For most players, special teams are something to be endured. For linebacker Adrian Moten, they’re something to be embraced. Moten knows he has a job in the NFL because he’s a good special teams player.
“They don't just give out checks around here -- you’ve got to be good somewhere,’’ Moten said on Wednesday after his first practice with the Eagles. “So I’ve got to do whatever I’ve got to do to make a killing on special teams.”
Actually, special teams have been killing the Eagles. They’re near the bottom of the NFL statistics chart in almost every category, and poor kickoff coverage almost cost them Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. Coach Andy Reid was determined that wouldn’t happen again, so he released linebacker Brian Rolle, who started 13 games last year, and signed Moten, who was cut in training camp this year. The move was made because Moten is better on special teams.
Moten played at Maryland and originally signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2011 as a rookie free agent. He played in 10 games and had seven tackles before being waived in November. Then, he was claimed by Seattle and played in the Seahawks’ final two games.
“I understand the importance of special teams to the team in general and I understand how important they are to me,’’ Moten said. “I want to be here for a long time and I know the only way for me to do that is to play well on special teams and make an impact there.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow @CBSEagles.
