There are quite a few Eagles defensive players who will be in a step up or shut up situation. The Eagles front seven is especially on the line to produce or see quite a few changes in 2008.
Let's start with the defensive ends.
Talented and highly paid defensive end Jevon Kearse may be playing his last year in Philly even if he has a good year. Only a monster year will definitely bring him back. Darren Howard will have to make an impact or the Birds will realize that they made a big mistake. Trent Cole is young enough to be invited back if he slumps. Juqua Thomas may be invited back if he has an off year, but he would be relegated to the special teams. Jerome McDougle might as well pack his bags if he doesn't live in the offensive backfield during training camp. Regretfully for him, he won't get the chance to do poorly this season. Rookie Victor Abiamiri can stink up the joint this year and still return.
At the tackle spot, Brodrick Bunkley could come up missing again and still get another year. Mike Patterson could also play poorly and get the invitation to come back in 2008. Veterans Ian Scott and Monte Reagor are in a year to year situation and were they to struggle, they would have to find jobs elsewhere. LaJuan Ramsey doesn't have the liberty of the two number draft picks. He's got to show more of his talent this time around or find another job.
Jeremiah Trotter will either start out strong or Omar Gaither will take over in the middle. You can believe Jim Johnson is going to have his eyes on him. Takeo Spikes doesn't have the liberty of coming up short. He'll likely return if he doesn't play up to expectations, but they would ask him to take a paycut. If Chris Gocong struggles at Sam he'll be moved to defensive end. They'll be patient with rookie Stewart Bradley and 2nd year backer Tank Daniels, if they're get the job done on special teams. Matt McCoy doesn't have any rope left. He'll have to play great to be back in 2008.
In the defensive backfield, we'll start with the cornerbacks. Lito Sheppard has enough cushion to have a bad year, and so does Sheldon Brown. I think Sheppard could keep his starting job after a subpar year, but Brown would be relegated to the bench. Will James needs to play well if he wants to return. Joselio Hanson had better play some of his best football or he might not make this year's team. Rookie cornerback Rashad Barksdale can't afford to have bad practices if he wants to play for the Birds.
At safety nobody has room for a bad year, even All-Pro veteran Brian Dawkins needs a decent year. Dawk doesn't have to have a great year but he has to show he hasn't lost too many steps. Sean Considine and Quintin Mikell must produce or they are sure to be replaced. C.J. Gaddis will allowed to struggle as long as he's getting it done on the special teams.
