On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles signed veteran linebacker Stephen Tulloch to a one year deal. This signing makes sense because the Eagles needed linebacker depth, however, Stephen Tulloch could start for the Philadelphia Eagles. Tulloch has spent the past five seasons playing middle linebacker for the Detroit Lions. Aside from his shortened 2014 season due to an ACL tear, Tulloch surpassed 100 tackles each season in Detroit. Rising rookie linebacker Joe Walker tore his ACL in last Thursday’s preseason game, paving the way for Tulloch to be signed. In what is a weak group of linebackers, depth-wise, Tulloch will add depth and possibly see a great amount of playing time this season.
Stephen Tulloch Could Start for the Philadelphia Eagles
Finding a player that can come in just several weeks before the regular season and help contribute immediately is tough to find. Luckily for Tulloch, his job is much easier thanks to his past with Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Schwartz was Tulloch’s defensive coordinator during his time in Tennessee. When Schwartz became the head coach of the Lions he brought Tulloch along with him to man the middle of his defense. His history with Schwartz is huge for himself and the team because he is already use to the defensive scheme. This means that Tulloch will be able to contribute to the Eagles defense week one, barring any injuries.
Could Tulloch Start Over Hicks?
Tulloch’s natural position is middle linebacker, which also happens to be the position of the best linebacker on the team, Jordan Hicks. Hicks burst onto the scene in his rookie season last year, and had a legitimate chance of winning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors if he stayed healthy. In the eight games Hicks appeared in he racked up 50 tackles with two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one touchdown. Hicks two biggest moments of his rookie season both came against the Dallas Cowboys. In the first matchup, Hicks sacked and injured Tony Romo which essentially killed the Cowboys chances last season. Then in the second game against the Cowboys, Hicks picked off Matt Cassel and returned it for a touchdown to help the Eagles win. Although head coach Doug Pederson thinks Tulloch can compete for Hicks starting spot, it seems unlikely that that is Tulloch’s best chance to start. Jordan Hicks is the Eagles best linebacker right now, and it seems unreasonable to think Tulloch could surpass Hicks on the depth chart.
Tulloch’s Best Chance to Start
One Eagle who has been very quiet so far this preseason is linebacker Mychal Kendricks. That is because Kendricks hasn’t played in either of the first two preseason games with a quad injury. He is projected to play on the outside this season. Before last season, Kendricks signed a pretty lucrative extension that he didn’t live up to last season. The hope for this season is that Kendricks can return to the form that earned him the contract extension. Jim Schwartz could use Kendricks athleticism and speed to rush the quarterback, which Kendricks has been very good at in past seasons. However, Kendricks isn’t off to a very good start because he hasn’t even played. If Tulloch wants to start week one, this is most likely his best chance.
This was a Great Signing for Philly
Even if Stephen Tulloch doesn’t start right away, it is a great addition to a position that lacked depth. It is even more perfect that Tulloch has played in a Jim Schwartz’ defense for basically his whole career. Jordan Hicks is the best linebacker on the team, and his spot seems sealed barring an injury. Nigel Bradham is the other linebacker projected to be on the outside for the Eagles. Bradham is also a Jim Schwartz’ favorite, having played for Schwartz in Buffalo in 2014. This makes it unlikely for Tulloch to take Bradham’s spot, leaving only Kendricks in danger of losing his spot. Time will tell for Stephen Tulloch, but for now it is a signing that the Eagles should be very happy with.
