EAGLES 101

The Philadelphia Eagles have a tough task this upcoming Sunday with the Detroit Lions coming to town.  The close loss against the Steelers is behind the team as they begin preparations for the high powered Lions.  The 1-3 Lions were preseason favorites to make the playoffs, but they have gotten off to a slow start.  Its hard to specifically say what has been the problem with the Lions.  The offense led by Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson has sputtered at times and the defense has been horrible.  Stafford has thrown 4 interceptions to his 3 touchdowns.  Megatron has only 1 touchdown, but has racked up 423 yards receiving.  Despite their offensive struggles, the Eagles defense must be ready to stop this potent offense.

Who will cover Calvin Johnson?  

The Lions go as Megatron goes, making shutting him down the primary focus of the defense.  Last time the Eagles faced a big elite receiver like this, Larry Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald got the better of Nhamdi Asomugha.  Juan Castillo will have to decide how he wants to approach covering Johnson.  The specifics of the gameplan have not been released this week, but do not expect to see Nhamdi Asomugha shadowing Johnson.  Nhamdi has struggled in coverage this year.  Illegal contact, holding, and pass interference have frequently been called against the sixty million dollar corner back this season.  Nhamdi will be matched up with Johnson throughout the game, but expect Nhamdi to stay on the right side where he is most comfortable.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has played lights out this year.  The young cornerback is in the last year of his contract and the importance of this season has not escaped DRC.  Several members of the team have said that DRC's focus has never been higher.  The increased focus has translated to the field.  DRC leads the team in interceptions with 3.  Coach Juan Castillo will most likely leave DRC on the left side to cover Megatron when he lines up over there.  However, late in the game will Castillo move DRC onto Megatron regardless of where he lines up?  It will depend on the flow of the game, but when the ball is in the air there is not a better Eagles defensive back than DRC.  

The Eagles corners will have their hands full with the Lions aerial assault, but they do have the personnel to matchup with a guy like Calvin Johnson.  Leaving safeties Kurt Coleman or Nate Allen to help over the top on Megatron should help slow him down, but there will be times when he is one on one with a corner.  The secondary will be the X factor for the Eagles defense this Sunday.

Tags: Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, DRC, Football, Juan Castillo, Kurt Coleman, Larry Fitzgerald, Matt Stafford, Megatron, Nate Allen, NFL, Nhamdi Asomugha, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Eagles

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