The Eagles have made moves tonight to acquire two franchise NFL defenders. Philly dealt all-pro tackle Jason Peters to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in return for middle linebacker Barrett Ruud. Shortly after, the Eagles sent their 2009 first and forth round picks to Green Bay for all-pro free safety Nick Collins. Having already added Robert Mathis to the defensive line, these moves add big time difference makers to each tier of the Eagles defense. The Eagles defense that was once fueled by outstanding play from Brian Dawkins and Jerrimiah Trotter, can now be forgotten. Ruud and Collins add to an already fierce defensive lineup featuring Trent Cole, Robert Mathis, Will Witherspoon, Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown, Brodrick Bunkley, Mike Patterson, and other up and coming defenders. With this many playmakers, the plays will be made. Barrett Ruud Spoiler 2009: 142 tackles, 107 solo, 1 int, 7 PD, 1 FF 2008: 137 tackles, 102 solo, 3 sacks, 2 int, 6 PD 2007: 114 tackles, 83 solo, 2 int, 3 PD, 3 FF Ruud not only has a great nose for the ball, and is a sure tackler; but his coverage skills rank amongst the best in the NFL as a linebacker. Check out this interception made deep downfield in the endzone. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-lqEhdR-ME"]YouTube- Barrett Ruud INT vs. Chicago[/ame] Nick Collins Spoiler Collins has come on strong in the past two seasons with Green Bay, earning Pro Bowl honors in both years. In 08 and 09, Collins combined for 28 passes defended, 13 interceptions, 3 touchdowns, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble. It's this kind of impact that the eagles missed in 2009 without longtime free safety Brian Dawkins. Collins will bring the fire back to the Eagles secondary. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IzDboGfUgk"]YouTube- Nick Collins Highlights ![/ame]
