Evaluating the Eagles: Part V

Yesterday, I finished up grading the offense. Not it’s time to take aim at the strength of the 2008 Eagles – the defense. First up, the D-line.

Defensive Line:

Trent Cole – I am a huge Trent Cole fan. Finished the season with 77 tackles, 9 sacks and two forced fumbles. Added 23 tackles and a sack in the playoffs. Cole is a complete defensive end. Can get to the quarterback and plays the run exceptionally well. Faced constant double-teams, but kept charging. I’m still waiting for him to become a dominant sack producer. Grade: A-

Juqua Parker – Parker had 4.5 sacks in the first six games. Had 1/2 sack in the remaining 10 games. Returned a pick 55 yards for a score in Week 6 at San Francisco. Parker is a good rotational player, but he’s not a starting defensive end. He is an okay pass-rusher, but lacks the size and strength to play the run effectively. Grade: B-

Broderick Bunkley – The ex-Florida State star came into his own in 2008. 44 tackles and two sacks. But stats don’t tell the story with Bunkley. Has become a legit run-stuffing defensive tackle. Was a force in the two victories over the Giants. Would like to see more sacks, but I’m not greedy: Grade: A

Mike Patterson – Patterson is the second-half of a damn fine D-tackle duo. 42 tackles, 1/2 sack, 1 FF, 1 INT. Not a pocket pusher but plays the run aggressively. Smart player who makes up for a lack of size with strong hands and expert technique. Grade: B+

Darren Howard – It was a comeback season for Howard. Led the Birds with 10 sacks without a single start. The second highest total of his career. I didn’t even think this guy would make the roster. Provides a solid veteran presence to a young defensive line. Can he be as effective in 2009? Grade: A-

Victor Abiamiri – A broken wrist in the pre-season shelved Abiamiri for six games. Played more as the season moved along. Tallied 2 sacks and a forced fumble. At 275, is the biggest defensive end on the team. The coaches love this guy and he will be penciled in as the starting left defensive end entering 2009. Grade: Incomplete

Chris Clemons – After signing a five-year contract last March, big things were expected of the speed-rushing Clemons. Was largely invisible the first half of the season. Showed flashes down the stretch and in the playoffs. Finished with 4 sacks. Needs to become more of a factor in ‘09 to warrant his contract. Grade: C

Trevor Laws – Played in all 16 games as a rookie. Has good size and looks like a contributor. Didn’t see enough action to receive a grade.

If Abiamiri is a player, the Eagles’ front four could be one of the best. Overall, the 2008 D-line exceeded expectations, particularly against the run. Another pass-rusher could be added. Julius Peppers anyone? I doubt that will happen. Tomorrow, I’ll breakdown the linebackers. Until then….