Former Eagles offensive lineman Brian Baldinger is one of the premier analysts in the business today. Baldinger has carefully studied rookie middle linebacker Jamar Chaney over the past two weeks and to say that Baldinger is impressed would be an understatement.
"Jamar Chaney is already one of the best MLBs in the league after his first start," Baldinger wrote on NFL.com. "He was phenomenal in every phase of the game on Sunday against the Giants, in terms of recognition, physicality, getting off blocks, stopping the run downhill and sideline-to-sideline speed."
Wow.
Chaney had 16 tackles including one for loss in the Eagles' 38-31 win over the Giants in his first career start. Chaney was at his best against the run as Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw totaled 100 yards on the ground. In the Giants' win over Minnesota the week before, Jacobs and Bradshaw each had 100 rushing yards.
Chaney got the start after Stewart Bradley dislocated his elbow against the Cowboys. Chaney came in and had eight tackles in the Eagles' win.
Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott praised Chaney, but said that Bradley would be the starter once he's healthy.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 10:13 a.m., December 24
