Crunch Time is a compilation of hits and a few misses from Eagles training camp.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Right now, it's hard to figure exactly how Victor Abiamiri fits in.
But this is the Eagles' defensive line we're talking about. If the past few years are any indication, there will be injuries, and opportunity for the second-round rookie defensive end from Notre Dame, easily identifiable on the field as the Birds' biggest (6-4, 267) defensive end.
So far in training camp, Abiamiri has stood out for more than just his size.
"(Abiamiri) has had a good camp so far," Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said recently. "He has to continue on. But he shows he's a very physical end and good against the run, and shows some pass rush."
Right now, the Eagles list Abiamiri as a third-teamer on the right side, behind Trent Cole and Darren Howard. The left side, with Jevon Kearse and Juqua Thomas ahead of Jerome McDougle, doesn't look any easier to crack. Of course, Kearse, McDougle and Howard have all been limited by injury in recent years, and Cole has tended to wear down.
Abiamiri said he's more worried about what he needs to do than with who's in front of him.
"I'm my own biggest critic; I feel there's a lot of room to improve," Abiamiri said. "There's a lot of techniques I got away with not knowing in college, but now I'm going against guys who are more technically sound. I've got to improve."
* Max Jean-Gilles didn't fight anybody Sunday, Or Saturday, even.
* Jason Davis absolutely rocked Nate Iloa as Iloa set up to block for a kickoff return.
* A flashy double-reverse ended with Reggie Brown having to cut inside against a firm defense. Brown gained about 5 yards.
* In one-on-one line drills, Trent Cole ripped inside and through Winston Justice, but on the next rep, Cole and Justice locked up for about 10 seconds and Justice held his ground.
* Donovan McNabb and Kevin Curtis hooked up for a 55-yard TD bomb, Curtis beating Sheldon Brown for the end zone catch. Earlier, Curtis shook off a collision with a goalpost.
* Jerome McDougle broke up a shuffle pass from McNabb to Correll Buckhalter. Nobody wants to hear it at this point, but McDougle actually has looked pretty good so far.
* A.J. Feeley showed nice touch on an end zone fade TD pass to Greg Lewis, but the catch was negated when blitzing Sean Considine was awarded a “sack.” That’s always a judgement call in practice, since you can’t actually hit the QB.
* Marcus Paschal stepped in front of Greg Lewis and got a hand on a Feeley pass, but instead of knocking it down, he deflected it straight to Lewis, who took off down the sideline.
The Time's Yours
The Monday morning session begins at 8:15, as usual.The 2 p.m. afternoon practice will be strictly special teams. Defensive linemen and linebackers are scheduled for the autogrpah tent.
Quote of Note
"I don't see anything that would remind me that he had knee surgery several months ago ... He's been moving and grooving pretty good." -- Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg on Donovan McNabb.
-- Les Bowen
Rich Hofmann has been at the Daily News since 1980. He previously blogged the Eagles' postseason run in 2006. 
Ed Barkowitz was the first Philadelphia Newspaper journalist to write a blog, starting back in 2002.
Comments (1)
So, McDougle has looked good so far? Is there any chance he makes this team or is it too early for predictions?
Posted by Mike in Seattle | August 6, 2007 11:55 AM