The Philadelphia Eagles have done a lot to address their issues on the defensive side of the ball in the offseason. They’ve said brought in significant talent to upgrade several positions, and hope to be a much more efficient group than they were in 2010-11.
In the front four, the starting lineup from last year should be kept intact with Jason Babin and Trent Cole playing the defensive end positions, and Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson manning the defensive tackle spots.
Babin led the Eagles with 18 sacks and also forced three fumbles, but he must become more conscious of his run defense as well, or he may lose some snaps to some of the newcomers to the line. Cole is the most well-rounded, complete end on the roster, capable of playing both the run and pass efficiently. He finished with double-digit sacks (11) for the fourth time in the last five years, and should be able to stay fresh at the end of the season thanks to additional depth on the line.
Jenkins took a pay cut to remain with the team after recording 5.5 sacks a year ago. He established himself as one of the leaders on the defense, and proved that he could stay healthy for a full season. Patterson is solid though unspectacular. He can be counted on to continue to play the run well. 
It’s safe to say that first-round pick Fletcher Cox has the potential to be an impact player from day one, and might fight for a starting job by the end of the year. The top draft pick will immediately help out the defensive line by providing interior pressure and bolstering the run defense by clogging up the middle. He could be the addition that puts the defensive line over the top.
Also in the mix are former first-round pick Brandon Graham and this year’s second round pick Vinny Curry. Graham hopes to prove his worth by having a bounce-back season, and finally make an impact after disappointing in his first two seasons. Curry will look to also be an impact player during his rookie season.
The tenacity of this front four will without a doubt cause problems for offensive lines throughout the league as they did a year ago, but they’ll be an even more efficient unit thanks to the new faces they’ve added through the draft. The defensive line is loaded with quality players, as the Eagles hope to mimic the success of the New York Giants by attacking their opponents with waves of defensive ends.
They will be in the top 5 against the run and pass. I’m very excited about this upcoming season. More so then I have in many yrs. The only thing that will rain on the parade are injuries. And the Eagles know all too much about injuries. And I think Vick is going to have an amazing season this yr. So grab him early in fantasy leagues with confidence
I agree dman. This DF, can be wicked this year. I feel sorry for the opposing QB’s. Injuries aside, that is. Let’s hope we stay healthy, especially #7 & both lines, or all bets are off.
Let us not forget about Antonio Dixon……Hopefully not a one year wonder, he was our best tackle I thought up until his injury.
Patterson the odd man out? Ive never been a big Patterson fan but with Dixon, Cox, Jenkins, Thorton and Landri someone has to go. Patterson is scheduled to make 2.1 million this year. Not a huge amount but significant enough. Plus with his brain issues, they woulkd never admit to it, could he be the odd man out?
They should have gotten rid of Patterson last year with Bunkley, but his brain issue threw a wrench into that. He is just a mediocre DT & should NOT be a starter. He makes NO plays & NO stops. So what is he good for? That’s why I would have likened them to get another DT in the draft &/ or FA. With the health concerns with Dixon & Patterson, I’m glad we got a stud in Cox. Dude is crazy good. The resigning of Landri is going to prove HUGE also.
Patterson….another reach in the 1st round that yielded nothing…I hope they have fired the decision makers on this scouting team…they suck
LMAO a reach at #31..you must no recall that 2005 draft homie
I agree with you Dcar, and Songs. I like Patterson personally, but as a player to me he is just OK. This is why I wanted them to make a move, and try to get another #1 pick in this years draft, with Dontari Poe as the target. The draft didn’t fall that way, but fortunately, we still got Cox.
I can’t see Patterson ready for camp after Brain Surgery. Don’t underestimate the talent of Cedric Thornton 6-3 312, is not only a run stopper, but rushes the QB. I was surprised he went undrafted, but coming from Arkansas State, I think there were somequestion marks, but I think he will be a major factor in the rotation this year.
Overall, This is the best defensive Line TALENT that the Eagles have had under Andy Reid’s tenure……….Go Eagles!!!!!
I agree gmcliff,
I liked this Thornton kid last camp even thought he is raw and was learning on the fly, I expect big things from him which will probably make Patterson the odd man out, I would not be surprised if the Eagles come to some sort of medical buyout deal with Patterson and have him retire..Patterson has earned some good $$$ over his career and who knows if he or even the Eagles want to risk him of serious/permanent injury with his brain situation..
