Barber/McCoy (1 Viewer)

[cr8f]

Eagles Team Report

7/7/2006

By Mark Eckel

Trenton (N.J.) Times

SITE: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.

REPORTING DATES: Rookies July 20; Veterans July 23

TOP PRIORITY: Coach Andy Reid insists the team will run the ball more. If he wants the offense to become more balanced, training camp is the natural place to start. There is no doubt the Eagles have the ability to run successfully -- they just need to work on it a little more.

CAMP CONFIDENTIAL: It does not appear third-round pick Chris Gocong will win the strongside linebacker job. As a rookie, he may be better suited as a situational pass rusher and special teams player. That means the battle for the starting spot is a tossup between incumbent Dhani Jones, who is coming off a poor season, and Greg Richmond, who never has taken a NFL snap. Coordinator Jim Johnson likes Richmond, who has the ability to play over the tight end and rush the passer. . . .

Shawn Barber and second-year man Matt McCoy will battle for the starting job at weakside linebacker. Barber has been bothered by knee injuries the past two years. According to the coaches, McCoy has improved dramatically. . . .

DT Brodrick Bunkley, a first-round pick, is the rookie with the best chance to start. Going into camp, Bunkley is behind Mike Patterson, a 2005 first-round pick, and Darwin Walker, but the coaches likely will want to see Patterson and Bunkley play together.

 

[Weiner Dog]

This thread should be titled "McCoy/Barber".

 

[massraider]

This thread should be titled "McCoy/Barber".

Hope you're right on that, but I wonder if the Eagles WLB is going to be worth starting this season. Their safeties get a lot of tackles, I wonder if it's the system, just that Lewis and Dawkins are so good, or just that the previous WLB's weren't doing their part.

 

[Weiner Dog]

This thread should be titled "McCoy/Barber".

Hope you're right on that, but I wonder if the Eagles WLB is going to be worth starting this season. Their safeties get a lot of tackles, I wonder if it's the system, just that Lewis and Dawkins are so good, or just that the previous WLB's weren't doing their part.

I'm too lazy to jog the cobwebs in my memory banks, but have the Eages had a top-shelf WLB on their roster the past 5+ years?? I know their LB corp was stacked in the 90's, but I can't think of a stud player for them this century.

Either way, I don't think anybody is promoting McCoy as the next Vilma. He's simply a potential 3-down LB with upside who was essentially worthless just two months ago.

 

[Rozelle]

This thread should be titled "McCoy/Barber".

Hope you're right on that, but I wonder if the Eagles WLB is going to be worth starting this season. Their safeties get a lot of tackles, I wonder if it's the system, just that Lewis and Dawkins are so good, or just that the previous WLB's weren't doing their part.

I'm too lazy to jog the cobwebs in my memory banks, but have the Eages had a top-shelf WLB on their roster the past 5+ years?? I know their LB corp was stacked in the 90's, but I can't think of a stud player for them this century.

Either way, I don't think anybody is promoting McCoy as the next Vilma. He's simply a potential 3-down LB with upside who was essentially worthless just two months ago.

I can't think of any. Last productive OLB, I recall, (in terms of FF), was Seth Joyner.

 

[The Man With No Name]

This thread should be titled "McCoy/Barber".

Hope you're right on that, but I wonder if the Eagles WLB is going to be worth starting this season. Their safeties get a lot of tackles, I wonder if it's the system, just that Lewis and Dawkins are so good, or just that the previous WLB's weren't doing their part.

I'm too lazy to jog the cobwebs in my memory banks, but have the Eages had a top-shelf WLB on their roster the past 5+ years?? I know their LB corp was stacked in the 90's, but I can't think of a stud player for them this century.

Either way, I don't think anybody is promoting McCoy as the next Vilma. He's simply a potential 3-down LB with upside who was essentially worthless just two months ago.

I can't think of any. Last productive OLB, I recall, (in terms of FF), was Seth Joyner.

William Thomas was decent.

 

[cr8f]

This thread should be titled "McCoy/Barber".

Hope you're right on that, but I wonder if the Eagles WLB is going to be worth starting this season. Their safeties get a lot of tackles, I wonder if it's the system, just that Lewis and Dawkins are so good, or just that the previous WLB's weren't doing their part.

I'm too lazy to jog the cobwebs in my memory banks, but have the Eages had a top-shelf WLB on their roster the past 5+ years?? I know their LB corp was stacked in the 90's, but I can't think of a stud player for them this century.

