Redemption for Castillo following Eagles’ victory

Published: October 17th, 2011 | Tags: Around the League, Andy Reid, Juan Castillo, Philadelphia Eagles

As much as Eagles coach Andy Reid had come under fire for the team’s awful start, there’s no denying defensive coordinator Juan Castillo was right there with him taking some major heat.

Maybe things are a little cooler now, though, for Castillo after Philadelphia’s 20-13 road win in Washington. After all, the Eagles put a stop to their four-game losing streak thanks mostly to a long-awaited impressive defensive effort.

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“You could see the weight of the world had been lifted off of Juan’s shoulders after the game,” Philadelphia Inquirer beat writer Jeff McLane said on “Around the League” Monday. “He sat down, was beaming as he spoke to reporters. Eagles president Joe Banner even came over at one point and patted him on the knee and said ‘Good job.’

“Juan has been under a lot of pressure in this city. … I think a lot of people thought his play-calling was questionable in those first five games, but you saw that he was able to make adjustments in this game.”

Those adjustments resulted in four interceptions and — perhaps more importantly – holding the Redskins to just 42 rushing yards. The Eagles improved to 2-4, probably a good thing for fans because another week of upheaval in Philly couldn’t be good for their mental health. Listening to endless complaints about how Castillo shouldn’t be running the defense because of his background as an offensive coach was getting old.

At least for this week, let’s give Castillo credit where credit is due. He out-coached Mike Shanahan, who had two weeks to prepare the Redskins coming off the bye week. At the very least, maybe Eagles fans will lay off Castillo — and Reid, for that matter — for just a week and enjoy a much-needed win.

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Castillo breaks leg against Vikings

Published: September 11th, 2011 | Tags: Mike Tolbert, Luis Castillo, San Diego Chargers, Week 1 injuries 2011

UPDATE: During his postgame session with reporters, Tolbert said he “got rolled up on,” but he didn’t exactly appear concerned. “It’s a part of football put some dirt on it and move on.”

The Chargers lost DE Luis Castillo during Sunday’s victory over the Vikings. Castillo was carted off the sideline and taken to the locker room during the fourth quarter. The San Diego Union reported Sunday night that Castillo suffered a fractured tibia in his left leg. It is unclear if he will be able to return this season.

Meanwhile, running back Mike Tolbert had a monster game with three touchdowns , but his afternoon ended on a negative note.

Tolbert limped off the field late during the fourth quarter, favoring his right leg. He immediately went down to the ground once he reached the sideline, and was later spotted on the trainer’s table, where team trainers were administering tests typically associated with knee injuries. The Chargers made no announcement on his status.

– Frank Tadych

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