PressOfAtlanticCity: Johnson says Gaither ready to take charge (Eagle news)

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By DAVID WEINBERG Staff Writer

Published: Friday, August 24, 2007

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/story/7498101p-7394564c.html

PHILADELPHIA - Just because Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson had a hard time parting ways with Jeremiah Trotter didn't mean he thought it was a bad move.

As much as he admired Trotter as a leader and player, Johnson also realized it was time for Omar Gaither to be the starting middle linebacker.

"Yeah, it affected me," Johnson said Thursday. "I have a lot of respect for him. One thing about Trotter is that he's a team player. Another thing is he was a pro.

"It was a hard thing to do as much as I like Trotter, but we have to move forward. We wanted to get Omar on the field. It's as simple as that."

Trotter is also on the move. The 30-year-old was in Tampa Bay on Thursday meeting with Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden and defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and has drawn interest from several other teams.

[dockeryfan]

Yeah, well he also put bowtie at the strong side and played Simoneau in the middle. Excuse me for not being overly ascared of the Omar in the middle quite yet.