Leadership. Chemistry.
They are two of the most underrated things that lead teams to championships. Andy Reid and the Eagles worked out former MIKE backer Jeremiah Trotter this week. Trot hasn’t chopped wood in the NFL since 2007, and hasn’t played in Eagle green since 2006.
His best days are clearly behind him, but he could still be the leader the Eagles desperately need on defense.
For years, the Eagles had continuity on the defensive side of the ball. Brian Dawkins flew around the field, making plays, drilling opposing running backs and receivers, and just being a ballhawk. Weapon X was the leader of one of the most consistent defenses over the last decade.
Jim Johnson ran his system through Dawk.
Sadly, JJ is gone — a victim to melenoma cancer.
And, Dawk the Ballhawk is now wearing a hideous orange crush jersey. Gone is his playmaking ability. Gone is his leadersip. Gone is the chemistry that led the Eagles to five NFC Championship appearances in eight years.
Sure, the Birds counted on Stewart Bradley to step into the leader role. A devastating knee injury during Flight Night in August stripped him of his season, and the Eagles of their quarterback on defense.
Two games into the season, Sean McDermott and Andy Reid know they need a veteran leader on defense. Asante Samuel doesn’t carry the same weight that Dawk or Trotter did. Sheldon Brown can’t be that guy due to his contract situation.
The Eagles worked out the Axeman on Thursday. Andy Reid has said Trot moved very well, maybe even better than he did when he was released two years ago.
No matter what, his best days are behind him on the field. Off the field, he could be what the Eagles miss.
It may have taken two weeks, but Reid and Co. finally admitted they made a reDawkulous mistake by letting the heart and soul of their defense test the free agent waters, and ultimately leave for Denver.
That has to be the main reason why they inquired about Trotter.
The Axeman may be their only hope to have the defense regain the intensity they displayed for the last decade. The Eagles need Trot and his enthusiasm.
Andy, get the deal done. Make the best of your reDawkulous error. Sign Trot and give the defense a heart. Otherwise, we’ll be stuck with a tinman defense this year.
