Don’t expect the Eagles to add a veteran linebacker.
A few days after the Pittsburgh Steelers exposed the unit, defensive coordinator Juan Castillo was sticking up for his guys.
When asked why the Eagles refused to address the linebacker position during free agency, Castillo said, “When I look at it, they did address it. They drafted some kids. It takes time to develop kids.”
The kids are starters Casey Matthews, Jamar Chaney and Moise Fokou. Matthews, a rookie, is also being counted on to wear the headset and call the defensive plays. He seemed a bit overwhelmed in last week’s 24-14 loss.
“Casey is going to be, it’s his first time being a middle linebacker,” he said. “He’s going to get better and better and better.”
The defense surrendered 427 yards, including 145 on the ground. The first-team defense gave up 262 yards in the first half, as the Steelers ran right at the team’s inexperienced linebackers.
Castillo isn’t worried.
“The linebackers will be ready to win the Super Bowl,” he said. “Remember, it takes 16 weeks, and then really whoever is playing their best during the playoffs.”
