November 23, 2008 Omar Gaither will ride the pine today as the Eagles decided to start Akeem Jordan at weak-side linebacker, according to FOX Sports.
Our View:Gaither has not been as productive as the Eagles hoped this season, and they feel that Jordan can keep up with rookie running back Ray Rice. Gaither should be pulled from IDP lineups for today.
June 23, 2008 Omar Gaither will be sent loose on blitzes more often as he moves to the weak side at linebacker in 2008, according to Eagles.com. Gaither said, "I still have to get comfortable at WLB, but I don't think it will take as long. You blitz a little more, do some more pass drops. The defense as a whole is focused on getting turnovers and we're doing things in practice to develop the right habits."
Our View:DC Jim Johnson also likes Gaither's nose for the ball, and thinks he will be a good fit on the weak side, and help the defense generate more turnovers. Gaither registered 102 tackles (70 solo) at middle linebacker in 2007. He could challenge 100 once again this season, along with a handful of sacks.
February 25, 2008 Philadelphia DC Jim Johnson feels extremely comfortable with his linebacker corps heading into free agency, according to philly.com. In Johnson's nine seasons as defensive coordinator, 17 players have held starting linebacker positions, and the Eagles have never had the same three starting linebackers in consecutive seasons. Johnson feels he has versatile pieces already in place including LBs Stewart Bradley, Omar Gaither, Takeo Spikes, Chris Gocong and Akeem Jordan. The starters are expected to be Spikes on the weak side, Gaither in the middle and Gocong on the strong side. Bradley will also be in the mix in the middle, after showing promise last year.
