Too big, too slow. That’s the way the Eagles a year ago evaluated themselves with Levon Kirkland at middle linebacker. To correct that flaw, the speedy and athletic Mark Simoneau was signed away from the Falcons and inserted directly into the lineup.
So what happens? The Eagles’ run defense sags, gets worse instead of better as the season progresses and Simoneau appears to wear down as his 234-pound frame takes a heavy beating.
Heading into Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the run-oriented Panthers, the Eagles need Simoneau to become re-energized and the entire Philly defense needs to remember what effective run-stopping feels like. If not, the Eagles could indeed suffer the indignity of losing a third straight NFC title game.
“I feel like everyone else about this time of year,” Simoneau said. “I don’t feel any more run down than I’ve ever felt. I feel like I can do all of the things that I have been able to do in the past.”
He’ll have to do all that, and more. The Eagles are a strange team in that they’re based on defense yet ranked just 22nd in the NFL against the run. As they soared to the No. 1 seed in the conference, the Birds’ run defense regressed, seemingly abused week after week. Yet the winning continues as a dangerous trend is thwarted.
It’s gotten to the point where the Eagles at times just shake their heads. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson yesterday broke up his press conference when he said, “We don’t stop the run, we control the run. That’s our philosophy right now.” Then he let out a hearty laugh.
In eight of the last 11 games, the Eagles have allowed an opposing running back to surpass 100 yards. In seven of the eight games, the Eagles – doing a whole lot of bending but not much breaking – came away winners. In last week’s divisional playoff game against the Packers, Ahman Green ran wild for 156 yards, but once again the Eagles prevailed, winning 20-17 in overtime.
“I’m very tired of hearing about statistics,” defensive tackle Darwin Walker said.
“It’s been different things at different times,” added Simoneau, who led the Eagles with 149 tackles. “It’s not playing the right gap sometimes, letting the ball get outside the containment other times, and other times guys missing a tackle. We’ve given up too many big runs this year.”
A huge break might await the Eagles, as it doesn’t look as if Stephen Davis, Carolina’s leading rusher this season with 1,444 yards, will be able to play because of a strained quad muscle. DeShaun Foster, a second-year running back from UCLA, will carry the load if Davis is out or limited. Foster started two games this season.
“He may be faster than Stephen around the corner,” defensive tackle Corey Simon said.
“When we drafted DeShaun, we drafted him to be a feature back,” Carolina coach John Fox said. “If for some reason Stephen can’t go, and Lord willing he can, we feel totally comfortable with DeShaun Foster as our back.”
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Eagles CB Troy Vincent (hip) practiced again yesterday and reported no discomfort. He remains listed as probable.
Dodging bullets
Here’s a look at how the Eagles have fared in the last eight games in which they’ve allowed an opposing back to rush for 100 yards:
Curtis Martin 110
Eagles 24, Jets 17
Ahman Green 192
Eagles 17, Packers 14
Tiki Barber 111
Eagles 28, Giants 10
Deuce McAllister 184
Eagles 33, Saints 20
Stephen Davis 115
Eagles 25, Panthers 16
Ricky Williams 107
Eagles 34, Dolphins 27
Kevan Barlow 154
49ers 31, Eagles 28
Ahman Green 156
Eagles 20. Packers 17
