It’s obvious that the Eagles signed veteran middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter to help them stop the run, but opposing teams will try to attack Trotter in pass coverage by getting him isolated on running backs or tight ends.
Teams throughout the league give help to different players in pass coverage. It makes sense when a guy brings something else to the table that helps the football team and that’s the case with Trotter.
He’s got the size and mentallity to punish opponents when they try to run the football.
Sean McDermott will have to find ways to play some man to man, yet still be able to give Trotter help on good tight ends or running backs. This won’t be an easy job.
Trotter makes it worthwhile because of what he adds to their team toughness and size. He will make the Eagles defense more physical and more committed
I would expect him to have one of the safeties help him over the top if the receiver heads deep or to have another linebacker double team a receiver with Trotter.
Most of the time the Eagles defense will be playing zone defenses when Trotter is in the game. Zone defenses can be attacked with short throws to the tight ends, who know how to work the seams of the zones.
You’ll see McDermott keeping the coverages changing to keep the offenses guessing, but he will not leave Trotter all by himself in coverage.
