Why Jonathan Gannon says Eagles’ strong side linebacker battle is an evaluation process unto itself

[time2rock]

Why Jonathan Gannon says Eagles’ strong side linebacker battle is an evaluation process unto itself

Published: Aug. 25, 2021, 8:30 a.m.

By Mike Kaye | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Jonathan Gannon has made some tweaks to the Eagles’ front seven during his first summer as defensive coordinator. The first-time play-caller has shaken up the traditional 4-3 defense of the Jim Schwartz era and put a hybrid spin on it.

While there are some minor changes along the defensive line, including a standup EDGE rusher, the use of the SAM linebacker is probably the most notable shakeup within Gannon’s new scheme. Gannon wants that player to be used in several different ways, meaning he has to be versatile.

Gannon is looking for a unique skill set at the position. That’s why he is evaluating the SAM (strong side) role differently than the MIKE (middle) and WILL (weak side) positions.

"I think what we are asking them to do within our scheme is a little bit different,” Gannon said Tuesday. "The MIKE and the WILL are mostly stacked, and the SAM, sometimes he’s stacked, but sometimes he’s on the ball. So, it just presents a little bit different skill set for those [SAM linebacker] guys and what we are asking them to do.”

The Eagles’ unofficial depth chart lists former defensive end, Genard Avery, as the starter at SAM. He’s backed up by seventh-round pick, Patrick Johnson, who is also converting from defensive end. Joe Ostman, another former pass rusher, was also competing at the spot but was waived with a concussion ahead of this week’s cut deadline.

Avery and Johnson present the versatility that Gannon is looking for in a SAM linebacker. Unlike the MIKE and WILL positions, the SAM linebacker has to rush offensive linemen in individual matchups. Avery and Johnson, a pair of former pass rushers, can do that.

"They are rushing tackles, tight ends from the edge, so we like that guy to have the ability to win one-on-one around the corner,” Gannon said. "When they get turn-outs and they get pin pulls and they have got to set an edge, a firm edge, that’s a little bit different than the MIKE and the WILL, because the MIKE and the WILL are flowing behind the ball. That’s like a point-of-attack block that the MIKE and the WILL don’t get a lot; that those guys have to be able to do that.”

While Avery and Johnson have received the majority of the snaps at SAM, there are still other possibilities left on the roster.

Alex Singleton, who is expected to start opposite Eric Wilson in nickel packages, could be a solid fit, as he has played in hybrid defenses before. Veteran Ryan Kerrigan, a former 3-4 outside linebacker, could make sense there as well.

"He’s done it,” Gannon said about Kerrigan. "So, we’ve talked about that. We always talk about, ‘Hey, who is our pair and our spare?’ So, we are always looking for guys that can play multiple spots, especially on game day, and I know he’s done it. Obviously, he hasn’t taken reps at it but yeah, possibly down the road if it fits for us, for on game day, or for the depth of that position, yeah, possibly.”

Kerrigan (thumb) and Avery (groin) are sidelined with injuries during the final week of training camp, so Johnson is taking on almost all of the SAM reps in practice. While the Eagles could look at other options before Week 1, Gannon says he is pleased with what he’s seen from the current group.

"They are doing a good job,” Gannon said. "They have been developing their game to what we are looking for in that position, how it fits into the scheme. It’s a multiple skill set position for us, and you know, each of them brings a different asset to the table I think, and they are all doing a really good job just improving their game every day.”

https://www.nj.com/eagles/2021/08/why-jonathan-gannon-says-eagles-sam-linebacker-battle-is-in-an-evaluation-process-by-itself.html

[PoconoDon]

Among all of the LB'er positions, it sounds like the SAM requires the greatest ability in this scheme. Might have to draft one early to give the team what it needs. Oh wait, Howie....never mind.

[Utebird]

17 hours ago, PoconoDon said:

Among all of the LB'er positions, it sounds like the SAM requires the greatest ability in this scheme. Might have to draft one early to give the team what it needs. Oh wait, Howie....never mind.

I was thinking the same thing, if gannons scheme requires that the SAM be a multi faceted play maker one might have to draft one earlier than the 6th round.

Seeing as Howie values LBs as much as FBs and punters I'm not sure Gannon as eagle DC will ever get/have a good enough SAM.

 

[eagle45]

19 hours ago, PoconoDon said:

Among all of the LB'er positions, it sounds like the SAM requires the greatest ability in this scheme. Might have to draft one early to give the team what it needs. Oh wait, Howie....never mind.

Feels like it's a bit of a throwback to the SAM in JJ's defenses.  It wasn't a playmaking position that stood out, but it sure required some divergent skill sets and talents.  Extensive responsibilities in coverage yet also directly squaring off against OL....there aren't many players out there that can adequately do both of those things.  Most with the strength and athleticism to do that are developmentally funneled into being edge rushers.  

Carlos Emmons did it so well, but he got away with a lot of contact in coverage that wouldn't fly now.  Gocong handled OL so well for a SAM, but was lost in coverage.  

Playing on ball and dropping into coverage might be the hardest thing a defensive player can do.