t football.
1. If you’re looking for a complete overhaul at linebacker – and I’m guessing I’m not alone there – something Howie Roseman said last week was a little concerning. Maybe a lot concerning. He spoke of the Eagles’ belief in Nakobe Dean, which I’m OK with. He’s under contract, he was a third-round pick, he was never really healthy last year, and there’s no reason not to at the very least give him a shot to compete for a starting job in training camp. But he also spoke highly of Zach Cunningham, whose play was barely adequate after signing a couple weeks into camp. Roseman seemed to be trying to convince people the Eagles will be OK running it back with the 29-year-old off-ball linebacker, and that’s the wrong approach:
“Zach Cunningham had a good year. He really did. He had a mentality that we like for that position.”
OK, I have no problem with his mentality. Cunningham played hard, and he was the Eagles’ best linebacker, although it was quite a low bar. But one of the biggest priorities of this offseason has to be getting younger and better on defense, and Cunningham isn’t good enough. He just didn’t make plays. Out of 91 NFL linebackers who started at least 10 games this year, Cunningham was one of just four with no interceptions, sacks or forced fumbles. And he was the first Eagles LB to start 10 games without a sack, interception or forced fumble since Keith Adams in 2005. The Eagles can’t rely on Dean or Cunningham. They’ve got to get better across the board at linebacker. If Cunningham is your worst linebacker, that’s fine….
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Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia
Publish date : 2024-02-04 15:40:45
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