LANDOVER, Md. - Eric Rowe had to step in for Byron Maxwell yesterday just three plays into the Eagles' 23-20 loss to the Washington Redskins.
This was quite a promotion for a second-round rookie who got his first snaps in the defense a week earlier, playing in nickel situations against the Jets.
Rowe didn't look lost. He played outside, and a lot of Washington's damage was done underneath, where the Eagles were missing linebackers Kiko Alonso (knee) and Mychal Kendricks, who reinjured his hamstring early on. But Rowe also didn't look ready to step up and save a season that Chip Kelly and his overmatched offensive line seem to be busily flushing down the pipes.