Ray's Replies: Surprised by Jenkins, Patterson cuts?
Ray's Replies: Surprised by Jenkins, Patterson cuts?
March 1, 2013, 7:30 pm
Mike Patterson (left) played 115 games with the Eagles, the most of any defensive tackle in team history, and Cullen Jenkins (right) played all 32 the last two seasons. (USA Today Images)
Q. Were you surprised the Eagles released Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson? I guess I wasn’t that surprised with Patterson given his physical issues, but Jenkins? Is this a sign the Eagles are definitely going to a 3-4 defense?
-Nick C.
Coatesville, Pa.
A. I’m quite sure the Eagles are going to a 3-4 defense but I felt that even before the news about Patterson and Jenkins. Chip Kelly did not come right out and say it, but if you read between the lines it sure seems as though he likes the 3-4. He’s not alone. More teams are moving in that direction. Obviously, both Super Bowl teams play it.
Concerns about Patterson’s health certainly factored into the decision. He will be 30 when next season starts and he really doesn’t fit in a 3-4 defense. Jenkins could play end in a 3-4, but he is 32 and he is making a lot of money so the combination of those factors made him expendable. He had a good first season with the Eagles but he was a non-factor (four sacks) last year.
More than just a move toward a 3-4, I think this is a sign the Eagles recognize the need to get bigger and more physical on defense. Under Andy Reid, the Eagles were small across the front on defense. Last season, the Eagles' defense ranked 24th against the run. They got pushed around much too often.
They addressed the situation last year in the draft when they selected Fletcher Cox, a 6-4, 300-pounder in the first round. He gave them a physical presence but when he could not suit up for the final game against the Giants, the Eagles started a D-line of Jenkins, Trent Cole, Brandon Graham and Derek Landri. The Giants mauled them.
The Eagles have to get bigger up front. If they go to the 3-4, Cox will fit nicely at one end spot. Graham will likely become an outside linebacker and he could do well there rushing the passer. But I don’t see much else on the current roster. The Eagles seem to think Cole can transition to linebacker but I’m not so sure. They talk about Antonio Dixon as a nose tackle and while he has the girth (6-3, 320), he has never played in a 3-4 and it’s not that easy.
The Eagles need to add beef, lots of it, either in the draft or free agency.