I expect an annoucement by late June and before camp time which is probably the reason the went ahead and re-signed Derek Landri and a back-up plan..
Songs, hindsight is 20-20. Patterson wasnt a reach when we drafted him.
DCar, Cox hasnt played a down yet in the NFL. Please dont anoint him a “stud” until we see what he has at this level. Not to be a debbie downer but you are setting him up for failure among the comenters if he isnt a pro bowler his rookie year, which is extremely difficult.
I agree wild_bk about Patterson going at #31 and not being a reach at that spot.
Patterson had a very nice Career at USC and played on some dominating Defenses and was a force inside for Pete Carroll’s Defense while on the Trojans.. The next 2 DT’s selected in that draft were Shuan Cody of the Lions(#37) and J Babineaux of the Falcons (#41) who are both solid players like PAtterson, but not really game changers either…
a picture of Brandon Graham – puke
sings is just plain full of shit – Patterson had an very nice season last year and actually garnered some All-Pro (not pro bowl – all-pro) attention for his efforts –
the bitchy no nothing fans (often spurred on by GCobb himself) constantly whancked that Bunkley and Patterson didn’t have any QB sacks – when the system the eagles played under – the DTs did not rush the passer and when they did – the DTs were swapped out for DEs..
Bunkley – after being traded – had an OUTSTANDING season in Denver – and was ranked as the #1 DT against the run (profootballfocus) – and parlayed that into a very nice contract with NO…
Patterson did much better rushing the passer last year and the DL was the acknowledged strength of the D last year….
now – I have come arounf to the idea that patterson may go – not becuase I don’t think he is a solid professional DT – but he is had a solid career – n major injuries – getting up there in years – he would have solid trade value…
the birds have another solid vet in Jenkins, and a solid stable of young guys, that some time within the next two years will beat PAtterson out….
w_bk, I’m not setting him up for anything. If you know anything about sports, you can tell who will be able to adjust to the pro’s. I watch a crap load of college FB. Barring health issues, Cox, Curry, Kendricks & Boykin, will all be solid- great, for a long time. What’s wrong with you guys, & you guys call me the negative fan?
songs — the only thing good about Paterson during his career was he was better than Bunkley and Laws
that is just an ignorant comment S0B:
Better then I could ever say it:
Patterson is one of the better 4-3 tackles in the league, but he never gets any love.
Sure, he has the first-round draft pedigree (No. 31 overall in 2005), has been the starter at LDT almost since the get-go, and puts up some decent numbers for a DT: 260 tackles and 11 sacks in five seasons.
Heck, he was a three-year starter and All-American at USC. You know he can go.
He’s even outshined Brodrick Bunkley, who was a “better” prospect and drafted much higher.
But he has no Pro Bowls, no All-Pro selections, and most unfortunately, no love. All he has is a slot on USA Today’s 2008 All-Joe Team, which, according to their page, honors “players and coaches deemed hard workers and over-achievers that may be overlooked by the traditional media.”
That’ll have to do for now.
As for Bunkley: – title was Bunkley a huge loss for Broncos
Bunkley was an impact player for Denver in 2011 as one of the few defensive tackles who performed well against the run. In fact, Pro Football Focus graded Bunkley as the NFL’s best run-stopping defensive lineman this season, making stops on over 11 percent of defensive snaps this past season.
Patterson is fine. Bring him back please. I dont think of him as a reach at all. I dont understand why we have to cut anyone thats not a starter. A guy like patterson coming in and making plays from time to time is a good thing.
In Washburn I (and we all should) trust.
Period.
If Jim Washburn wants Patterson on the team, in the game, then I’m all for it. There’s not a fan in the world that I would trust more than Jim Washburn to evaluate Patterson for this DL in this system.
Period. Next topic.
