The Eagles followed up the news of Cullen Jenkins’ release yesterday afternoon by cutting fellow defensive tackle Mike Patterson. The move signals the beginning of the much anticipated reconstruction of the Eagles’ defense.

Such a reconstruction figured to take place along the defensive line where both Patterson and Jenkins were expensive aging veterans who are best suited in a traditional 4-3 scheme.

Unlike Jenkins, who was part of the failed 2011 free agent spending spree, Patterson was a homegrown product. The former USC standout was taken by the Eagles in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft.

While Patterson never made a Pro Bowl, he was a productive player who appeared in more games than any defensive tackle in franchise history.

Patterson, who has always been viewed as all class, released the following statement through the team.

“I want to thank the fans for all of their support over eight years in Philadelphia. It is never easy to say goodbye to a fan base that supported me no matter what. My goal was to come to work every day to try and make the Philadelphia Eagles the best organization we could be. The Eagles organization has treated me and my family with nothing but respect since the day I was drafted, and I wish Mr. Lurie, Howie, the new coaches and all of my teammates all the best going forward. I will miss them all and I will always have a place in my heart for the Eagles and for the city of Philadelphia.”

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, who saves the team a combined $8 million against the cap in 2013 by cutting the pair of veterans, talked about both moves on Monday.

On Patterson:

“Coach Kelly and I each had great conversations with him today. He is a class act,” Roseman said regarding Patterson. “He gave this organization eight great seasons of hard work and dedication, and we wish him all the best as he continues his career in this league.”

On Jenkins:

“He has been a very productive player in this league for a long time, but we felt it in our team’s best interests that we go in a different direction,” he said. “By releasing him at this point, it gives he and his agent more time to sign on with another team. We wish Cullen and his family all the best as he continues his NFL career.”

The Eagles announced this morning that they’ve come to terms with Jenkins on a restructured deal. Jenkins, who had 5.5 sacks in his first season with the Eagles, was one of the few newcomers in 2011 that didn’t disappoint.

The 31-year-old Jenkins was due $7.5 next season, so the restructured deal will likely provide the Eagles some with immediate cap relief. It should also provide Jenkins with some long-term stability, as the deal will likely keep Jenkins in Philadelphia for multiple seasons to come. Jenkins 2012 salary was initially reported to be $2.5 millon, but he was due an addition $5 million bonus in March.

“We are very excited about having Cullen back on our football team,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said through a press release. “Cullen made an immediate impact for us this year on and off the field. We look forward to a great future together with him in an Eagles uniform.”

From this perspective, the move is an obvious win for the Eagles. Jenkins was excellent with the Eagles during his first season in Philadelphia. Despite his age, he showed he can still play at a high level. Given that the Eagles are a team that must win in 2012, it would have been insane if they didn’t retain Jenkins. This is a team that needs to add pieces, not subtract solid contributors.

Jenkins, via his Twitter account, had this to say:

“Appreciate all the support and kind words from everyone. Exciting time for me and my family.”

We’ll pass along the new terms of the deal as soon as they become available.

The Eagles have a statistically top-five defensive line. They’re going up against a Giants offensive line that over the offseason lost some veterans. Many consider their line to be considerably weaker. Defensive ends Trent Cole and Jason Babin, along with tackle Cullen Jenkins, are getting to the quarterback. That’s a great sign because defensive coordinator Juan Castillo has decided to take blitzing almost completely out of his game plan.

Look for defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins to eat Eli Manning today.

As is the case whenever these teams meet, the Eagles pass rush will be key to stopping the Giants. New York loves to run the ball, and they do it well. If the Eagles can’t stop the run, which they haven’t done so far, they’re going to need to force Eli Manning to make mistakes. While it’s almost certain that the Eagles won’t entirely shut down the Giants run, they must prevent big gains on first down. This will put Manning in third and long situations, situations in which he’s more prone to making mistakes.

This might be an easier test for our linebackers than we all think. Sure the Giants can run the ball. Yes, Ahmad Bradshaw, the Giants change of pace back, can catch the ball out of the backfield; but they don’t have a big time tight end. The Giants let tight end Kevin Boss sign with Oakland. And that decision could prove costly. (more…)