Eagles coach: Zach Brown Release in Team's Best Interest, Opens Doors for Others
Release a starting linebacker out of the blue like the Eagles did with Zach Brown on Monday and there will not only be questions about why, but also what happens now at that position.
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson addressed both those questions on Wednesday morning.
Pederson said that Brown’s release wasn’t related to the verbal shot he took at Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins 48 hours before the two teams played last Sunday. Nor did the release have to do with anything off the field.
“We always do what we feel is in the best interest of the football team,” said Pederson. “I appreciate everything Zach did for us. I think (defensive coordinator) Jim (Schwartz) alluded to the fact that we need a little more production out of that group, and so we made a change.
“Obviously we're based on performance,” said Pederson. “I'm not going to get into a lot of the whys as to why we did it, but we need more production there and so we made a change.”
Schwartz made the comment about getting more production from the linebacker group on Tuesday. Schwartz was also asked about the possibility of using undrafted rookie free agent T.J. Edwards more on defense, and said that is an option.
Pederson echoed Schwartz’s comments about Edward, and said Duke Riley could also see an increase in defensive snaps.
“We'll keep working those guys in,” said Pederson.
The linebacker position is further clouded by an ankle injury to Nigel Bradham against the Vikings last Sunday. Pederson said Bradham is day-to-day.
The Eagles still have an open roster spot after jettisoning Brown.
The team recently worked out linebacker Paul Worrilow, who was released this summer as he struggled to return to full health after a torn ACL ended his 2018 season. Worrilow signed quickly with the Ravens after his release, but, just as quickly after signing with Baltimore, announced his retirement.
Alex Singleton could be promoted from the practice squad as well. Singleton had a strong preseason and was in the mix for a spot on the 53-man roster heading into the season.
The Eagles strength this season defensively has been stopping the run, though their rush defense slipped from best in the league to No. 2 after surrendering 122 yards on the ground to the Vikings.
Linebackers certainly play a role in stopping the run, and now that group is a big question mark heading into Sunday night’s game at Dallas, where it will be challenged, as it always is, by the ability of running back Ezekiel Elliott.
“I think we are going to be fine, honestly,” said Doug Pederson. “We mentioned LB Nate Gerry, he’s played, he's started games. I think he started against them last year.
“I just think it's the next-man-up mentality and we have to get everybody at that position ready to go. And there is that sense of urgency I think from that position now and that group, and that's a good thing. There is really that sense of urgency by the entire team.”
