Post by EagleGene on Mar 13, 2006 2:35:59 GMT -5
Howard Here, Next Step Is...
March 12, 2006
By BOB KENT
Darren Howard says he "wants to get back on the winning side" and believes he could do just that in Philadelphia. The former Saints defensive end met with team officials Sunday, underwent a physical and will remain in town until Monday morning.
Will he sign before leaving?
"Anything's possible," Howard told a gathering of reporters Sunday afternoon at the NovaCare Complex. "It's going well right now, but we'll just see how everything works out."
In his six seasons in New Orleans, Howard was referred to as "the cornerstone" of that defense. He was so highly regarded that the Saints twice used the franchise tag on him during the time of free agency, limiting his mobility. Twice in his six seasons there, Howard had 11 sacks.
But after an injury-plagued 2005 season that limited Howard to 12 games and 3 ½ quarterback sacks, the Saints understood it was more practical to give Howard a chance to shop his services.
Howard is spending Sunday night with the coaching staff, at which time they could put on the full-court press for his services.
Howard says he has no visits scheduled, although there is interest from other teams and it's possible that he could schedule visits for early in the week.
"I think I can add some pass rush and take some pressure off Jevon (Kearse) on the other side," said Howard. "Jim Johnson mentioned to me how he likes to get after the quarterback and pressure the passer and I think I have the ability to do that and help this team do that."
Howard has played both on the right side of the defensive line and on the left side. He's comfortable playing on either side or inside or, even, dropping back in coverage.
"It's just coming down to people making an agreement," said Howard of his chances of signing with the Eagles.
As for his health, Howard said he is 100 percent fine. He's been bothered by wrist and knee injuries the last few seasons and Howard characterized the wrist injury he suffered three years ago as the one that was most major.
Otherwise, Howard sounded on Sunday like a man who is going to enjoy a new start in a new city. His Saints days are behind him. The Eagles hope Howard's new start comes in Philadelphia.
March 12, 2006
By BOB KENT
Darren Howard says he "wants to get back on the winning side" and believes he could do just that in Philadelphia. The former Saints defensive end met with team officials Sunday, underwent a physical and will remain in town until Monday morning.
Will he sign before leaving?
"Anything's possible," Howard told a gathering of reporters Sunday afternoon at the NovaCare Complex. "It's going well right now, but we'll just see how everything works out."
In his six seasons in New Orleans, Howard was referred to as "the cornerstone" of that defense. He was so highly regarded that the Saints twice used the franchise tag on him during the time of free agency, limiting his mobility. Twice in his six seasons there, Howard had 11 sacks.
But after an injury-plagued 2005 season that limited Howard to 12 games and 3 ½ quarterback sacks, the Saints understood it was more practical to give Howard a chance to shop his services.
Howard is spending Sunday night with the coaching staff, at which time they could put on the full-court press for his services.
Howard says he has no visits scheduled, although there is interest from other teams and it's possible that he could schedule visits for early in the week.
"I think I can add some pass rush and take some pressure off Jevon (Kearse) on the other side," said Howard. "Jim Johnson mentioned to me how he likes to get after the quarterback and pressure the passer and I think I have the ability to do that and help this team do that."
Howard has played both on the right side of the defensive line and on the left side. He's comfortable playing on either side or inside or, even, dropping back in coverage.
"It's just coming down to people making an agreement," said Howard of his chances of signing with the Eagles.
As for his health, Howard said he is 100 percent fine. He's been bothered by wrist and knee injuries the last few seasons and Howard characterized the wrist injury he suffered three years ago as the one that was most major.
Otherwise, Howard sounded on Sunday like a man who is going to enjoy a new start in a new city. His Saints days are behind him. The Eagles hope Howard's new start comes in Philadelphia.