Over the past few months, I have discussed this week's Eagles' Question Mark several times with my buddy Nick the Greek (not to be confused with St. Joe's Nick). If the 2007 Philadelphia Eagles are to be a big time contender for the Super Bowl, the following two things absolutely have to happen: (1) D Mac absolutely must stay healthy and play to the level that we witnessed through the first 6 games of last year (this topic will be tackled next week in this section); and (2) last year's first round pick, Broderick Bunkley, must become a big time force at DT for this defense to truly become a force.
Clearly, the biggest problem on last year's defense (among many) was the lack of production out of the defensive tackle position. Darwin Walker, Mike Patterson, and Sam Rayburn were pushed around last year like they were on ice skates. An improved Bunkley can change this in a heartbeat. He can be the big dominating tackle that demands a double team, which will open things up for man on man blocking for the other d linemen and also keep the offensive linemen off the linebackers. Bunkley could also have a major hand on improving the pass defense as he could help the pass rush improve which would keep the DB's from being exposed.
Plus, Mike Patterson has the chance to become a much, much better player if he has a bigger, stronger player next to him. If Bunkley plays up to his potential, Patterson will get single blocking and he can use his quickness to disrupt offenses. So, if Bunkley becomes the player he has the potential to be, it will be like having two improved defensive tackles.
How can you guys deny the importance of this issue? If Bunkley plays up to his draft status, the Birds will at least make the NFC Title Game. If not, we could end up scrapping by just like last year.
However, with the luck the Birds have had with players on one year contracts (Shawn Barber I, Donte Stallworth, Jeff Garcia, etc) don't be surprised if Ian Scott becomes the stud DT we so desperately need and then ultimately leaves next offseason.
2 comments:
We have some depth at DT so all our eggs aren't in one basket. Bunkley needs to see the field and be in the rotation w/ Patterson, Scott, Ramsey, Reagor.
The keys are at the safety position, not along the D line.
Will we be seeing Flyers pre-season articles in August?
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