So I'm back in Philadelphia now, and I've just finished putting together the last video report from Lehigh. This morning, Andy Reid announced who will and won't play at Baltimore tomorrow night, and I talked with the Inquirer's Bob Brookover about his reflections on this year's time at Lehigh.
Click on the photo below to watch.
That's what Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown said after the last full day of training camp at Lehigh. Brown, Jeremiah Trotter and the Daily News' Les Bowen wrap things up in today's video report. Click on the photo of Trotter below to watch.
By Zach Berman
Practice lasted around two hours again, although for the first time in 10 days, the Eagles were out of pads in the morning.
At this point of training camp, very little is new. What we saw today is simply re-affirming what we've already seen. The next step is the preseason games, where the roster will start to separate.
Nonetheless, we've been blogging each practice and we won't stop now. Here are some observations, notes and tidbits from the final morning practice (tomorrow's mock game is a walk-through, not a practice):
William Thomas left practice early with knee soreness.
I mention Hunt because his hands have been very suspect this camp. The coaches say the right things about how he's working at it, but the point is he has struggled catching out of the backfield. Not today. And perhaps more importantly, his footwork improved to the point that he was able to catch the ball without a hitch in his step.
McCoy had a solid camp. McDougle actually had a very good camp. But there are roster battles at both spot and the Eagles haven't been consistent with the numbers they keep in different positions. Pay attention to those two teams.
The fans can watch the Eagles practice one final time.
Today is the last day open to the public. Practice is 8:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Both are full-team practices. Neither is in full pads.
Here are the links to get you through the morning....
NFC East Link of the Day: The Redskins will use their starters more in the preseason.
That's what Inquirer columnist Ashley Fox says about whether Donovan McNabb should play in the Eagles' preseason opener. Today's training camp video report features the latest news on McNabb, L.J. Smith and the punting duel between Saverio Rocca and Dirk Johnson.
Oh, and it also features Zach's Philly.com video debut. Click on the photo below to watch.
By Zach Berman
The Eagles were able to squeeze a practice in after a night of rain. There was a slight drizzle, but they stayed outside and had their final live periods of training camp.
The live period was a red-zone drill, which was important for Andy Reid. The Eagles practiced around two hours. Here are some observations, notes and tidbits from Friday morning's practice:
Shawn Andrews, Brian Dawkins, Lito Sheppard and Darren Howard were among the big names that missed practice. All are previously reported injuries.
The players see the light at the end of the tunnel on training camp. The problem for the Eagles is they're limping to the light.
The injured list was extensive yesterday and although it was lighter during the afternoon practice, it will be interesting to see what it's like this morning. The team will likely be in pads and the grass is going to be slick.
We'll have all the coverage for you. In the mean time, here are the links:
I want to clarify varying reports on the L.J. Smith injury.
He was able to walk off the field on his own power (although he had trainers by his side); he went to a tent with the training staff. He was then carted from the tent to the locker rooms.
So for the record, Smith both walked off the field and was carted off the field. It's a matter of semantics, but it's worth clarification.
Credit Zach with a hustle play this afternoon, reporting on L.J. Smith's injury and then updating the story with news of Brian Westbrook's return to camp.
Being the old-school reporters that we are, Zach actually called me earlier today with the Westbrook news so I could get it up in a hurry. Which I didn't do because I was still cutting video, but it's the thought that counts, right? Even if the phones were cell phone and mine's a BlackBerry?
Hey, we try.
Anyway, today I present you with not one but TWO videos. First up, Rich Hofmann discusses the impact of Smith's injury and the other injured Eagles, including Tony Hunt; then he responds to Donovan McNabb's statement that he'd "love to play" in the pre-season opener at Baltimore on Monday night.
The second video is a Philly.com exclusive: a one-on-one interview with legendary Eagles radio broadcaster Merrill Reese. Believe it or not, I had never met Reese before today. In addition to having a great voice, he's a really nice guy.
We really are spoiled around here with our broadcasters, aren't we? We have Merrill Reese, Harry Kalas and Dan Baker (who does Drexel basketball in addition to his public address work), as well as Scott Graham, who does college hoops on TV. Now if only we could get Big Al Meltzer back behind the mic...
Anyway, you care about football. So click on the left photo to watch Rich Hofmann and Donovan McNabb, and on the right photo to watch Merrill Reese.
Donovan McNabb spoke for the final time of training camp. You can find what he said after the jump.
Check back tonight for any notes that might come out of this afternoon's 10/10/10 practice and a quick "Meet the Eagles" feature.
Read McNabb after the jump.
Copyright © 2006-2008 Philadelphia Newspapers L.L.C. All Rights Reserved.
Bob Brookover is the Inquirer's Eagles beat writer.
Aaron Knox is Philly.com's sports editor. He has been the man behind Philly.com's live coverage of Eagles games and Eagles training camp since 2002.
Jonathan Tannenwald is a producer with Philly.com. He also writes Philly.com's college sports blog, Soft Pretzel Logic.
Zach Berman works in the Inquirer's sports department.
Patrick A. Carney works in Philly.com's sports department.
