Matt Eberflus may resurface on the coaching carousel in 2021, given the Colts’ defensive resurgence. This is Eberflus’ third year as the Colts’ defensive coordinator, with the would-be Josh McDaniels assistant coming to Indianapolis after seven seasons as Cowboys linebackers coach. The Cowboys were ready to make a major change to prevent Eberflus from leaving. They were prepared to promote him to defensive coordinator in 2018, Ed Werder of ESPN.com reports, in a move that would have meant Eberflus replacing Rod Marinelli (Twitter link). Eberflus, however, refused to accept that promotion out of respect for Marinelli. The latter served as Dallas’ DC from 2014-19, with his tenure ending after Jason Garrett‘s 2020 firing.
Here is the latest from the NFC East:
- For the first time since Week 14 of last season, Alshon Jeffery will suit up for a game. The Eagles did not give Jeffery an injury designation going into Week 10, putting the ninth-year wideout on track to make his season debut against the Giants. The Eagles shopped Jeffery for several months, but given the injury-prone receiver’s contract, the team was essentially forced to hang onto the 30-year-old target and wait for his recovery from a Lisfranc injury. Jeffery also battled a calf ailment this season. Jeffery will join previously injured cogs Jalen Reagor, Miles Sanders and Dallas Goedert in Philadelphia’s lineup. It will be easily the healthiest Eagles skill-position group this season.
- The Giants deactivated Golden Tate for their Week 9 game, citing his recent effort and performance. They shopped Tate ahead of the trade deadline, and Tate’s wife expressed frustration about her husband’s role on Instagram. Tate liked another Instagram post championing a change of scenery for him. The 11th-year wide receiver, however, said Friday he did not want to be traded. “No, I wouldn’t say I was trying to get traded,” Tate said, via the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz (on Twitter). “I love this organization, to be honest. I love everything it stands for, and I want to do my part and help us win any way I can.” Waiving Tate would cost the Giants a few million in dead money, but the team is expected to cut or trade him in 2021.
- Patrick Graham has impressed many around the NFL with his work leading the Giants’ defense this season, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com notes. The former Dolphins DC and Patriots assistant may soon receive looks for HC opportunities. While the Giants’ defense ranks 22nd in DVOA, that is up from 28th last season. New York entered the season thin at cornerback and at edge rusher but still has one of the league’s best defensive lines.
- The Giants worked out two former second-round cornerback picks Friday. Former Florida teammates Quincy Wilson and Teez Tabor reunited for a Giants workout. The Jets acquired Wilson from the Colts earlier this year but cut him. Tabor has not played since the 2018 season.
- The Eagles will be without defensive assistant Jeremiah Washburn this week, Tim McManus of ESPN.com tweets. An Eagles coach tested positive for COVID-19 this week. The team has not identified the staffer, but Washburn’s absence provides an indication he contracted the coronavirus. Washburn serves in an interesting capacity with the Eagles, working as a senior defensive assistant and director of player personnel. He previously coached the Bears and Lions’ offensive lines.
In a world that increasingly lacking class, that is a true classy move by Eberflus. Loyalty is in short supply, and is a two-way street. Marinelli also strikes me as a man of principle. Kudos to both men.
Not sure anybody in Philly cares to see Alshon out there anymore…and DJax can go with him.
At this point, you may as well welcome the opportunity to get something out of those contracts. Wentz has been under siege this season with little to throw to. However much Jeffrey has been injured (and Jackson too) they would represent something positive for Wentz to use on the field right now.
bingo. as long as they provide any value its a win at this point
Reagor is returning and is the future, so I’d hate to see the 2 vets stealing paychecks also cut into the action for guys like Reagor and Fulgham.
And so far into this games there’s been no flow and Alshon has accomplished nothing but taking reps from Fulgham.
You’d rather not have more targets for your offense? I get your point, but there’s no reason to not welcome back some kind of help out wide, especially help that’s already been paid for. I’m not saying take reps away from a producing talent, or to re-up a bad or unnecessary contract. You’re right in that whomever is performing best needs to have the reps, but you can’t run an offense with just two options, especially when your once strong TE room is in flux.
I’d like to see them move Jeffrey inside a play or two, just to see if they can get him on the field with Fulham and Reagor. It might help get some production out of that contract and put their best options out there for Wentz to utilize. More is better at this point.
Another great game from Alshon, nice try on the final INT. This guy used to be clutch going up on high balls and that attempt yesterday was downright terrible. Time to cut bait and see why the youngsters can do. All Alshon’s return has done has take Fulgham totally out of sync…Carson’s afraid Alshon will leak some more scoop to Josina…
At first glance, I thought Matt Eberflus was Sean McVay.
ha!…me too…. He’ll probably get a head coaching job soon just because of that lol