Philadelphia Eagles Reserves To Face Indianapolis Colts

Nov 17, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Todd Herremans (79) during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Right guard Todd Herremans vs. inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson

Inside linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts, D’Qwell Jackson has a reputation for durability, athleticism, and production.  However, that reputation was built over a seven year career as a fixture of the defense of the Cleveland Browns.  During that time, he averaged well over 8 tackles per game, and proved he can rush the passer and defend the pass.  In short, the guy is everything you can ask of an inside linebacker.

While he was a dominant player on that Browns defense, fans I’d talked to were quick to point that the defense was very bad. Much of the fan sentiment was supportive of the Browns decision to let him go, but were just as quick to point to using the open roster spot and salary to target other big name players in either the NFL draft or in free agency.   Further, analysts were also on board as they cited much of the defensive problems of the Browns defense hinged on their inability to generate pass coverage from their inside linebackers.    And to top the Eagles Damion Square being pancaked by Dallas running back DeMarco Murry, the New England Patriots Danny Amendola pancaked then Cleveland Brown D’Qwell Jackson.   In that play, and in many videos I watched in preparing for this write up, Jackson looks extremely uncomfortable in nearly every passing down.  Look for the Eagles to test that Monday Night.

Todd “Todfather” Herremans was drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL draft from Saginaw Valley State as a 6’6″ 321 pound offensive tackle.  Todfather is the epitome of the versatility, having started in practically all Eagles offensive line positions except center. Earning his starting spot at left guard formerly occupied by Artis Hicks, Herremans has played at left tackle (in place of Pro Bowler Tra Thomas), left guard, right tackle (in place of injured Winston Justice) and finally settled in at right guard.

Herremans is indeed a gym wonder and was one of the more enthusiastic players to embrace Chip Kelly’s sports science program.  As a result, Herremans has developed new Spyder Grips to modify his weightlifting bar grips to enhance his workouts.   Something must have worked, because in the game against a defensive minded Jacksonville Jaguars, Herremans grade out with top offensive honors with a +3.7.      Herremans will be tested once more as he is tasked with blocking a linebacker who shows up for practically every game.

Advantage:   Even