Even though the outcome was never truly in doubt during the Eagles' 33-14 triumph over the Buccaneers Sunday afternoon, linebacker Omar Gaither was not pleased with the defense's performance.

"For whatever reason it was, we were sloppy today," Gaither said. "But we made enough big plays to kind of make up for it. You can't expect to do that every game against every opponent. We understand that and we know we have to get better."

The Eagles allowed 303 yards of total offense to the Buccaneers, who were led by second-year quarterback Josh Johnson. Several times the Eagles were backed up against the wall only to come up with a big play - including Asante Samuel's two interceptions and Sheldon Brown's third pick of the season.

"We don't like that," Gaither said. "A lot of penalties when we could have gotten off the field. We weren't able to get off the field because of those penalties. We don't like that term 'bend, but don't break.' We don't want to bend or break."

It was an interesting day for Gaither, who split time at middle linebacker with the returning Jeremiah Trotter. Trotter played about 20 plays, with Gaither getting the majority of the time - but they did share the stage before the game.

During the introduction of the defense to the crowd, Gaither was announced with the linebackers and Trotter was the last player out of the tunnel, swinging his signature ax.

"I think it was great," Gaither said of the introduction. "Coach Reid is a stand-up guy. I don't think there was any better way that he could have done that. I just feel special the fact that they introduced me at all. Trot getting to come out at the end kind of put chills through me.

"(Trotter) deserves everything he gets. He's been a rock for the team, for this city."

On the field, Gaither's performance was unaffected by the substitution pattern. He was stout against the run and pass, notching four tackles, two behind the line of scrimmage.

"I just wanted to make plays," he said. "Whenever I'm out there I just want to make plays. Obviously I would like to play every snap, but we're going to work this thing together and see how it will benefit the team."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 10:13 a.m., October 12