@Navy, whats up big navy I have question for you. This is only a question I am not coming at you. I have to establish that on here, but any way. The one thing you said that caught my attention was that Bunkley and Patterson did not get sacks because of the system. Did the Eagles switch their DT play from the days of Corey Simon and Hollis Thomas. Because those dudes use to get after it. Especially Corey he had like 32 sacks in like 4-5 years with Eagles and Hollis was pretty good with playing in the backfield blowing up plays. I always thought that Patterson and Bunkley just sucked, but you seem to know your stuff so that’s why I am asking did the Eagles change the philosophy of their DT’s under coach Johnson.
Fellas we are sitting pretty who gives a shit if patterson is on the team or not Cox and Jenkins will be the starters eventually. Imagine on obvious run downs you can have Cox,Dixon,Jenkins and Cole on the first two downs. HA HA good luck running on that line.
Then on third down you unleash Babin,Curry,Cox and Landri. Wow we are going to destroy teams.
pdiddy — funny stuff when comparing simon sacks with patterson lack of sacks and calling out Navy for actually writing the eagles didn’t want patterson & bunkley to sack the QB —Navy thinks the birds game plan was don’t worry about getting to the QB you DT just make sure the QB doesn’t pass the line of scrimage LOL
Patterson under 6 foot is just too small much like DE Brandon Graham – but with Cox and Curry coming in at real NFL size I’m glad things are changing
Nope I am not coming at navy he alright with me just asking the question thats all.
Eagles 0 superbowls – you are being ignorant again – stop bing ignorant –
pdid – to answer your question – Hollis Thomas had exactly ZERO – let me write that for you again ZERO sacks from 2001-2004 whihc he left after to go to NO..
Hollis thomas complained about the rotation becuase much of his pay was based on # plays –
that’s one down –
Corey Simon had 9.5 7.5 2 7.5 and 5.5 for 32 in his 5 years in philly (and ZERO his last two elsewhere)
big difference – Corey Simon did NOT come off the field on third down – he played all 3 downs – so he had more pass rushing chances..
E0S – try and learn – it will prevent your ignorance –
the eagles assigned the DTs 2 gaps – it is not they do not want the guys to sack the QB – but it is like assinging a FS deep coverage all day then asking why isn;t he lmaiking the tackle on the out route (that too much football talk there boss?)
and again – on clear passing downs – the eagles ROTATED the DTs Bunkley and Patterson out and rushed 4 DEs….. so – you see the difference.. they were assigned to stop the run
Pdid – we are always good – ask away my man..
pdid – ESPN has a category called ‘Stuffs’ – runs stuffed in the backfiled – in Bunkleys last 4 years – he had 14 – Hollis thomas had 8……. in his 9 years in Philly… yet isn’t it funny you remember H Thomas (who I love) being in the back field blowing up plays…
E0S – u still there bro..
Paulman’s Projected Eagles D-Line for 2012 Season
(10 Players Totak -5 DE & 5 DT)
Starters – DE Cole DT Jenkins, DT Dixon, DE Babin
Back-ups – DE Graham, DT Cox, DT Thornton, DE Curry
Rotational players – DE Hunt and DT Landri
We will see DT Fletcher Cox play DE and move all around the Def/Line based on opponents, down and distance, I could see him playing for BAbin against the more running teams on the Eagles Schedule like the Steelers/Ravens, etc,etc.. I think by mid-season, Feltcher Cox will be a Starter for Dixon at DT and He and Trent Cile will lead the Def/Line in Snaps Played as the remainder of them rotate and split the snaps pretty evenly throught the course of a game and Season.. agains depending on opponent,scores of the games, etc,etc…
DE D Tapp gets traded for the 4th/5th Round Pick to a Team in need of DE
towards the end of Summer Camp and will be a back-up plan in case a DE gets injured in Camp
DT M Patterson retires due to his medical condtion and receiveds a nice medical Settlement from the Eagles and is financially secure for the remainder of his life
Good stuff navy, I knew Hollis wasn’t a big sack guy but he was just very disruptive it seemed. But we all can agree that the starters eventually will be Cox and Jenkins. Patterson will be good for depth I agree with that. It’s good just to have good sports discussion without all the dam insults all the time. Have a good one Navy.
