It's going to be step up time for Eagles defensive end Victor Abiamiri. Right now he's been given the nod over the smaller Juqua Parker at the team's left DE position but has he really earned his respect amongst his teammates?
One of his defensive colleagues believes Parker should be the starter until Abiamiri earns the job. The player believes the former Notre Dame defensive end should have to take the job away.
Nearly everyone agrees that Abiamiri has the potential, but can he deliver the results.
He was drafted in the second round of the 2007 draft, but has been bothered by injuries for much of his two-year pro career. He played in 10 games a year ago and contributed just 11 tackles and two sacks.
The Birds defense needs him desperately to step up his game.
Interim defensive coordinator Sean McDermott may be more reluctant to blitz than Jim Johnson. If that turns out to be the case, the Eagles need somebody to provide conistent pass rush pressure from the left side opposite Pro Bowler Trent Cole.
Parker has been outstanding at times early in the season but he has seemed to wear down as the season progresses.
He's the Eagles biggest and strongest defensive end but he's got to better develop his pass rush. So far he has relied too much on his brute strength rather utliziing speed against the legue's offensive tackles who are bigger than he is.
