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This is that great time of year when final rosters start to take shape. For the Philadelphia Eagles, the offensive side of the ball is fairly set, capped with the announcement of Michael Vick getting the starting job this week.
The defense is another story. Some rookies and sophomore players have shown flashes of skill in the two preseason games and training camp. Benny Logan is shaping up to be a player. Mychal Kendricks is looking to build on his success of last season. Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams will likely man the corners.
The only glaring issue that Billy Davis has yet to correct is his insistence on starting Nate Allen opposite Patrick Chung.
The Birds 24/7 blog reported today that Allen and Chung will start against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. This says more about the lack of skill at the position than the Allen’s abilities.
Chung made some plays last week. If he can keep tackling and attacking the football, he will be a solid contributor to the defense. Allen is a different story. Last season, he was consistently outplayed. He was out of position and had a variety of issues with tackling. He is not a starter and barely a qualified backup.
Speaking of backups, Kurt Coleman, Earl Wolff, Kenny Phillips and Colt Anderson are your choices. Anyone inspire confidence? Wolff came in with potential and has been unable to get significant playing time. Coleman shouldn’t even have a roster spot. Phillips can’t get healthy, and Anderson is involved solely for his special teams’ skill. Howie Roseman dropped the ball by not improving this position beyond this group of players.
Someone in the group needs to step up and compliment Chung. If this doesn’t happen, it will be a long season of deep touchdowns. Brian Dawkins‘ ghost still lingers in the defensive center field and it will until a capable replacement is found or drafted.
Matt Shaner is a Philadelphia Eagles writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MDShanersports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
