Rayburn/Patterson to start

MURP · December 09, 2005, 11:13:33 AM

from Philly Inquirer:

QuoteSam Rayburn and rookie Mike Patterson apparently are going to start ahead of veterans Hollis Thomas and Darwin Walker at defensive tackle Sunday, but defensive coordinator Jim Johnson will still stick with a four-man rotation at the position

read anything into that? or think nothing of it?

SunMo · December 09, 2005, 11:15:10 AM

maybe they are going to try to evaluate all their young players to see what they have for next year? almost like the preseason and they will get more time on the field if they are starting.

bobbyinlondon · December 09, 2005, 11:18:12 AM

Do you think that JJ views Rayburn and Patterson more pass-rushers than run-stoppers? Last season, Rayburn had what, 6 1/2 sacks? He can play the run as well,, but it would seem his value is as a pass rusher.

ice grillin you · December 09, 2005, 11:25:03 AM

unless the number of snaps they get are significantly higher i would read nothing into it

Tomahawk · December 09, 2005, 11:25:53 AM

Quote from: MURP on December 09, 2005, 11:13:33 AM
from Philly Inquirer:

QuoteSam Rayburn and rookie Mike Patterson apparently are going to start ahead of veterans Hollis Thomas and Darwin Walker at defensive tackle Sunday, but defensive coordinator Jim Johnson will still stick with a four-man rotation at the position

read anything into that? or think nothing of it?

I read the same thing as last year when Simon and Walker were benched because their production was not at a professional level.

Diomedes · December 09, 2005, 12:06:07 PM

I'm with Mo. JJ is just mixing things up a bit to get a look at guys. These games are strictly about auditions for jobs next year.

PoopyfaceMcGee · December 09, 2005, 12:23:25 PM

I think he's giving the bulk of the time to Rayburn and my man, Mikey P, because their contributions down the line are more unknown right now. I think you'll still see Hollis and Darwin get decent snaps, but about as many as Rayburn and Patterson were getting, which is a little less.

Diomedes · December 09, 2005, 12:26:33 PM

Patterson has filled in nicely for Simon. Go ahead and disagree if you must.

fansince61 · December 09, 2005, 12:28:49 PM

Quote from: MURP on December 09, 2005, 11:13:33 AM
from Philly Inquirer:

QuoteSam Rayburn and rookie Mike Patterson apparently are going to start ahead of veterans Hollis Thomas and Darwin Walker at defensive tackle Sunday, but defensive coordinator Jim Johnson will still stick with a four-man rotation at the position

read anything into that? or think nothing of it?

Somebody is trying to lite a fire under Thomas and Walker

PoopyfaceMcGee · December 09, 2005, 12:34:01 PM

Hollis Thomas is unlikely to be playing for the Eagles next year, IMO. Patterson is almost sure to be a starter after a full off-season of NFL-level study and conditioning, and the Eagles are probably trying to see what kind of contribution they can expect from Rayburn.

I wouldn't be surprised if Walker or Rayburn were left off the roster next year, either.

Eaglez · December 09, 2005, 09:15:25 PM

I say that Walker has a home in the rotation next season, but that Rayburn and Thomas are on the way out.

With Darwin's strength at least he can get some penetration and push the line of scrimmage backwards. Hollis is just a fat blob who just looks like he's walking in place most of the time.

Diomedes · December 10, 2005, 02:07:50 AM

This is the Eagles we're talking about. If Rayburn doesn't completely shtein the bed in the next few weeks, he's going to make the team based solely on the fact that he's inexpensive.

PhillyPhreak54 · December 10, 2005, 08:23:50 AM

Big Red says:

QuoteReid said that the starters may get five to 10 more plays but added that this has nothing to do with preparing for next year.

"I'm not looking at the future there because, at that position, all four of those guys are going to be back and play for us," Reid said.

So it appears that Hollis is not on his way out. He is cheap next year ($795K cap hit) and he's likely getting a lot of bonuses this year because of playing time.

PoopyfaceMcGee · December 10, 2005, 08:47:05 AM

Right, because Reid would never mislead the media. He always tips us off to his plans.

PhillyPhreak54 · December 10, 2005, 09:20:54 AM

Not saying he is Mr. Honesty all the time. But if you can recall a time when he straight up said a guy(s) would be here publicly then I'll concede the point. Most of the time its "I'm not gonna get into all that..." or "we'll see how it works out".

He could've stopped at the fact that they were starting over Walker and Hollis but he went on to say they'd be here.