This time last year, the Eagles’ defense was a sturdy tripod of stability. There was Jim Johnson, the grandfather of the Birds’ blitzing mania. There was Brian Dawkins, the on-field leader and emotional inspiration.
And there was Stewart Bradley, the first-year starter at middle linebacker who represented the new wave of Eagles’ leadership.
But since the summer of 2008, the legs of that tripod have been kicked out, one by one. Dawkins signed with the Broncos over the winter. Johnson lost his battle with cancer last month. And most recently, on Sunday night, Bradley tore his ACL, costing him his 2009 season.
So, now the questions begin.
Who will do the teaching? Who will do the motivating? Who will do organizing?
All three questions can be answered not in one word, but in one letter.
Q. “He has stepped up on his own from a leadership position and we appreciate that,” defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said. “That's what this defense needs."
He, of course, is Quintin Mikell. And the leadership skills are something he’s always had. Only now, with Dawkins in Denver and Johnson in heaven, people are really starting to take notice.
“He’s strong — that’s what you need,” said defensive tackle Mike Patterson. “As long as you’ve got someone who’s strong and vocal, you can take that a long ways. We all appreciate him stepping up and taking on that role.”
For Mikell, the role is just the latest in a long line of job descriptions that he has held at the NFL level. From undrafted free agent in 2003 to special teams ace in 2005 and 2006 to first-year starter in 2007 to second-team All-Pro in 2008, Mikell has pretty much done it all.
Well, correct that. Now he’s done it all. Because now he’s the face of the Eagles’ defense. And early signs (as well as past history) point to Mikell being an extraordinary field general.
"I've always kind of been (a leader),” said Mikell, now in his third year as the team’s starting strong safety. “I guess now it's probably being paid more attention to because Dawk's not around. I've always looked at myself like a teacher. I've been through a lot and I've learned a lot over these years. I have a lot of knowledge and I can help some of the young guys out, so if I see something, I'm not afraid to just step up and say what needs to be said."
On Thursday, Mikell did more than his share of talking on the sidelines. He got pumped up after a big play by Jack Ikegwuonu. He consoled Reshard Langford after a missed assignment. He even took time out to remind rookie wideout Jeremy Maclin to protect the football.
But again, Mikell’s been doing these things for years.
“He does it not only vocally, but by example,” said linebacker Chris Gocong.
For instance, Mikell led the team with 169 tackles a season ago. In addition, he set career highs by forcing four fumbles and recording three interceptions. He also chipped in 11 special teams tackles for good measure.
Just another year at the office, though, for one of the Eagles’ rising stars.
“He's a team player,” McDermott said. “(He's) very selfless and he hasn't really changed in his approach, which you appreciate, no matter what his role has been on this team and this defense."
Of course, Mikell won’t be tackling the leadership responsibilities by himself. Sheldon Brown is a longtime starter at cornerback and Omar Gaither is as vocal as they come at linebacker. Even Gocong, Patterson, Trent Cole and Asante Samuel could take on more of a leadership role this year.
And in the end, the Birds’ defense will likely prove to be leadership by committee. While in the past, this unit belonged to Dawkins, those are some awfully big shoes to fill.
That said, Mikell’s ready to slip ‘em on and see if the shoe fits.
“It's not a burden,” Mikell said. “I enjoy it. This is where I've always wanted to be.”
And, as far as his teammates are concerned, right where he belongs.
“There may other bigger names on the field, but Q’s a great leader,” Gocong said. “He keeps your head in the game on the sideline. He won’t let you come out flat. He is going to be one of those Dawkins kind of leaders.”
A new tripod may be forming right before our eyes.
