Here’s is some of what Sean McDermott will be saying to the Eagles defensive players in the meetings and in the lockeroom before the game.
Play the way Jim Johnson would want you to play if he was here. Go out there and take somebody’s head off. These guys are going to try to embarrass us by running the ball down our throats.
We refuse to allow it. We’re going to line up and punch these guys in the mouth and show them that they can’t run the ball on us.
We’ve got something to prove gentleman, starting with me. A lot of people don’t think I can do the job and they don’t think you can do the job. Let’s show them they’re wrong.
Drink water now and during the game. It’s going to be hot, so we’re going to try to keep everybody fresh. If you’re not in the game, then I want you up behind me and staying up with what’s going on.
Any adjustments we make, you’d better know because we could throw you in there at any time.
Big fellas you’re the key to this game. Our run defense starts with you two guys in the middle, Mike and Brodrick. If you dominate, we dominate.
We don’t want you guys running around blocks and letting linemen off on our linebackers. Get off on the ball and get on their side of the line of scrimmage.
Don’t get caught listening to the snap count because Delhomme is a veteran and he’s going to try to draw us offsides.
We need to you make some noise Trent. We need you to make them double-team you. You can’t let them block you one on one.
Victor and Juqua, the same’s true for you guys. If they can single block you, they’re going to double Trent. Make a statement, early.
We’ve got to attack the line of scrimmage and get off blocks. You’re going to get blocked at times but so what, get off the blocks and get to the ball. I want three or four guys making every tackle.
These guys are going to break tackles but it won’t hurt us if everybody’s getting to the ball. Gang tackling is the best way to stop these guys.
We’ve got to tackle well which is going to mean wrapping up when you get the chance.
Omar, it’s your job to get everybody lined up. Even if we’re playing the wrong defense, we will be alright as long as everybody’s playing that defense.
It’s your job Omar to have everybody on the same page.
I want you linebackers, Omar, Chris and Akeem reading your keys and when you read run, I want you to attack the line of scrimmage like your life depended on it.
If your get fooled then scramble back out of there, but know that we have to stop their running game.
Macho believe in yourself because we believe in you. You wouldn’t be out there if we didn’t think you could do the job. Be smart.
Know where Steve Smith is at all times. If you caught biting on something, turn and find Smith because he’s be the guy they’ll be trying to get the ball to deep.
If you’re in doubt about anything, if you’re not sure about your assignment, then back up. Expect them to come after you. Make them pay when they do.
Quintin, Asante and Sheldon, I’m expecting big plays out of you guys. I want you guys talking to Macho and at all times. If you see something he should know, then help him.