Paul i can almost guarantee that the Birds will have Cox in that starting lineup come season opener. If not the battle will be between Patterson and Cox. Babin better look over his shoulder because VCurry is looking to impress at camp and to be starter day one too, opposite Trent Cole and I like his chances, he can do something that Babin cant very well, and thats stop the run and at 31 32 I dont see Babin improving miraculously. Hes a 1 trick pony, a sack master. And yes Cox will be moved all over that line, making him the most versatile DLman on the team. VCurry can play DT too and i see them trying him out there but he isnt at the level of a Cox who is very polished and will only keep improving. Alot of exciting battles to look forward to come training camp. Every starter on the team will be pushed, it hasnt been like this in a very long time..
I also like BG coming back from injury, looking to impress and make his name known on a positive level over being known as a 1st round bust that got injured and never became anything.. Hes gonna have alot to say about that i hope come training camp. Had tremendous talent coming out of Michigan, but that means nothing now, and he knows that. Now he has to prove he can play in this league. Lets hope he has no setbacks. That could cost him a spot on this team..
PDiddy to answer your original question, the Eagles switched D-line styles starting in 2007 (w Bunk and Patterson as out starting DT) to a 2-gap system. In the 2-gap system the Tackles are generally lined up over the guards (2-technique). The tackles were responsible for the A and B gaps on their respective sides. The tackles attempted to cause disruption and force double teams to free up the DEs and keep the O-line off the LBs. DT sacks are generally more difficult to come by in this system, but it is more effective against the run.
The current scheme employed by Wash is a 1-gap attacking scheme where the responsibility of the DT is to shoot their assigned gap and get up-field (into the backfield) after the QB or attempt to blow up the play.. The Ts are assigned as a Nose Tackle (Patterson, Dixon, Landri) or an Under Tackle (Jenkins, Cox). the NT is aligned on the strong side shading the inside shoulder of the guard between the G and C (1-tech). Because of his placement between the C and G (A-gap) the NT will see a majority of the double teams so you need a bigger body who is able to anchor or fight through DTs. The UT is lined up in the on the outside shoulder of the weak-side G (3-tech) in the B-gap. The UT is positioned to take advantage of more single coverage and should be the more Athletic of the 2 Ts to shoot the backfield and get to the QB. As a result the UT should see a majority of the DT total sacks. Johnson used a similar 1-gap system prior to 2007 (minus the DEs spread out wide).
Sorry for the diatribe, but I thought it would be helpful to all
Good stuff Myran
I see in Washburn’s system Dixon and Thornton being the big Def/Tackles assigned over the Center to blow up the A-Gap between the Center & Guards
I think the Top 7 D/L Cole,Jenkin,Cox,Babin,Dixon,Graham,Curry all getting
30-35 snaps a game with Cole & Cox probably getting 40 Snaps a game and then Thornton,Landri & Hunt getting 12-15 Snaps a game
mryan – nice work there boss – very well drafted… and more complete then mine..
Pman – I can see that being the D line.. – But I am curious as to what you think could be patterson’s trade value (5th maybe conditional 4rth..)
Have any team running the wide 9 ever win a championship?
Songs I asked that question last year and to my knowledge no team has ever won a SB using the Wide9.. I asked guys on here and noone could think of a team..
Should be interesting…Patt isn’t going to be back before Lehigh, per Andy, so Dixon should get the snaps to prove that he can make it in a 1-gap scheme. He started slow last yr, but seemed to be improving before his injury. He has the ideal size, but I think we may be shortchanging Landri a bit. They are both on 1 yr deals and Landri was extremely effective in his limited snapt last yr at NT with 2 sacks and 18 hurries. Landri pressured the QB (Sacks + Hurries) on 10.5% of his snaps, best of the eagles Tackles (Jenkins 7.4%, Patt 7.0%). The Eagles know what the have in Landri and if Patt isn’t up to par come Lehigh Dixon will have to have one hell of an offseason for him to surpass Landri on the depth chart. Dixon has the ideal build and youth on his side (Landri-28-290lbs, Dixon-26-320 lbs) and he’ll get the snaps in OTAs, but he better be ready to capitalize.
Haven’t heard much about Thorton this offseason, but he looked like a natural UT during camp last year. The FO seems to like him and hopefully a yr w Rubin paid off.
Why are we running a wide 9 if no team have won the big game using it?
Why in the hell do our Eagle teams have to constantly operate with these flawed schemes?
