McCoy gets his chance

[MURP]

Word is from the Eagles that McCoy is going to play quite a bit this Sunday, especially 1st and 2nd down to see how he can handle the physical run game aspect. 

[MURP]

also Roper.

Linebackers McCoy, Roper get chance
By LES BOWEN
bowenl@phillynews.com

YOU HAVE TO look long and hard to find meaning in this final game of the 2005 season for the Eagles.

In fact, you have to look pretty far down the roster, to the Matt McCoys and Dedrick Ropers, the players who have something more than pride to play for Sunday, when the Washington taterskins come to town to officially seal a winless season in the NFC East for the defending NFC champions. The taterskins have won four in a row and can go to the playoffs. The Eagles have lost eight of their last 11 and can only go home for their longest offseason in 7 years.

But amid the rubble, opportunity beckons. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said yesterday he plans to use this game to "look at some people, some younger guys maybe more."

In particular, Johnson identified McCoy, the second-round rookie linebacker from San Diego State, and Roper, the former Steelers practice-squad linebacker who has done well on special teams since coming to the Eagles Nov. 9.

McCoy apparently will spell weakside starter Keith Adams, and Roper will get some reps on the strong side, where Dhani Jones is the starter. Both starters have struggled, particularly in pass coverage. The last time the Eagles played the taterskins, a 17-10 loss Nov. 6, tight end Chris Cooley caught seven passes for 85 yards and Washington's running backs added seven more catches for 60 yards.

From a fan's perspective, keeping tabs on McCoy might take priority, since the Birds drafted him 63rd overall last April and he has had a very tough time getting on the field. He has been activated for just three games, playing almost exclusively on special teams. McCoy's last outing, Dec. 18 at St. Louis, he took a bad penalty for a late hit on a punt, and he was back on the inactive list for last week's visit to Arizona.

The Eagles tapped McCoy 15 slots above his more acclaimed San Diego State teammate, Kirk Morrison. Many draft previews noted McCoy as an up-and-coming prospect, leaving college a year early. Oakland drafted Morrison early in the third round, and injury gave him a chance to start; he now leads the Raiders with 110 tackles.

Eagles player personnel vice president Tom Heckert said yesterday that on draft day, the Eagles felt McCoy was quicker and more athletic than Morrison, though they liked both players, and they still feel confident in their choice. The Raiders list Morrison at 6-2, 240. The Eagles list McCoy at 5-11, 230, and he looks a little smaller than that. Heckert said he never expected McCoy to play a lot this season, with Adams and former starter Mark Simoneau available on the weakside.

"It's been frustrating, but it's also been a good learning experience," McCoy said. He said the toughest thing to master has been "the speed of the game, and everybody's a lot smarter, obviously... understanding what you need to do, especially in this defense. It's a tough defense to learn."

Johnson confirmed that McCoy "is still learning the thing... He was behind. It's taken him a little longer."

Johnson said the Eagles drafted McCoy because "he's a tough guy, very good, physical guy, and made a lot of plays. The jury's still out and we'll give him plenty of looks this year and next year."

Johnson said he wants to see physical play from McCoy in run situations.

Roper, who played at Division II Northwood Institute in Michigan, was not drafted because he wasn't well-known, Heckert said. The Eagles liked him in 2004, but he signed with the Steelers, who had him playing outside in their 3-4 scheme, almost exclusively rushing the passer. The Birds signed him off the Steelers' practice squad because they thought he'd be a better fit in a 4-3, playing the strongside, at 6-2, 245.

"They've been giving me kind of a crash course on the defense over the last week-and-a-half," Roper said yesterday. "It feels a little bit like rookie camp, trying to learn a new system, new plays and all the words that go along with it... the game plan's pretty simple, so I should be able to catch on."

Johnson also mentioned increased reps for second-year corner Dexter Wynn, who has played in 21 games, but who seems to have lost ground to former Colts corner Donald Strickland, signed by the Birds in November. Offensive coordinator Brad Childress said wideout Carl Ford, a former Chicago Bear, might be active if Darnerien McCants (shoulder) can't play. McCants was listed as doubtful yesterday.

Birdseed

Special teams coordinator John Harbaugh said Sean Landeta, who turns 44 in a week, became the first punter since 1963 to average 50 yards with 10 or more punts in a game, last week at Arizona. Harbaugh said he expects that restricted free agent Dirk John-son, recovering from his second sports hernia surgery, will be the Eagles' punter next season... Asked about sub QB Mike McMahon's performance this season, Brad Childress said: "There were a lot of factors. I probably would reserve judgment till we get to the end of this thing... I would not go ahead and label or title that right now." A ringing endorsement, to ring in the New Year.

[Mad-Lad]

Word is from the Eagles that McCoy is going to play quite a bit this Sunday, especially 1st and 2nd down to see how he can handle the physical run game aspect. 

BOUT.

FREAKIN.

TIME.

[General_Failure]

Just in time for him to blow out his knee and never be heard from again.

[Magical_Retard]

gf where is that gif from? thats awesome.

[General_Failure]

I stole it from ytmnd.com, then cropped it and resized it.

[Feva]

McCoy's made a couple noticeable ST tackles today.

[Dillen]

McCoy's made a couple noticeable ST tackles today.

Yeah, and hes played like one series on defense. So much for "getting his chance."

[pinoyboy2pt0]

I think he played about 6 plays.  Of course, I'm not counting when they put him in at the end of the game to defend the kneel downs.  .

GO IN THERE MATT!  HERE'S YOUR CHANCE!
*Brunell kneels down*

You'll get'm next time!
*Brunell kneels down*

3 and out, all you McCoy!!
*Brunell kneels down*

I don't know about you...but it was a 3 and out.

*I thought McCoy was going to play some nickel.  Instead we saw Simoneau.

[jeffreyjpa]

Maybe they planned to use him if the game got away from the Eagles, but McMahon and Koy were able to hold off on the deluge of turn-overs until late in the fourth quarter, limiting Matt's playing time.

[MURP]

yeah I didnt see him in there too much either.  A couple run plays that went away from his side.

[Feva]

McCoy's made a couple noticeable ST tackles today.

Yeah, and hes played like one series on defense. So much for "getting his chance."

You see my point.