PHL Anon
We’ve all made and heard the jokes about Marcus Smith. We’ve all wondered to ourselves or out loud as to why Eric Rowe isn’t getting more playing time over Chris Maragos. Well, this weekend is primed to be a week of answers. Can they play?
With Connor Barwin not practicing all week, Smith is set to potentially start and see the most playing time in his career. So what does he have to say about it?
I feel really good. I’ve been playing the last couple of games, they’ve been rotating me in and I’ve been getting reps. I’m already prepared and ready to play the position.
I’m in a great place right now. I’m in a high place right now. I think that I’m just very appreciative of what I am getting. I’m very humble and once I get the opportunity to get more reps, you’ll see more plays.
Well, honestly it’s not possible for him to make less plays. We are talking about the guy that’s played in 14 games and has recorded one… ONE (1!) assisted tackle. Not even a solo job. So he’s setting a torrid pace of .07 assisted tackles a game. Watch out!
So what did Chip say about Marcus?
I think Marcus has come along. Obviously, our two premier starting, outside linebackers are Connor Barwin and Brandon Graham. Brandon has played well of late; Connor has been at work for us. But we’re confident that if Connor can’t go, then Marcus can fill in fine.
Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but what’s he supposed to say? Let’s just hope that Smith shows up and actually flashes on Sunday. If not, it could get ugly quick on the field, in the media, and on Twitter.
…
Now, let’s talk about Eric Rowe. I don’t always believe that because you aren’t getting playing time it’s because you can’t play. Coaches absolutely fall in love with players sometimes and give them every opportunity regardless of being out played. Remember Chad Hall?
Now it’s time to see if Rowe can play, which I absolutely think he can. Corner is a position that absolutely needs to get in a rhythm and feel of a game to preform. So, this weekend he should get his shot.
How has Rowe felt about his lack of playing time?
Yeah, it’s frustrating. I’m sure I’m not the only one going through it, but that’s just how it is.
We’ve got some really good guys ahead of me, guys who’ve been in the league a long time, so I just have to be patient, keep pushing, keep competing and keep getting better so when the time does come, I’m ready to go out there and play at a high level.
Bill Davis said this week that the plan for Rowe is to play more during the second half of the season. Rowe, who’s been playing special teams, hasn’t played a single rep on defense since Oct. 11.
Davis had this to say:
Eric is making steady progress. Eric will get more and more playing time as we go forward.
He’s doing well in practice. He continues to grow and learn the scheme. I think we’re bringing him along at the right pace. In the second half of the season, I think you’ll see him play more and more.
This is good news for fans, and Rowe. We will get to see our 2nd round pick finally contributing, and I think you’ll see a player to be excited about. So, what did Rowe have to say in response to all of this?
I’m ready if they ask me to take on more of a load. I’m ready. I’m always prepared. Always study the gameplan just in case.
My knowledge of the defense is a lot better. I’m a lot more comfortable in the defense now than I was before.
There are a lot more tools I feel like I can use now that I didn’t understand earlier in the year and in the preseason. So I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better even though I haven’t been playing.
The time is final here, Eagles fans. Time to see how effective these two can be, and prepare for all out savagery on twitter if they don’t preform. I know I’ll be excited to see how it all goes down.
via CSN Philly, NJ.com