Dave Spadaro of Philadelphiaeagles.com has an article up online about the Birds linebackers. He looks at things as if the glass if half full and I hope he's right.
After checking out the mini camps I feel best about Takeo Spikes at the Will linebacker position. His runs and reacts like he's back to Pro Bowl form. He eagerness to get shot at winning a Super Bowl should help the entire football team.
With regard to the Mike linebacker positon, I don't know why everybody thinks you can lose weight and get your speed and explosiveness back. As far as I'm concerned the jury is still out on Eagles middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. Look Trot has been a great player for the Birds but "Father Time has beaten every player in the NFL Hall Of Famer". Your legs eventually can't do it any more and it doesn't matter how much weight you lose. As great as L.T. was, his legs got old and he had to retire. I'll keep an eye on Trot and see how his legs hold up to the rigors of training camp.
A couple of years ago I was out at training camp and talking to Hugh Douglas before the practice. He started complaining about how bad his body was feeling. He going on and on about it. I looked him in the eye and told him what I was hearing. Three days later he decided to retire.
Also, offenses don't tell you when they're going to throw. The Eagles are going to play Trot on run downs and Omar Gaithers pass downs but offense may decide to throw against Trotter and run against Gaither. Teams attack your weaknesses, at least the smart ones.
Spadaro talks about Chris Gocong's size and the athleticism of all the strongside linebackers, and it is true. They are all big, strong and athletic, but they're also all very young unproven and raw. How will they respond after getting beat? Will they learn from their mistakes? It's going to help Gocong a great deal that he's in there with two seasoned pro's butr there's no guarantee he can get it done.
The linebacker position could be outstanding, but it could also be disappointing. Right now I'm leaning toward outstanding. Let's hope I'm right.
