“I have to do a better job reading and reacting,” the linebacker says after his second game back.
There will be many questions for the Eagles after yesterday’s disappointing 13-9 loss to the Raiders, but the one that will probably be asked in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons is: Why was Jeremiah Trotter on the field?
Eagles coach Andy Reid had a legitimate answer for why the 32-year-old was at middle linebacker during a crucial, late-in-the-game third down. Omar Gaither, who split first-down plays with Trotter and played on most of the defense’s nickel package, had sprained his foot, Reid said. Gaither later said he twisted his ankle.
The Eagles dressed six linebackers: starting outside linebackers Chris Gocong and Akeem Jordan, special teams contributors Tracy White and Moise Fokou, and Trotter and Gaither. Still, Trotter was on the field when Oakland faced a third-and-10 situation from its own 44 with 2:02 left in the game.
Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell faked a handoff and hit Gary Russell in the flat with Trotter covering. The running back scampered 13 yards for a first down before Trotter pushed him out of bounds for his lone tackle of the game. With the Eagles out of time-outs, the conversion dashed any hopes for getting the ball back.
“I have to do a better job reading and reacting to the run and pass,” Trotter said. “Whenever they play-action fake, you have to play the run, then get back as best as possible.”
The biggest play, however, came in the first quarter, when Oakland took advantage of Trotter’s liabilities in pass coverage. The Eagles led by 3-0 after a 45-yard David Akers field goal, and the Raiders got possession at their 14.
JaMarcus Russell immediately found tight end Zach Miller, who was 4 yards beyond Trotter.
Click here to read the full article – By Jeff McLane of Philly.com
Philadelphia Eagles Mens Apparel
and other Eagles Gifts
|
|
|
