Analysis: Takeo Spikes
So much for complaining about the offseason. Like most years, the Eagles were criticized early only to…….totally redeem themselves!
Takeo Spikes became an Eagle at the expense of Darwin Walker and a conditional draft pick. With the addition of Montae Reagor, Darwin Walker became expendable, and as such, he was expended.
Where does this leave the Eagles linebacking core? Let’s take the tour.
The Status Quo:
2007 Starters:
SAM: Takeo Spikes
MIKE: Jeremiah Trotter
WILL: Omar Gaither or Matt McCoy
At this point, at least in my mind, the only lock to be a starter is Spikes. This deal puts Trotter on eggshells if he doesn’t show up to camp lighter and in shape. Spikes can play any of the three LB spots, but will likely play the strongside. What else could happen?
SAM: Spikes
MIKE: Gaither
WILL: McCoy
I’m not a big Matt McCoy fan, but the Philadelphia Eagles are still pretty high on the guy. Gaither was primarily learning the MIKE last year in training camp, but stepped into the weakside when McCoy was benched/injured. Gaither would have to add a couple pounds to his 236 pound frame to be able to step into the middle. Or maybe it could look like this:
SAM: Gocong
MIKE: Spikes
WILL: Gaither
Matt McCoy fills in where Shawn Barber left off as the nickel LB. If Gocong and/or McCoy cannot sure up a spot, it illustrates poor drafting on the Eagles part as Gocong (3rd round - 71 overall) and McCoy (2nd round - 63 overall) were both first day picks. Any of these scenarios are possibilities at this point. Your take?
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Posted on March 27, 2007 by Dave | Filed Under Eagles
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Where’s Dhani Jones?
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I hope someone steps up to take his spot, but Dhani can play either side, and something tells me we’re looking at Dhani, Trotter, and Spikes in Week 1.
Dhani Jones is gone. Cut.
At least I hope so.
I’m thinking Trotter stays in the middle, Spikes takes over Dhani’s position on the strong side, and Gaither earns the starting job over McCoy at the weak side. I’m not too high on McCoy, I like Gaither a lot. The versatility of Spikes is really key since they can plug him in at any of the 3 spots. Maybe we’ll even see him in the middle with Gocong on the strong side and Gaither on the weakside, you never know. It should be interesting.
- Eagles News
In today’s Daily News, Spikes said he thought he’d be playing weakside for the Eagles. Seems strange.
Now that the Eagles addressed their needs at linebacker, do you think the Eagles would pick up Reggie Nelson if he’s available at 26?