A day after the Eagles released starting linebacker Zach Brown, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz wasn't all that interested in explaining why.
"Well, that's probably more of a question for Doug (Pederson) and Howie (Roseman)," Schwartz said on Tuesday afternoon. "I will say this: We need more production from our linebacker position in general."
Schwartz also mentioned that Kamu Grugier-Hill has been getting healthier coming back from his MCL sprain and it seems like he's ready to take back his more significant role in the defense. A starting three of Nigel Bradham, Grugier-Hill and Nate Gerry is probably what we're looking at going forward, depending on the severity of Bradham's ankle injury. During training camp, Bradham and Grugier-Hill were the Eagles' linebackers in their nickel package.
Still, it certainly seems unusual that the Eagles cut Brown a day after he played 58 defensive snaps (82 percent) against the Vikings. Brown, 29, started every game for the Eagles through six weeks.
So was there something specific that happened to lead to Brown's release?
"I'll just leave that to those guys," Schwartz said. "They can address those roster decisions."
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Of course, Brown did trash talk about Kirk Cousins heading into last weekend and then Cousins threw for 333 yards and four touchdowns against the Eagles. Perhaps that had something to do with his release, but that's just speculation at this point. Pederson's next press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Schwartz was also asked specifically about a role for rookie T.J. Edwards, who has played just 12 defensive snaps all season. Schwartz said the release of Brown could "maybe" mean more of a role for the rookie from Wisconsin.
"All that kid has done when we put him in the game is made the plays that have come to him," Schwartz said. "He's been physical, he's been a sure tackler and he's been assignment-sound. Those are all three good things to be said about a linebacker."
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