Head coach Andy Reid praised linebacker Ernie Sims for his performance in Friday night's game against the Bengals. However, if you look at the stat sheet Sims didn't have a tackle, a sack, a QB hurry - nothing.

But Reid said that it was Sims' ability to do the dirty work that allowed other players like Stewart Bradley to shine.

"Wherever the coach puts me in, I'm going to do my best to try and make plays," Sims said after practice on Sunday. "I'm the type of player where I want to be doing all of the big hits. I'm going to do my job. I'm not going to work outside of the scheme. Stew made a helluva hit (on Chad Ochocinco). That's the type of hit that I want. I'm happy for him, but when it comes time for me to make a big play I'm going to make it."

Sims made his biggest impact as a blitzer, which is something that will make defensive coordinator Sean McDermott smile this season. On the play that resulted in a Quintin Mikell interception and a woozy Ochocinco, Sims blitzed along with safety Nate Allen and that rushed Carson Palmer's throw. Neither Palmer nor Ochocinco saw Bradley in the open field as he came over to smack the receiver.

It was on another blitz that led to Dimitri Patterson's interception earlier in the game. Sims and Allen blitzed Palmer's blindside and, again, he rushed the pass to Ochocinco. Patterson read the route, stepped in front of the receiver and took the ball.

So even though Sims didn't get to make the highlight-reel hit, he saw just how valuable he was to the defense's performance.

"After the game, I wasn't disappointed but with the type of player that I am I want my name to be heard out there," Sims said. "Every play I was physical at the point of attack. When I got a chance to watch the film, I felt a little bit better. It's not where I want to be (though)."

Acquired by the Eagles in a trade from the Lions prior to the draft, Sims is expected to be a key factor in this defense as the starting weakside linebacker in 2010.

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 2:35 p.m., August 22