Eagles eye stronger pass rush at left end

PHILADELPHIA — Darren Howard and Jerome McDougle will see more action at left defensive end as the Eagles continue to try to find a consistent pass-rushing threat opposite Pro Bowl right end Trent Cole.

Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said today that Howard, the top reserve behind Cole, will get more snaps at left defensive end. The team's next preseason game is Friday at New England.

McDougle, a sixth-year veteran who missed all of last season with a torn triceps, also has a "50-50" chance to get some spans with the first defense, Johnson said.

"I think one of the things we're going to do is we're going to let Howard play a little bit of left and right," Johnson said. "We've got to get him on the field as much as possible. That's one thing we're doing."

Juqua Parker is still the team's starting left defensive end, but Parker is viewed as a run-stopping weapon who will also play special teams and play a situational role in certain pass-rushing schemes.

Johnson had hoped newcomer Chris Clemons would provide the consistent pass rush in blitzing situations from the left side but Clemons missed time during camp from dehydration and is currently out with a calf strain. He's still adjusting to an entirely new defense and didn't play against Carolina. His status remains uncertain for the New England game.

Howard and McDougle have mainly played right end but have each impressed the coaches during training camp enough to merit looks at the other side.

Howard, who signed a six-year megadeal in 2006, is coming off two disappointing seasons in which he went from starter to situational reserve at a different position.

Last year, he was mainly used as a tackle in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Injuries have kept McDougle off the field for much of his six-year career. The former 15th overall pick in 2003 has missed two seasons from injuries, including a 2005 season in which he shot during an armed robbery right before training camp and missed the season to recover from surgery.

(delawareonline.com)