Let’s get some top offensive & defensive minds who have won the big game.
This will translate into success.
Think about it guys…..Dick Vermeil took us to the championship with marginal players at best…leaves the game and come back almost 2 decades later and win it all.
Why?
He understands the fundamental that translate into success.
Reid is trying to create a legacy for himself, trying to become the first coach to win it all outside of the norm.
This team will not win a Superbowl as long as Reid is here….We need a guy like the Steelers have if we want to get the chip.
To Songs and Jon……The 1999-2000 (13-3) Titans employed the 9 technique and were 0.5 yards short winning the Superbowl and held the greatest show on turf to 23 pts. Can we drop the piss and vinegar now?
The 2000-2001 Titans put out one of the top 20 Defenses ever before falling to the Ravens in the Divisional game.
11.9 PPG, 55 Sacks, 11 ints, 151 pass yds/g, 86.8 rush yds/g, 283.3 tot yds/gm
3.6 yds/rush, 4.2 yds/play, 7 single digit score games
To Navy,
I see very little Trade Value for Patterson due with his head/brain surgery situation. I see him retiring or possibly being placed on the PUP/IR list for the 2012 Season if he decides not to retire.. A 4th/5th is very unlikely for other teams would be very unlikely to take on a risk of a brain injury/surgey with Patterson.. I don’t see him returning a 6th/7th Round pick because of the unknown factor..
TO JH,
I see Fletcher Cox being a Starter by Week 4-5 or so, but don’t think the Eagles have rush to name him a Starter by the beginning of the Season. 7-8 of the 10 DL are going to be rotating and getting a lot of snaps each game so who is listed as the Starter is kind of irrelevant in my opinion… I think Dixon will be Starter in their base Defense but that Cox ends up playing more snaps than he..
mryan…..again…We’re not talking about teams who have gotten close with the wide 9….ok?
I know us Eagles fans have been conditioned to believe “close” is good.
Please look at my question again and answer appropriately.
Thanks.
Navy wrote this on GGOBB while wearing his green goggled front office protecting bird binoculars.
1) “ Patterson had an very nice season last year and actually garnered some All-Pro (not pro bowl – all-pro) attention for his efforts”
2) “Patterson did much better rushing the passer last year and the DL was the acknowledged strength of the D last year….”
Mike Patterson had 2.5 sacks last year ( before last season his average was 2.16 sacks)
Mike Patterson had 35 tackles last year (before last season his average was 49.5 tackles)
The Eagles used two of the first 3 draft picks on DL despite only Navy acknowledged it as the strength of the D .
@Navy Thank you for educating me on Mike Patterson, I now know an intricate & sophisticated ingenious designed defensive scheme masterfully coordinated can prevent great pass rushers from excelling in behind the line of scrimmage drive stopping plays, second in importance only to turnovers.
@Navy — before I was stuck in ignorance believing Mike Patterson’s (measly 15.5 sacks in 7 years) meant he was not very good at rushing the passer. But now I’ve been taught that sitting on the bench in passing situations means you are good at rushing the passer. Who would have known unless they had a pair of your green goggled front office protecting bird binoculars. I’m looking through a pair or your glasses right now I see Casey Matthews preventing Nate Allen from being blocked by getting pancaked.
Going fishing in LBI for seabass now – no need to educate me anymore, I enjoy my ignorance void of your lantern
@E0S your crazy man, but let me say this I think we are all happy now that we have complete DT’s that can both collapse the pocket and stop the run. Let’s get back to those type of DT’s. That system that mryan was describing I really didn’t like. I prefer the days when the DT was disruptive and made plays in the backfield. I think Cox can do that will see, but Jenkins has made a career of doing that. So this should be a great season.
EOS, you own that eagles RV toolin around in LBI, great island, porthole pub, cold lager and roast beef, hot and sweet peppers, au jus, horseradish sauce, some Boss from the juke, now we’re talking
Shipbottom, Beach Haven,… Lots of memories of those easy Jersey Girls…
wildwood were the easiest paulman
Too many idiots from Philly in the Wood Jake.. Jersey Shore Wanna-be’s we used to call them and that’s 30 years ago before there was that stupid MTV Show….
