The Eagles have dropped not-so-subtle hints about a scheme change all offseason long.
Chip Kelly has talked about preferring a 3-4. And Howie Roseman has discussed the versatility of specific players like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham.
But one position the Eagles likely will have to address in the coming months is nose tackle.
Here’s a look at what the team might be looking for out of its nose tackle, along with some free-agent options.
Howie Roseman believes the Eagles have some pieces in place to transition to a new defensive scheme – one that will not include Cullen Jenkins or Mike Patterson.
As for the details, there’s not a whole lot we know right now. We know Chip Kelly prefers a 3-4. We know defensive coordinator Billy Davis has a background in multiple schemes, including the 4-3 under. Having spoken to Davis and some of the other assistants, I got the impression that pre-snap disguise is going to be a big part of whatever the Eagles do.
As we look ahead to free agency (March 12) and the draft (April 25), now seems like a good time to take stock of the Eagles’ defensive linemen to see how they might fit going forward.
Antonio Dixon is back. The Eagles signed the defensive tackle to a two-year deal and placed Nick Foles on Injured Reserve. Linebacker Marcus Dowtin was also signed to the practice squad.
Dixon played in Philadelphia from 2009-11, compiling 62 tackles and three sacks. He appeared in two games for the Colts this season but was released on October 29.
Dowtin (6-2, 226) recorded four special teams tackles in three games for the New York Jets this season. He was waived by the team on November 20.
It’s time to check in on what the national media are saying about the Eagles. Here’s the roundup.
For bubble players, cut-down day is all about the phone call. If you go the whole day without one, you have made the 53-man roster. If the phone rings and the incoming call starts with a “215” area code, chances are you are being summoned to gather your things and drop off your playbook.
Just imagine how slowly time ticks by. Or how your stress level shoots through the roof when your cell phone buzzes because a friend or family member is unaware of the circumstances.
“You go about your day. If they call you they call you, if they don’t they don’t,” said cornerback Brandon Hughes. “You get an unknown number, that’s probably them calling you. I can’t be sitting by the phone all day hoping the Philadelphia Eagles don’t call me.”
The Eagles have until 9 p.m. Friday to cut their roster down to 53.
That means 22 players currently on the squad will be told not to show up next week.
Keeping that in mind, here are 10 players who are sitting squarely on the roster bubble.
Andy Reid used the word stingy.
He was asked whether the Eagles could keep six defensive ends, and the head coach wanted to make clear that he’s not too fond of letting capable pass-rushers walk for nothing.
“There’s a chance,” Reid said. “I’m stingy when it comes to defensive linemen, so we’ve got to work the numbers and just see how all that pans out. There will be some tough decisions all the way around there.”
From Darryl Tapp to Brandon Graham to Derek Landri, here’s a player-by-player review of the Eagles defensive line from Friday night’s game against the Browns.
With the Eagles just eight days away from cutting their roster down to 53 players, the battle between Kapadia and McManus continues. Today, Sheil provides his projection, along with a confidence rating for each position.
Most Popular at Phillymag.com
Sheil Kapadia has been writing about the Eagles since 2008. His previous Philly.com blog, Moving the Chains, was named one of the best in the state by the Associated Press. Sheil's main joys in life are family, football and finding good parking spots.
Tim McManus is a bulldog reporter with a nose for news and story angles that will get people talking. He'll talk about it himself on 97.5 The Fanatic, where he serves as a host and Eagles beat reporter. Tim, an award-winning journalist, will be with the team around the clock.
