Professor

Gaither gets middle linebacker spot after Trotter's release

The middle linebacker position belongs to Omar Gaither now, earlier than expected after the surprising release of Jeremiah Trotter. One practice, Gaither worked with the first team defense; the next one, he was a full-fledged member prepping for a preseason start.

The second-year pro isn't exactly a novice -- he started seven games last year at weakside linebacker -- but taking over for a locker-room leader, fan favorite and four-time Pro Bowl selection like Trotter comes with its own set of unique expectations."On the field isn't a big deal," Gaither said Wednesday, a crush of reporters in front of his locker. "It's all the off-field stuff. I knew it was big. I didn't really realize it. I guess it comes with the territory."

Gaither spoke four spots down from the now-vacant locker of Trotter, the voice and emotional leader of the defense, always counted on to fire up -- or pick up -- his teammates. He was always the player to whom reporters went first to hear his open and honest answers on the state of the defense.

Eventually, that sometimes overrated "rah-rah" aspect of the game all can be replaced. Takeo Spikes, a two-time Pro Bowl selection acquired from Buffalo to play the weakside spot, already has shown an interest in taking over as a locker room leader.

What takes longer to replace is the experience gained over a nine-year career like Trotter's. Besides Spikes, no other linebacker has more than a few years experience. Chris Gocong starts his first full season after missing last year with a neck injury. Stewart Bradley is a rookie and reserves Matt McCoy and Dedrick Roper are third-year pros.

"As long as they play good, I really don't care," coach Andy Reid said. "I don't mind playing a young guy if they're on the ball and they understand what's going on and they're playing well."

A fifth-round pick last season, the 6-foot-1, 235-pound Gaither finished last season with 57 tackles, a sack and an interception. He's lighter, smaller and faster than Trotter, all factors in Reid's decision to cut the veteran on Monday. Reid said he made the move now because he wanted to give Trotter enough time to sign with another team or possibly retire.

Trotter wore down at the end of last season because injuries to other linebackers such as Shawn Barber forced defensive coordinator Jim Johnson to play Trotter more than expected. Trotter had knee surgery after the 2005 season and wasn't as conditioned or as strong as he wanted, and the Eagles asked him to report in better shape this season.

It might have been too late, and Gaither took advantage.

"I consider myself to be fairly athletic, smart, intelligent," said Gaither. "I have a nose for the ball. Any time you can have a guy like that in the middle who can run side-to-side, help in pass coverage, things like that, I think it helps the defense."

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smeagle

we are going to have issues once again at the LB position.

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representin' section 227 - r.i.p. section 736

BeastJacobs

I myself would have kept Trotter one last year and wouldn't have cut him. He was a good MLB and yeah he was wearing down, but 1 more year wouldn't have hurt him or the Eagles. Gaither taking over doesn't sound too bad for the Eagles though.

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UCFNoleFan

I like the potential Gaither has, but I would have preferred to ease him in first.

Maybe keep Trotter or bring in a veteran to share time with him and let him have an easier transition.

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AF4

The Eagles wouldn't have released Trot, if they thought he could've performed this year, There usually pretty much on target with these moves. As for Gaither, the guy has tremendous upside, he really impressed me last season. The issue with Gaither this year will more than likely be in run support. He's going to need Bunk, Patterson and Reagor to be a presence there in the middle this season.

I don't think this will be as much of an issue though, the defense so far has been quite lackluster, but we have a lot of guys that need to gel into new positions. Gaither is the least of my worries, I'm hoping and "confident" Considine will get it together.

Professor

Considine is a guy that has the best intentions, but just seems to be late on everything, Gocong is the piece to me, We have enough depth and talent on the line to help Gaither out, I am just worried with Gocong's heart and passion that he doesn't over pursue ala Lavar Arrington. These guys are learning to play together and they just need to trust that each has their positions covered and then let the chips fall in line

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smeagle

reid's defensive draft picks have been mediocre at best since sheppard and brown were picked and that is the biggest issue we have. if the eagles qwere in the afc we would be lucky to sniff the play-offs.

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representin' section 227 - r.i.p. section 736

Professor

you are forgetting Patterson and Bunkley and Derrick Burgess and a couple of others, you can't blame the problems that McDougle has had on Reid and he really hasn't picked any DB's aside from Rod Hood who is going to be a starter, just not in philly. The thing is, the EAGLES do not value LB's that high, however if Gaither plays at or above what he did last year and Gocong is a success then there are plenty of guys since Brown and Sheppard that will be good picks. Also, Trent Cole, Juqua Thomas were also nice picks as well.

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smeagle

patterson and bunkley have done what so far ? nothing. the eagles run defense was pathetic last and bunkley barely got on the field. burgess ???? he's not even on the team anymore and only had one good season for us because he has injured all the time.

he drafted him so yes you can blame him.

what are you talking about ? did you forget lajeune, wynn, reed, ware, considine & barksdale from this year ?

that's the issue, with the way te's are being used and the amount of screen plays teams call these days they need to make lb more of a priority considering how teams exploit the middle zone on us all of the time.

nice players but they do not make up for the other duds.

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representin' section 227 - r.i.p. section 736

ball in the baskett

patterson had a 98 yard TD return lol

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