Either way, I don't think anybody is promoting McCoy as the next Vilma. He's simply a potential 3-down LB with upside who was essentially worthless just two months ago.

In 2002 Barber was will and had70.0 tackles

22 assists

1 sack

2 int's

and 1 TD

He was no Jay Foreman, Eric Barton, or Mike Maslowski, but not terrible either.

 

[cracKer]

I still think that a healthy Barber holds onto the job. I believe he only signed a one year deal, so McCoy definitely has more long term value.

 

[DonFue]

I mentioned it in the last McCoy thread, and would appreciate Bramel's input, but I believe the Eagle's under JJ run a gap control/gap attack defense. What I'm getting at is the WLB is not "free to roam" like in most schemes, he is responsible for the off-tackle or outside gap on the vast majority of downs.

With that being said, he has good #3 LB potential and should be a top #4 if he plays the nickle and dime.

Please discuss b/c I need LBs badly in my league (Tatupu and Morrison are my only LBs and we start 4)!!!

 

[massraider]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/teamReport?ca...ype=InsideSlant

Pertinent:

Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, but the Eagles didn't get very good performances from the two outside linebacker spots last season. Keith Adams, the '05 starter on the weak side (WILL), will be replaced by either '05 second-round pick Matt McCoy or free agent signee Shawn Barber.

Barber isn't an every-down player any more. Johnson is hoping McCoy, who struggled to learn the defense last year, can prove he can handle the WILL job on first and second downs, and then use Barber in nickel packages.

There also could be a new starter on the strong side. Dhani Jones made very few positive plays last season, and isn't big enough or strong enough to handle the caliber of tight ends in the NFC East. He's back, but will have competition from two players -- third-year man Greg Richmond and third-round rookie Chris Gocong -- for the starting job.

The Eagles really like Gocong. But the 6-foot-3, 260-pounder was strictly a defensive end at Division 1-AA Cal Poly, and it likely will take him some time to make the switch to linebacker.

 

[PhilyFn]

For what it's worth all reports coming out of Philly are that the most improved player is McCoy. I think JJ's scheme had him seeing double and wasn't able to grasp everything, but a year under his belt he is confident and flying to the ball instinctivly now.

 

[Weiner Dog]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/teamReport?ca...ype=InsideSlant

Pertinent:

Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, but the Eagles didn't get very good performances from the two outside linebacker spots last season. Keith Adams, the '05 starter on the weak side (WILL), will be replaced by either '05 second-round pick Matt McCoy or free agent signee Shawn Barber.

Barber isn't an every-down player any more. Johnson is hoping McCoy, who struggled to learn the defense last year, can prove he can handle the WILL job on first and second downs, and then use Barber in nickel packages.

There also could be a new starter on the strong side. Dhani Jones made very few positive plays last season, and isn't big enough or strong enough to handle the caliber of tight ends in the NFC East. He's back, but will have competition from two players -- third-year man Greg Richmond and third-round rookie Chris Gocong -- for the starting job.

The Eagles really like Gocong. But the 6-foot-3, 260-pounder was strictly a defensive end at Division 1-AA Cal Poly, and it likely will take him some time to make the switch to linebacker.

Just to clarify this report...Barber is expected to play MLB in the nickle (...in place of Trotter). As of today, McCoy is expected to be the other nickle backer.

Another tidbit to keep in mind is the fact that Barber is 31 years-old and is coming off multiple knee injuries.

link:

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNews...il.jsp?id=50942

"One of the reasons we brought Shawn in was first of all, because he knows the system, he is a good football player, but also as our nickel linebacker," Johnson said. "It was a good pickup for us because we don't have to teach him the whole system right away. He knows it a bit and he can play that middle linebacker in a nickel situation."

 

[Achilles]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/teamReport?ca...ype=InsideSlant

Pertinent:

Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, but the Eagles didn't get very good performances from the two outside linebacker spots last season. Keith Adams, the '05 starter on the weak side (WILL), will be replaced by either '05 second-round pick Matt McCoy or free agent signee Shawn Barber.

Barber isn't an every-down player any more. Johnson is hoping McCoy, who struggled to learn the defense last year, can prove he can handle the WILL job on first and second downs, and then use Barber in nickel packages.

There also could be a new starter on the strong side. Dhani Jones made very few positive plays last season, and isn't big enough or strong enough to handle the caliber of tight ends in the NFC East. He's back, but will have competition from two players -- third-year man Greg Richmond and third-round rookie Chris Gocong -- for the starting job.

The Eagles really like Gocong. But the 6-foot-3, 260-pounder was strictly a defensive end at Division 1-AA Cal Poly, and it likely will take him some time to make the switch to linebacker.

