Eagles Defensive Coordinator Sean McDermott during training camp on August 7, 2010. (Photo: Ryan Messick)
Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott took over after the passing of Jim Johnson last offseason, but never really had time to implement his playbook with the season looming. Johnson’s defensive schemes were known for their complexity, and McDermott has pulled back the reigns a bit in 2010.
“I’ve been around this defense for a long time and as one prepares for a job, you find your own way or your own plan, so to speak. And this year, we’ve had time to implement more of that plan,” McDermott said.
Strong safety Quintin Mikell appreciates the changes and feels it will allow the Birds to make more big plays based on instinct. “Everything’s a lot simpler and he’s allowing guys to just go out there and play. You know, he’s got some great schemes, but at the same time he’s just allowing us to go play and that’s what we do,” Mikell said.
Part of the reason for the change was the large number of new faces, as well as additional speed. The Birds will have at least five new starters on defense compared to last year’s mix, possibly six if Brandon Graham overtakes Juqua Parker at left defensive end. The Eagles are also faster across the defense and can utilize that speed even more with less thinking to do.
“From a playbook standpoint, as a staff, we went back and really tried to simplify things, knowing we would have quite an influx of young and new faces. I want these guys to get up to speed as quickly as possible, so they can play and play fast,” said McDermott.
The Eagles defensive coordinator removed some adjustments, coverage checks and other intricate details from the scheme. “Our players can just go out there and just play, and execute, and run, and hit and play emotional football,” added McDermott.
So far, so good. The Birds defense only stayed on the field for six plays against the Jaguars, so it’s hard to make too much of a judgment. That said, it doesn’t get much better than two quick three and outs. Philadelphia’s defense hopes to have a little more playing time this week to show what they’ve got, but a few more three-and-outs wouldn’t be a disappointment.
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Tags: defense, Philadelphia Eagles, Quintin Mikell, Sean McDermott
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The Eagles have a scary defense. What they lack in experience they definitely make up for in speed. Theya re everywhere on the field, and have been able to bounce back from losing Dawkins and other star players pretty easily. McDermott has a lot to work with.
The biggest thing to replace in Dawkins was the leadership. If Bradley stays healthy, he certainly provides some of that.