It's tough to be noticed playing on the interior of the defensive line. But the efforts of defensive tackle Mike Patterson are recognized where it matters most - in the locker room.

Smallish for the position, the 6-foot, 292-pound Patterson has steadily improved each season since being drafted out of USC in 2005. He has become one of the premier run-stuffers in the NFC while also demonstrating an ability to disrupt an opponent's passing attack.

The former first-round pick is coming off an outstanding third NFL season during which he registered 114 tackles (most on the defensive line), four quarterback sacks (career high), 10 hurries and a heap of praise from teammates and coaches alike.

"Mike has been an outstanding player and has really elevated his game," said defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. "He is there, day in and day out."

Together with second-year man Brodrick Bunkley, the duo helped change the interior of the defensive line in 2007. Both are better equipped to penetrate into the backfield rather than simply fill space and occupy linemen.

The run defense, a problem in 2006, was a strength in 2007 thanks in part to the play of Patterson and Bunkley. The Eagles allowed 95.8 yards rushing per game in 2007, seventh-fewest in the NFL. Philadelphia's defense ranked 26th in the league in 2006, allowing an average of 136.4 yards a game on the ground.

A technically sound player, Patterson is always around the ball. He does exactly what the coaches need within the scheme.

Last season Patterson took on significantly taller and heavier linemen week in and week out, but still earned credit from his teammates for holding the line of scrimmage. As good as Patterson was against the run, whether or not he made the play, he was also the team's best inside pass rusher.

Patterson opened the season with a career-high 11-tackle effort against the Packers, including a sack of Brett Favre. He tied that career high with 11 tackles in consecutive games against NFC East rivals Dallas and Washington on Nov. 4 and Nov. 11.

At Washington, Patterson registered a key fourth-quarter sack and forced fumble on quarterback Jason Campbell. The turnover led to a Brian Westbrook touchdown to put the Eagles up 33-25 with 2:15 left to play.

In a December win at Dallas, Patterson registered a sack of quarterback Tony Romo as part of a defensive effort that held the Cowboys to then-season lows in points (6), net yards (240), rushing yards (53) and first downs (11).

Patterson was part of an Eagles defense which held the opposition without an offensive touchdown in five games in 2007. It was the highest total since 2002, when they did not allow a scrimmage touchdown in six different games. Also, the defense held opponents to a 36.4% success rate (20 TDs in 55 trips) in the red zone, tops in the NFL and their lowest since 2001 (30.4% - 14 in 46).

In 2007, Patterson became the first Eagles defensive lineman to reach the 100-tackle mark since Andy Harmon in 1994. Also, he and defensive end Trent Cole became the first Eagles defensive line tandem to record 100-plus tackles since 1991, when the entire defensive line had at least 100 tackles apiece (Jerome Brown, 150; Clyde Simmons, 115; Reggie White, 100; Mike Pitts, 100).

Moving into the future, Patterson - together with Bunkley - give the Eagles one of their most promising defensive tackle duos in many seasons.

"We have something going there, no question about it," said Johnson.

- BOB KENT

NOTE: PhiladelphiaEagles.com will not profile players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.




Here is the great thing about Patterson: You know what you are going to get. That is a terrific comfort for a coaching staff, and this staff loves Patterson's durability, his intelligence, his motor, his technique and, most of all, his production. Patterson enjoyed his best season in 2007, playing the run very aggressively and well, and giving a decent push inside.

Patterson wants to improve his pass rush, and the Eagles sure could use more punch up the middle in passing situations. But by and large Patterson is everything the Eagles hoped he would be when they made him their first-round pick in 2005. He goes out and plays good football. Patterson isn't a flashy guy and he isn't necessarily a pretty player on the field. He is a talented defensive tackle who should be considered for the Pro Bowl in the coming seasons.