Post by EagleGene on Dec 30, 2005 15:48:12 GMT -5
NEW FACE AND A ?? FOR DEFENSE
December 29, 2005
By DAVE SPADARO
You've waited to see him all season. Second-round draft pick Matt McCoy has been inactive in all but three games this season, but that apparently is going to change on Sunday. Meanwhile, defensive end Jevon Kearse has a knee injury that may keep him out of the game against Washington.
Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said on Thursday that McCoy, the rookie from San Diego State, was in the plans at WILL linebacker for this game. McCoy indicated in the locker room before practice that he didn't expect to start, but that his practice reps had increased and that he would likely see time.
"I've been working hard and hopefully it will pay off when I get in there," said McCoy. "I've been waiting. I'm ready. This is the 17th week and I've been watching the guys and see how they've played."
Keith Adams is expected to start, with McCoy as one of the reserves at the position. Previously, Mark Simoneau had been on the field with Jeremiah Trotter in the nickel defense. How McCoy fits in is to be determined.
Whatever happens, he just wants to be on the field.
"I've been learning. It's been frustrating, but it's also been a learning experience," said McCoy. "I should get a chance to get in there. I want to play smart and aggressive and fly around to the football."
As for Kearse, who is listed as questionable with the right knee injury he suffered against the Cardinals and who did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, he said he'll continue to rehab the injury and see how it feels on Sunday.
"I was told that maybe I have a torn meniscus, that there may be some fluid on the MCL," said Kearse. "It's just a part of work, part of the game, I guess. I'm day to day right now.
"It's going to go all the way down to game time. It's going to be a before-game decision. Personally, I want to finish up strong."
If Kearse doesn't play, N.D. Kalu and Juqua Thomas would split time at left defensive end.
December 29, 2005
By DAVE SPADARO
You've waited to see him all season. Second-round draft pick Matt McCoy has been inactive in all but three games this season, but that apparently is going to change on Sunday. Meanwhile, defensive end Jevon Kearse has a knee injury that may keep him out of the game against Washington.
Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said on Thursday that McCoy, the rookie from San Diego State, was in the plans at WILL linebacker for this game. McCoy indicated in the locker room before practice that he didn't expect to start, but that his practice reps had increased and that he would likely see time.
"I've been working hard and hopefully it will pay off when I get in there," said McCoy. "I've been waiting. I'm ready. This is the 17th week and I've been watching the guys and see how they've played."
Keith Adams is expected to start, with McCoy as one of the reserves at the position. Previously, Mark Simoneau had been on the field with Jeremiah Trotter in the nickel defense. How McCoy fits in is to be determined.
Whatever happens, he just wants to be on the field.
"I've been learning. It's been frustrating, but it's also been a learning experience," said McCoy. "I should get a chance to get in there. I want to play smart and aggressive and fly around to the football."
As for Kearse, who is listed as questionable with the right knee injury he suffered against the Cardinals and who did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, he said he'll continue to rehab the injury and see how it feels on Sunday.
"I was told that maybe I have a torn meniscus, that there may be some fluid on the MCL," said Kearse. "It's just a part of work, part of the game, I guess. I'm day to day right now.
"It's going to go all the way down to game time. It's going to be a before-game decision. Personally, I want to finish up strong."
If Kearse doesn't play, N.D. Kalu and Juqua Thomas would split time at left defensive end.