There has been much made in recent days about the Eagles moving on from the attacking, aggressive wide-nine technique. The defensive line appeared to slow it down, choosing to read and react instead of blindly rushing the passer.
It certainly sounds like a drastic change to make on the fly. But several players brushed it off, saying not that much really changed.
“I played like I’ve been playing since Game 1,” said rookie Fletcher Cox, who registered a sack last week. “We’re not reading, still attacking, just not playing as much nine technique as we usually did.”
Trent Cole was one of the loudest voices in support of former defensive line coach Jim Washburn when he first arrived. He admitted that new line coach Tommy Brasher is trying to combine two styles. Cole played under Brasher in his rookie season.
“I knew a lot of changes were going [to be made and] that it was going to be different when he first came in. I tried to forewarn all the other guys about how Tommy coaches and it’s more, like I said, we’re doing read-attack and also we’re playing ball.”
No matter what scheme or technique is being implemented, everyone on the roster wants to finish the season strong. Players have too much pride in themselves and their (possibly) outgoing coach, Andy Reid.
“There’s a lot of things to improve on from last week so we need to go out there this week, play together as a team, keep improving, keep pushing each other, keep playing for each other, and just get the win,” said Nick Foles.
Celebration causes sore groin for Maclin
After Jeremy Maclin caught the 1-yard, game-winning touchdown last week, he raced up the field and looked for a teammate to chest bump. One of the first guys he found was Nnamdi Asomugha.
Apparently, Maclin was hurt during the celebration as he is dealing with a sore groin. Maclin was a limited participant in yesterday’s practice, but he expects to play Thursday night.
“My groin is a little sore, but I’ll be OK,” Maclin said.
And, coming off a Sunday game, the Eagles only have three days to prepare for Cincinnati. That doesn’t allow much time for the body to heal.
“It’s a little bit of a challenge obviously. Not getting any days off for your body to regroup,” Maclin said. “It is what it is, so you have to double the preparation, try and get as much rest as possible, but understand that you have a game to play on Thursday.”
