With Jeremiah Trotter gone Omar Gaither will take over in the middle and I don't think he's going to be another Mark Simoneau or Barry Gardner. Last year Omar proved he's a quick study and a playmaker.
Before you get down on Omar Gaither remember the key sack he had against the New York Giants during the Eagles playoff stretch run of 2006. He made an athletic move to avoid a blocking back and pulled down Eli Manning to push the Gints out of field goal range. Gaither also registered a key interception agaiinst the Redskins. Big plays aren't a coincidence. Gaither has a nose for the football which is something you can't teach. His instincts are his strongest assett because he doesn't have blazing speed or outstanding size. His ability to find the football trumps everything else.
If Omar hadn't played with the Eagles last year and proved he could excel, his job would be tougher as one of the guys leading the defense. The fact that he helped this time last year has earned him some respect amongst his teammates.
The youngster does have his work cut out for him in trying to replace Trotter. Brian Dawkins said it right, "Omar Gaither is not Jeremiah Trotter". Trot was one of the most physical middle linebackers I've ever seen. There's no way Gaither is going to be as physical but he has a chance to be as effective. Omar has to do his homework and be able to anticipate what offenses are going to do. Gaither needs to live in the film room.
He's got the loudest voice I've ever heard in the huddle. You can hear Omar calling the defenses across the street. The big voice will come in handy when he's trying to communicate in Lincoln Financial Field when the crowd is going crazy. The kid has outstanding leadership qualities and will have no problem running the defense and making the calls.
Omar's speed and athleticism is going to allow him to make some plays versus the pass. His instincts will enable him to do a good job versus the run, but the "D" line will play a key role in Gaither's success. He's young so I think he will hold up all season long.