Just to clarify this report...Barber is expected to play MLB in the nickle (...in place of Trotter). As of today, McCoy is expected to be the other nickle backer.

Another tidbit to keep in mind is the fact that Barber is 31 years-old and is coming off multiple knee injuries.

link:

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNews...il.jsp?id=50942

"One of the reasons we brought Shawn in was first of all, because he knows the system, he is a good football player, but also as our nickel linebacker," Johnson said. "It was a good pickup for us because we don't have to teach him the whole system right away. He knows it a bit and he can play that middle linebacker in a nickel situation."

I have a hard time believing that Trotter won't be in there on third downs.I think you are reading too much into that quote. There is a difference between "can" and "will".

Sounds like Gocong will be a nickel rusher and his chances of winning the SLB role this year are slim.

 

[Weiner Dog]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/teamReport?ca...ype=InsideSlant

Pertinent:

Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, but the Eagles didn't get very good performances from the two outside linebacker spots last season. Keith Adams, the '05 starter on the weak side (WILL), will be replaced by either '05 second-round pick Matt McCoy or free agent signee Shawn Barber.

Barber isn't an every-down player any more. Johnson is hoping McCoy, who struggled to learn the defense last year, can prove he can handle the WILL job on first and second downs, and then use Barber in nickel packages.

There also could be a new starter on the strong side. Dhani Jones made very few positive plays last season, and isn't big enough or strong enough to handle the caliber of tight ends in the NFC East. He's back, but will have competition from two players -- third-year man Greg Richmond and third-round rookie Chris Gocong -- for the starting job.

The Eagles really like Gocong. But the 6-foot-3, 260-pounder was strictly a defensive end at Division 1-AA Cal Poly, and it likely will take him some time to make the switch to linebacker.

Just to clarify this report...Barber is expected to play MLB in the nickle (...in place of Trotter). As of today, McCoy is expected to be the other nickle backer.

Another tidbit to keep in mind is the fact that Barber is 31 years-old and is coming off multiple knee injuries.

link:

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNews...il.jsp?id=50942

"One of the reasons we brought Shawn in was first of all, because he knows the system, he is a good football player, but also as our nickel linebacker," Johnson said. "It was a good pickup for us because we don't have to teach him the whole system right away. He knows it a bit and he can play that middle linebacker in a nickel situation."

I have a hard time believing that Trotter won't be in there on third downs.I think you are reading too much into that quote. There is a difference between "can" and "will".

Sounds like Gocong will be a nickel rusher and his chances of winning the SLB role this year are slim.

Believe it, my friend.Trotter is not suited to play 3-downs. He's a man-eating run-stuffer who has been thrusted into the nickle situation in the past b/c of injuries. At 6'1" 260lbs+ it's difficult for Trotter to hang with the fleet-footed RB's and TE's.

Gocong will be lucky to be a nickle rusher at any point this season. He's played against inferior talent, is making a position change (DE to OLB) and will be learning one of the most complex defensive schemes in the NFL. Gocong will be a special teamer this year, while the pass-rushing duties will be well-handled by the likes of Kearse, Cole (nickle rusher), Howard (moved to DT on passing downs) and a healthy McDougle. Heck, rookie Bunkley will see the field before Gocong dreams of seeing it.

 

[Achilles]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/teamReport?ca...ype=InsideSlant

Pertinent:

Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, but the Eagles didn't get very good performances from the two outside linebacker spots last season. Keith Adams, the '05 starter on the weak side (WILL), will be replaced by either '05 second-round pick Matt McCoy or free agent signee Shawn Barber.

Barber isn't an every-down player any more. Johnson is hoping McCoy, who struggled to learn the defense last year, can prove he can handle the WILL job on first and second downs, and then use Barber in nickel packages.

There also could be a new starter on the strong side. Dhani Jones made very few positive plays last season, and isn't big enough or strong enough to handle the caliber of tight ends in the NFC East. He's back, but will have competition from two players -- third-year man Greg Richmond and third-round rookie Chris Gocong -- for the starting job.

The Eagles really like Gocong. But the 6-foot-3, 260-pounder was strictly a defensive end at Division 1-AA Cal Poly, and it likely will take him some time to make the switch to linebacker.

Just to clarify this report...Barber is expected to play MLB in the nickle (...in place of Trotter). As of today, McCoy is expected to be the other nickle backer.

