Chaney developing as a leader on D?

SadPenguin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:30:59 -0000

So I found an article over on Philly.com talking about Chaney and his progression throughout the season so far and thought you guys might find it interesting. If you ask me, this defense is going to go as far as our linebackers take us.

Take a look. The article can be found HERE

I saw enough of Chaney to forget the fact that he was a 7th round draft pick after I saw him replace Stewart Bradley to finish the season last year. The guy was a little raw, and probably still is, but you could see he had some potential. Especially after Beef Stew, who was probably healthy enough to play against the Packers in the playoffs, continued to ride the pine in favor of Chaney.

Going back to week 2, critics, fans and even DT Cullen Jenkins have been calling this Eagles defense out and talking about the lack of leadership. I agree that we definitely are lacking that Ray Lewis like presence, but leadership and talent like that is hard to come by in today's NFL. But what jumped out at me in this article, and is probably the best news I can take away from the absolute shellacking of the Cowboys this past Sunday night, is Jamar Chaney telling Jason Babin, one of the league leaders in sacks, to shut up in his huddle.

Moving back to middle linebacker from the unfamiliar strongside spot after the second game of the season has helped Chaney, as well. He feels more comfortable leading, as the signal-caller of the defense. Defensive end Jason Babin said he started to say something in the huddle during the Dallas game, only to have Chaney tell him to shut up. "He said, 'This is my huddle!' " Babin recalled. "I was like, 'Whoa!' " On a defense that lacked people stepping up and taking charge earlier in the season, that was an important development.

"I think that suits me," Chaney said yesterday. "I like to be the leader of the defense. That's what I've always been, at Mississippi State, and in high school. I'm getting more comfortable each and every week."

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20111103_Chaney_s_pick_was_a_good_sign.html#ixzz1ceMOeDW8
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Hopefully, Jamar Chaney, who led the D with 6 solo tackles and 1 assist on Sunday can build on his performance and continue to develop into the standout 7th round steal that I think he is.

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Chaney developing as a leader on D?