Turnovers

The Eagles finished last in the league in coming up with turnovers last year. 19 might be a good age for a sexy blonde, but it is a horrible turnover total for an NFL defense. Completely unacceptable.

The biggest culprits were the linebackers. That group needs to make plays. Forced fumbles, recovered fumbles, and interceptions are needed from them. They're a necessity, not a bonus.

The starting trio last year was Chris Gocong, Omar Gaither, and Takeo Spikes. Let's check out their totals:

Spikes - 0 INT, 1 FF, 0 FR
Omar - 1 INT, 1 FF. 0 FR
Gonzo - 0 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR

1's and 0's are great for computer code and starting pitchers, but not linebackers. The starting 'Backers came up with 3 whole turnovers. What the hell is that? 3? Dreadful.

This has to change in 2008. The group is different this year. Omar slides to the weakside. Stewart Bradley takes over in the middle. This could help quite a bit. Omar made more plays when he only started half a year at WLB in 2006. Hopefully getting back out there will lead to him coming up with the ball more often.

Bradley only played late in the year, but he got everyone's attention. He had an INT in his limited action. He looked better blitzing up the middle in two games than Gaither did all year long. That gives him a better chance at knocking the ball away from the QB.

Gonzo stays on the strongside. He's in his 2nd year as a starter. He looks much more comfortable and fluid. I fully expect him to be a playmaker this year. He gets a pass for 2007 as he was learning how to play LB and adjusting to the NFL. He's got to be more of an impact player this year.

So what would be a good total? I'd like to see the guys create 10 turnovers. That can include the starters and backups as well.

Sacks, tackles-for-loss, and playing the run well are all important for linebackers, but nothing is as important...as critical...as creating turnovers. They can change games. Think about Lofa Tatupu's INTs last year and how they hurt. Or Kawika Mitchell creating a defensive touchdown in the first Giants loss. Those were impact plays from LB's.

I think the boys will step up and play well this year. There will be some growing pains as they learn to be a unit, but this group is big and talented. There is no reason they shouldn't develop into an outstanding set of LB's. I expect them to be the best we've had in quite some time.
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