Eagles Notes: Birds' defense earns praise from Reid
Largely unmentioned in the offensive display and quarterback questions that followed Sunday's victory over the Falcons was the play of the Eagles' defense, which held Atlanta to 293 total yards and forced two turnovers.
Largely unmentioned in the offensive display and quarterback questions that followed Sunday's victory over the Falcons was the play of the Eagles' defense, which held Atlanta to 293 total yards and forced two turnovers.
It was a significant performance for the group and defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, who had faced criticism in recent weeks.
"Sean McDermott had a great game plan," coach Andy Reid said Monday. "That's a very good offense, now, and they were fully loaded."
Several players also had bounce-back games. Middle linebacker Stewart Bradley notched his first sack of the season and led the team in tackles.
"Bradley worked on a few things . . . and really just came out and played very well, as did Ernie [Sims]," said Reid, who said the linebackers, including new starter Moise Fokou, played their best game as a group.
Defensive tackle Antonio Dixon, making his first career start, also won praise for his play against the Falcons' vaunted running game.
"Dixon really stepped up and solidified some things," Reid said.
Much love
A day after a thorough 31-17 win, Reid had a thorough list of players and coaches to praise.
In his opening remarks to reporters, Reid praised no fewer than 21 players by name, ranging from stars such as wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and defensive end Trent Cole, to backup running back Eldra Buckley and long snapper Jon Dorenbos.
He called offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's game plan "phenomenal" and offered encouragement for tackle King Dunlap.
"That's a tough situation he was coming into having come off the week at San Francisco where . . . three of those plays got magnified, and he was able to come back against a power rusher [defensive end John Abraham], a combination rusher really, but a guy who has one of the best bull rushes in the National Football League, and King was able to answer that," Reid said.
He even praised two players who made visible errors: tight end Brent Celek, who had a drop but finished with four catches, and kicker David Akers, who missed three field goals.
Injury update
Dunlap may get another start Sunday. Reid did not seem optimistic about the returns this week of left tackle Jason Peters and defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley.
Bunkley (elbow) and Peters (knee) would have sat out if the Eagles had practice Monday, Reid said.
Wide receiver Riley Cooper (concussion) likely will practice Wednesday, Reid said. Cooper, hurt two weeks ago against the Redskins, practiced last week but had to sit out Sunday when concussion symptoms returned.
Wide receiver Chad Hall filled in and played a significant number of snaps after DeSean Jackson's concussion, as the Eagles ran many three-wide receiver sets.
Reid was noncommittal about whether the team would activate defensive end Victor Abiamiri from the physically unable to perform list in the coming weeks. He said the team still has a couple of weeks before it has to decide but that Abiamiri is "making progress."
