Jonathan Gannon: “We’re not a dime team,” when asked why the #Eagles don’t go with 6 DBs vs. 11 on 3d and longs.
“We go with four down and 2 LBs.”
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) October 5, 2021
The Eagles allowed 11 catches, 186-yards, and 3 touchdowns to Chiefs star wide receiver Tyreek Hill on Sunday, eliminating any chance of Philadelphia pulling off the upset.
On several big plays from Hill, the electric wide receiver was actually matched up on middle linebacker, Eric Wilson. Afterward, media pundits and critics couldn’t understand why Gannon didn’t employ a dime defense, with more defensive backs and fewer linebackers.
On Tuesday, Gannon met with the media, and gave an interesting response, stating that this Philadelphia roster is without a ‘Dime’ Package on defense.
In terms of extra defensive backs, the Eagles have Mac McCain, Zech McPhearson, Josiah Scott, and Andre Chachere as extra cornerbacks on the active roster, as well as, Michael Jacquet and Craig James on the practice squad.
The Eagles’ lack of a dynamic middle linebacker or ability to seriously address the position via the draft, makes the statement even more unsettling.
Gannon’s lack of faith in adding any one of those seven cornerbacks to the defense on obvious passing downs is concerning and speaks volumes about where Philadelphia’s biggest holes are at on defense.
