These Guys Are In Trouble On The D

I've noticed Jim Johnson giving Torrance Daniels some plays at WILL linebacker.  I think Matt McCoy is in major trouble.  I remember the year he came to the Eagles, he said he never played special teams. 

Well right now if McCoy doesn't step up his special teams play, he's going to be cut.  I would put my money on the Eagles cutting him and having Daniels back up Takeo Spikes at the WILL linebacker position.  Daniels is much bigger and faster as well.  The young free agent also showed the Birds that he can play special teams. The Eagles want to get bigger at WIll and it doesn't make sense to get bigger with Spikes then send McCoy in there, if he were to get hurt.  McCoy's days as an Eagle are over.

A couple of defensive ends who are in trouble are Jerome McDougle and Darren Howard.  McDougle is a former 1st round pick who hasn't done a thing since he was drafted and signed by the Birds.  He's listed as the team's 3rd team right defensive end behind, Trent Cole and Juqua Thomas.  The only way McDougle makes this team is by rushing the passer much better than he has so far in his career.  Jerome is also going to have to prove that he can contribute on special teams. Personally I give him little chance of being here when the season starts.

As for Howard, I'm sure Joe Banner is not sleeping well at night, knowing that they have a backup defensive end who is making $5 million dollars a year.  Howard was a major disappointment a year ago, but his poor performance has been blamed on a groin injury.  I could see the Birds cutting Howard if he doesn't improve his performance.  After all I could see them giving linebacker Chris Gocong a chance to rush the passer in some third down situations.  I would like to see the Birds cut McDougle and Howard and utilize the money in another area. 

I think they're best nickel and dime defense would be utilizing all the tweeners they have to mix things up on opposing quarterbacks.  I'd have Kearse, Cole, Thomas, and Gocong playing pass coverage and rushing off the corner.  These guys could be used interchangeably,