With Kearse Out — Eagles’ Defense Depends On Depth

It was bad enough to endure the Eagles already legendary loss to the Giants at Lincoln Financial Field last Sunday, without having to deal with the mounting casualty list from the frustrating battle. Among the injured players include L.J. Smith (shoulder strain), Rod Hood (heel) and Shawn Andrews (shoulder). The most disturbing injury came in overtime when Jevon Kearse collided the outside of his left knee with the front of Mike Patterson’s right knee. The collision left Kearse reeling in tremendous pain on the ground, clutching at his knee with such a look of pain on his face that it screamed season ending to anyone who watched.

Monday after the game, Kearse had an MRI on his left knee which showed multiple ligament strains on both sides of his knee. The initial and rather hopeful report was that Kearse, would be back in 4-8 weeks after minor knee work. Unfortunately it was reported soon after the MRI, that Kearse most likely has multiple torn ligaments (could not tell for sure because of swelling), and would miss the rest of the season because of an overtime that should not have happened.

Jevon Kearse is a former sack specialist who is injury prone. Since coming to Philadelphia in 2004, he has had a meager 7.5 sacks in his first two seasons with the Eagles; but with 3.5 sacks already this season Kearse seemed ready to assume the sack specialist title he had lost in previous years. Shedding his injury prone label from his time with the Tennessee Titans, this is the first major injury Kearse has suffered in three seasons with the Eagles.

Losing the veteran defensive end creates a large hole in the Eagles defensive line, yet it may not mean the end of the Eagles’ defensive domination they have had so far this season. Since the Eagles have kept more defensive lineman then they usually do, they have great depth at those positions. Using their experience, the Eagles coaching staff has loaded the defensive line with depth knowing that in previous seasons injuries have haunted them. Being able to replace injured players with other productive players is the key to success in the NFL, since all teams will suffer costly injuries.

The depth chart for the Eagles’ defense has Jerome McDougle, Trent Cole, and Juqua Thomas, listed as back ups at defensive end. Yet being a back up in the Eagles defense isn’t necessarily the way it sounds. Eagles’ defensive coordinator, Jim Johnson, has established a player rotation during games that lets the second string get a substantial amount of playing time.

Juqua Thomas was not only the NFL leader in sacks in the preseason but also has two sacks in the regular season. He can play both sides of the defensive line, which will allow Jim Johnson to stay creative with free agent acquisition Darren Howard.

Trent Cole’s good game against the New York Giants was marred when he kicked a Giant in the groin which led to a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. This created a semi difficult game when they tried to kick a field goal and it became something of a chip shot. Kearse’s loss will not be felt as much if Cole continues his torrid pace, having four sacks already this season.

Jerome McDougle has been somewhat of a disappointment since being drafted by the Eagles in the first round of 2003. His underachieving had a lot to do with injuries he’s suffered, only playing 19 games in four seasons with the Eagles. In the 2005 season, he did not play a game because he was the victim of a gun shot wound to his abdomen after a botched car jacking attempt. McDougle is thought to return very soon, but he has missed the first two games of the 2006 season due to broken ribs. The Eagles are going to need McDougle to step up if they want to continue to have productive depth on the defensive line, and this is his chance to prove he is the player he was drafted to be.

The biggest factor for the Eagles not skipping a beat on defense is going to be the improved play of newly acquired defensive end Darren Howard. Howard has been non existent in the Eagles last two games where the defense had a field day, padding their statistics. If Howard plays to the level the Eagles expect him to play, the loss of Kearse will just be thought of as an unfortunate set back rather than a excruciating loss.