Prior to the team's Wednesday practice, defensive coordinator Bill Davis spoke with the Philadelphia media and discussed the team's defensive line and the challenge the defense will face taking on Cam Newton on Sunday ...
On Panther Cam Newton:
Bill Davis: The progression that Cam Newton has made throughout his career has really stood out. He's settled into the pass game this year
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
Davis: On first and second down, Newton's run are designed. Third down, they are scrambles.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
Davis: Newton's such a playmaker. You just have to keep those plays to a minimum.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
Davis: The one thing with Newton is while you can spy him, can you tackle him because he's so big. That's where Connor Barwin's size helps
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
Davis: Greg Olsen is really hitting his stride and is Newton's top target.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
On ILBs injuries:
Davis: We're going to test with waters with Mychal and Kiko a little bit. I hope they surprise me, but I don't know if they will
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
Davis: Knowing DeMeco, the way he handles injuries, he's a warrior. Still day-to-day.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
On read option:
Davis: Practicing against the read-option in #Eagles practice helps. It's not a brand-new conversation among coaches
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
On the Panthers:
Davis: When an O-line can play together as one position, these guys are very strong in the run game. It's going to be a big challenge for us
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
On the Nolan Carroll interception:
Davis: Carroll interception came out of a hard two-deep zone. Eli threw one right where he hoped he would.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
On rookie Jordan Hicks:
Davis: You don't know how rookies are going to react to game situations. That's where they usually hit a wall. Hicks is as calm as a veteran
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
On turnovers:
Davis: Turnovers, we're going for three a game. I'm more excited about the tackling that we're doing. Carolina doesn't turn the ball over.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
Davis: The hardest part of fumble recovery is keeping it on the bottom of a scrum. That's something we practice every week.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
On E.J. Biggers:
Davis: E.J. Biggers brings great quickness, speed and intelligence. He has both nickel and dime spots down. That helps us schematically.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
On Vinny Curry:
Davis: The sack numbers are coming for Vinny Curry
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
On Marcus Smith:
Coach Davis: Marcus Smith is taking steps in the right direction. Giants played a lot of 3-receiver sets, limiting his snaps.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 21, 2015
On the D-Line:
Davis said he realized early on after taking the job in 2013 that the D-line could be special once they learned to two-gap.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
Coach Davis: Our defensive line doesn't just read the run, they shed blocks as well as anyone. They're strong and they work hard.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 21, 2015
On responding to miscommunication and staying mentally tough:
Davis: I love the way our guys responded after the miscommunication on the Giants touchdown. A testament to the chemistry and camaraderie
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
Davis: Mentally tough teams win the most games in the NFL. When you're team is mentally tough and can take a punch and come back to work.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) October 21, 2015
