Today, the linebackers worked under the guidance of young linebacker coach Bill Shuey, as Eagles head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Sean McDermott looked on.
They were taking a close look at newly signed linebacker Will Witherspoon and veteran recently signed backer Jeremiah Trotter.
They were trying to figure out how to properly use these guys.
It’s obvious by the injuries and signings, that they’re trying to improve a weak area on the D.
I couldn’t help but joke with Stewart Bradley about how hard he has been to replace. He should make sure his agent brings this up during his next contract negotiation.
Witherspoon can move but he’s not much bigger than Gaither. He has a track record of being strong against the pass and solid against the run. He’s got to be the guy for the Birds defense.
He will benefit from the consistent and solid play of the Eagles defensive tackles, Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley, who have controlled the middle.
If I were an offensive coordinator I would run the ball against Witherspoon and throw the ball against Trotter. It’s going to be interesting to see how the Birds use these guys.
Trot is still going to be in a mismatch if he’s manned up one-on- one with a good tight end or running back in the open field.
They can say they’re sending Trotter into the game to stop the run but it’s the offense that decides whether they’re going to run or throw the football.
After looking at Trotter on video last week, I’m expecting the Redskins to automatic to a pass play if they see him on the field. He’s going to need to collide with receivers who try to run routes against him.
He’s got to anticipate those routes. Expect the Birds to play zone coverages when Trot is in the game.