You know who says there’s no formula for winning a Superbowl other than winning the games to get there and then the superbowl? ALL THE WINNING COACHES. Songs – no team ever won the superbowl with the wide 9. But how many teams in the history of the NFL have played the wide 9 – I don’t know the answer, but I do know that it is a very relevant statistic. Sample size. (probably over your head).
Guys, Mryan was dead on about the wide 9. And FYI, Cox is more of an UT like Jenkins is. Cox will theoretically be moved all over – that’s awesome. But the pairing of Cox and Jenkins, which some are salivating over, is unlikely. You have an NT and a UT in the wide9. SO to expect two UTs is misguided. Maybe occasionally, but not as a starting base package used often.
And as far as Thorton, not a shred of evidence supports Paul (and some other’s) insistence that the Eagles like him that much. 0 quotes and very little playing time that would suggest he’ll make the team. NEWSFLASH – it’s one of Pauls random theories to try to make him look like a psychic. Thorton is buried on the depth chart. Sure camp, or Patterson’s recovery taking longer could change things. But let’s be honest, Thorton is a longshot to make the team.
And you know who stated the FACTS about them not asking the DTs to rush the passer for a few years there? JIM JOHNSON. Now if you knuckleheads are going to sit here and say that you know better then JIM JOHNSON HIMSELF!? Well than that’s just absolutely pathetic.
And Eagles0 – your alalysis of Patterson this past year is WAY OFF. In Washburn’s system, 4 were rushing the passer, and the line overall was WAY more successful than the previous year. So Cole, Babin, Jenkins, Landri, Tapp, Hunt, Parker…etc..etc.etc… were all getting more sacks and more tackles for losses, stopped run plays etc…. To look only at Patterson’s sacks and tackles is VERY limited. On a play where Patterson got significant pressure, forcing a QB into Babin’s arms – THAT is a great play by Patterson – but it doesn’t show up on the 2 categories of statistics that you looked at. A play where Patterson demanded a double team which contibuted to Jenkins sack – KEY – but not on that stat category. There’s more to evaluating a DL than looking at sacks and tackles. Luckily Jim Washburn is more sophisticated than you.
And again folks, you know who I trust for DL evaluation? JIM WASHBURN. He wanted Patterson on the team. He wanted him taking a lot of snaps. I trust HIM.
Eagles 0 – sorry dude – I have lots of talents – but curing your stupidity is not one of them – rage on my friend – the facts have been presented to you – if you are the type of moron that choses to only be a bitch – join Songs – Mryan did an outstanding job of describing the UT and NT – but surprise – you missed that…
you want to hate on Patterson – go ahead – hate on him – enjoy – that seems to be the type you want to be –
and just to be perfectly clear (and hereis where your IGNORANCE greatly shines through) – I never refered to either Bunkley or Patterson as great pass rusher – you IMAGINED that, you made that up in that tiny, tiny little brain of yours – I refered to both Patterson and Bunkley as being solid Defensive tackles – THAT GOT A BAD RAP FROM FANS BECAUSE THEY DIDN:T HAVE A LOT OF SACKS – I then presented written support from outside sources of that position and explained why they didn;t GET THE CHANCE to have a lot of sacks – I NEVER SAID THEY WERE GREAT PASS RUSHERs… so again – stop being ignorant – if you have an outside reputable news source that support your position they are terrible DTs – please cut and paste it..
you got anything else or is this topic closed?
I mean really – ‘stuck on the bench’ really – like news flash – the NFL had become this – and I am stealing it from someone – uber specialzed – groupings – and the eagles use a liot of rotations –
gues you missed wehre I talked about how Hollis Thomas was pissed the eagles rotated him out so much becuase much of his incentive play was based on the number of plays he had..
but agin – hate on – be ignorant –
In the past 2 weeks on GCobb – Navy has defended the awful on the field performances of DRC, Nate Allen, Brandon Graham, & Mike Patterson with his pom poms.
My eyes saw 4th quarter leads disappear.
Subsequently I rejected every comment Navy wrote about Nate Allen, DRC, Brandon Graham, & Mike Patterson. Now that doesn’t mean I will disagree with Navy’s observations on future subjects but I won’t be buying his dandelions on February 14 as gold colored roses either.