Let’s Talk Defense

Jim Schwartz met the media on Tuesday to offer his final thoughts before the season opener. He didn’t give away any state secrets, but did have a few interesting things to say.

Schwartz offered praise for Washington QB Dwayne Haskins and RB Antonio Gibson. He talked about Haskins being a gifted passer and mentioned some impressive throws from last year’s game. Schwartz also talked Haskins catching the Eagles off guard with his mobility. That won’t happen again.

As for Gibson, Schwartz was impressed with his combination of size and speed. Gibson is an explosive athlete and is about 230 pounds. He was a WR/RB hybrid in college. I know when I saw him up close in Mobile at the Senior Bowl that he had the body of a RB. Gibson is thick and strong. I thought of him as a RB from the moment I saw him in person.

Schwartz didn’t have much to say about Washington’s scheme because they have a new coaching staff and there is so much unknown. He said the Eagles would focus on what they do more than obsessing on what Washington might do. Coaches love to tell their players “worry about what you can control”.

On to the Eagles. Schwartz had a lot of praise for CB Craig James. He pointed out that James didn’t get a roster spot because Rasul Douglas and Sidney Jones under-performed. James earned his spot by playing at a high level. Schwartz called him one of the most improved players this summer.

James was a STer and limited role player last year. This year the coaches see him as a viable option at CB. He could be the top backup on the outside.

Schwartz said the team had confidence in Cre’Von LeBlanc to play inside or outside.

Marcus Epps also drew accolades from Schwartz. Like James, he was a STer and role player last year. He will likely be the team’s #3 safety on Sunday. Epps impressed the team with his play this summer.

While it is great to hear Schwartz’s enthusiasm for these young DBs, it is fair to want to see some proof of this improved play. Every summer we hear about guys who looked great. Sometimes that shows up in real games. Other times it doesn’t. I’m genuinely curious to see James. He drew praise from everyone who saw him at Training Camp.

Schwartz also had a lot of good things to say about rookie DE Casey Toohill. This is another case of a player earning a roster spot. It is easy to get down on Shareef Miller, but Schwartz focused on Toohill having a terrific summer. We don’t know if Toohill will play this week, but we do know Schwartz likes him quite a bit.

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Dave Fipp talked to the media as well. He didn’t offer too much, other than saying he’s excited to see the team’s young players in action.

Jimmy Bama asked Fipp who the returners would be and Fipp wouldn’t answer. Coaches are paranoid about giving up anything they think will help the other team. Sure seems like Greg Ward will be the PR and Boston Scott the KOR. We’ll find out for sure on Sunday.

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Roster Move: #Eagles have signed TE Richard Rodgers. pic.twitter.com/8eMGooQNc9

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 8, 2020

This isn’t an ideal situation. Rodgers is 28 and hasn’t been able to stay healthy the past two years. The Eagles wanted a younger player as the #3 TE, but rookie Noah Togiai got claimed off waivers. That was a risky move and the Eagles got burned.

We don’t know that Togiai would have panned out. He had a good camp, but that doesn’t guarantee anything.

Rodgers is a solid blocker and good pass catcher. He’s not athletic and sure seems old for a guy who is just 28. You could do worse in a third TE.

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