It has been said that Superbowl’s are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. With this thought in mind, I present to you the next in our series of 2009 Philly Eagles Preview’s. This one focusing on the Defensive Line.
The Eagles enter the 2009 training camp stacked with seven DE’s and five DT’s. Returning from last year are Trent Cole, Victor Abiamiri, Chris Clemons, Darren Howard, Juqua Parker, Trevor Laws, Mike Patterson, Brodrick Bunkley, and Dan Klecko.
I take the time to list each player because it’s important to note the significance of continuity and familiarity on a defensive line. Nine out of the twelve lineman going into the 2009 camp spent the 2008 camp together as well. These players know each other, know the defense and know how to attack the offense together as a team.
Throw in a little healthy competition for snaps and the Eagles should be looking at a much improved defensive line.
Adding to the camp this year will be returning 2008 3rd round pick Bryan Smith (didn’t include above as no games played in 2008). Also rookie free agents Josh Gaines and Jervonte Jackson will add to the mix.
What I really like about the returning DE’s is I would feel comfortable with any of them starting. Each player has proved they can get to an NFL QB. Darren Howard had ten sacks without starting a single game. Another non starter, Chris Clemons racked up 4 in the last 9 games. Trent Cole picked up nine sacks even while being double teamed most of the year. Juqua Parker not only was good for 5 sacks, but proved big men can run with his 55 yard interception for a TD.
Abiamiri played excellent when healthy accounting for 2 sacks and 22 tackles playing in limited role, due to injuries. Spending time at DT during the 2008 playoffs, Abiamiri managed to recover a fumble in the win over the Giants and then sack Kurt Warner the next week in the NFC Championship game.
In 2009 I expect more of the same from this group on DE’s. Excellent outside containment, a speedy pass rush, and proficiency with the zone blitz when required.
It will be interesting to see if Chris Clemons can carve out more of a role on defense. With the raiders in 2007 he had 8 sacks despite playing less than 40% on the teams defensive plays. Fans had high hopes for Clemons in 08, with a year under his belt as an Eagle expect Clemons to make a strong case for himself in camp.
Abiamiri is another player with high expectations. Drafted in 2007, this may be a make it or break it year for Abiamiri who was touted as a guy that would come in a win the starting LE job.
If either of the two can catch fire this year, Trent Cole will be able to shed blockers with greater ease. This should open things up for the entire defense, as pass protection is only as good as the pass rush.
In part two of our preview on the Eagles defensive line, we will take a closer look at the DT’s.
Dan Bandekow is a writer on Bleacher Report covering the Philadelphia Eagles. His work has been featured on NFL Sport Channel, BallHype.com, League.com, as well as many other news outlets.