The Eagles spent millions of dollars on the defensive end position but didn’t get their money’s worth in 2007. They’ve got to get more consistent play from the position in 2008. Jumping back and forth from 4-3 to 3-4 on pass downs may help.
The Birds have a Pro Bowl level pass rusher in Trent Cole, who piled up 12.5 sacks this season. Cole proved he can be a full time starter because he didn’t wear down in the second half of the season. He’s plays with a passion and his motor never stops. The Birds must continue to guard against Cole playing too many plays. His lack of size causes him to wear down, so the Birds must have a decent backup in place so they can give Trent some rest.
Right defensive end Juqua Thomas took the starting job from Jevon Kearse but he’s really a backup and not a starter. Thomas had 5 sacks and 39 tackles but he didn’t register a single sack in the last 8 games of the season. He wore down because Juqua is about 60 lbs. less than the guys he plays against.
He’ll probably return to his pass rushing specialist duties next year, when 2nd round pick Victor Abiamiri takes over a the starter on the left side. Abiamiri proved to be strong at the point of attack against the run but he’s got to improve as a pass rusher. Thankfully, Jevon Kearse will be gone after another poor year and the same may be true of Darren Howard.
They do need more pass rushing pressure from the defensive end position because other than Cole, not one of the defensive ends registered a sack after the beginning of the season. The solution may be working outside linebacker Chris Gocong into the rotation at left defensive end. He’s shown the same ability to rush the passer, which he displayed in college while collecting over 20 sacks in a season.
Of course the Birds could also go out on the free agent market and sign a big time free agent. If they decide to go that route, hopefully they’ll have more success than they had with the two busts, Kearse and Howard.
07" Grade – C+