Another tidbit to keep in mind is the fact that Barber is 31 years-old and is coming off multiple knee injuries.

link:

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNews...il.jsp?id=50942

"One of the reasons we brought Shawn in was first of all, because he knows the system, he is a good football player, but also as our nickel linebacker," Johnson said. "It was a good pickup for us because we don't have to teach him the whole system right away. He knows it a bit and he can play that middle linebacker in a nickel situation."

I have a hard time believing that Trotter won't be in there on third downs.I think you are reading too much into that quote. There is a difference between "can" and "will".

Sounds like Gocong will be a nickel rusher and his chances of winning the SLB role this year are slim.

Believe it, my friend.Trotter is not suited to play 3-downs. He's a man-eating run-stuffer who has been thrusted into the nickle situation in the past b/c of injuries. At 6'1" 260lbs+ it's difficult for Trotter to hang with the fleet-footed RB's and TE's.

Gocong will be lucky to be a nickle rusher at any point this season. He's played against inferior talent, is making a position change (DE to OLB) and will be learning one of the most complex defensive schemes in the NFL. Gocong will be a special teamer this year, while the pass-rushing duties will be well-handled by the likes of Kearse, Cole (nickle rusher), Howard (moved to DT on passing downs) and a healthy McDougle. Heck, rookie Bunkley will see the field before Gocong dreams of seeing it.

McDougle?I think Howard stays on the End and Bunkley stays in.

Trotter is very fundamentally sound, he does a nice job positioning himself on third down.

My money is on Trotter playing third downs. Barber is toast, too old, brittle. Heck, even the Chiefs don't want him anymore.

 

[Rozelle]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/teamReport?ca...ype=InsideSlantPertinent:

Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, but the Eagles didn't get very good performances from the two outside linebacker spots last season. Keith Adams, the '05 starter on the weak side (WILL), will be replaced by either '05 second-round pick Matt McCoy or free agent signee Shawn Barber.

Barber isn't an every-down player any more. Johnson is hoping McCoy, who struggled to learn the defense last year, can prove he can handle the WILL job on first and second downs, and then use Barber in nickel packages.

There also could be a new starter on the strong side. Dhani Jones made very few positive plays last season, and isn't big enough or strong enough to handle the caliber of tight ends in the NFC East. He's back, but will have competition from two players -- third-year man Greg Richmond and third-round rookie Chris Gocong -- for the starting job.

The Eagles really like Gocong. But the 6-foot-3, 260-pounder was strictly a defensive end at Division 1-AA Cal Poly, and it likely will take him some time to make the switch to linebacker.

Just to clarify this report...

Barber is expected to play MLB in the nickle (...in place of Trotter). As of today, McCoy is expected to be the other nickle backer.

Another tidbit to keep in mind is the fact that Barber is 31 years-old and is coming off multiple knee injuries.

link:

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNews...il.jsp?id=50942

"One of the reasons we brought Shawn in was first of all, because he knows the system, he is a good football player, but also as our nickel linebacker," Johnson said. "It was a good pickup for us because we don't have to teach him the whole system right away. He knows it a bit and he can play that middle linebacker in a nickel situation."

I have a hard time believing that Trotter won't be in there on third downs.

I think you are reading too much into that quote. There is a difference between "can" and "will".

Sounds like Gocong will be a nickel rusher and his chances of winning the SLB role this year are slim.

Believe it, my friend.

Trotter is not suited to play 3-downs. He's a man-eating run-stuffer who has been thrusted into the nickle situation in the past b/c of injuries. At 6'1" 260lbs+ it's difficult for Trotter to hang with the fleet-footed RB's and TE's.

BINGO ... WD!

 

[Tick]

Thanks for the clarification - that setup makes a lot of sense to me.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Looks like the "competition" for the WLB job is now over...

Eagles | Barber to work at strongside linebacker

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 07:21:33 -0700

Bob Brookover, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, reports Philadelphia Eagles LB Shawn Barber is expected to work out at strongside linebacker.

 

[Mosscrue]

Injuries have left the Eagles thin at outside linebacker. With Greg Richmond (back surgery) and rookie Chris Gocong (neck stinger) sidelined, there was no backup for strongside starter Dhani Jones.

Shawn Barber, who is currently backing up weakside linebacker Matt McCoy, will take reps behind Jones this week and may play there against the Steelers.

 

[pretender]

Perhaps not this season but from all the buzz - Omar Gaither was drafted with hopes of being Trotters heir apparent and has impressed in camp and preseaason. Sleeper pick for next season perhaps. Does he have the talent to be a 3 down MLB and play in the nickle and dime packages?