Eye on the Eagles

With two days remaining until rookies report to training camp at Lehigh University, the Eagles have come to terms with their final unsigned draft pick. The Eagles announced today they have agreed to a four year contract with quarterback Kevin Kolb. The former Houston standout will likely start the season as the team’s third quarterback.

Kolb, a two time All-Conference USA player, finished his career ranked third in NCAA Division I-A history in total yards (13,715). The Stephenville, Texas native was the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year in his senior season.

Here is the transcript from Kevin Kolb's press conference after signing a four year contract with the Eagles.

On how happy he is to get the signing out of the way:

“Oh, I’m pumped. It was getting down to the wire and I think everyone was getting a little bit antsy. I’m very excited and I know my family is as well, and I hope the Eagles are just as excited as we are.”

On whether his signing took longer than expected and what the delay was:

“Maybe not expected, just a little more than what I would’ve wanted. I know that a lot of times it comes down to this point and luckily it didn’t get any further. Like I said, I was getting a little bit nervous and I definitely wanted to be there (at training camp) with the rest of the guys, and especially not miss anything and get behind. That’s my biggest fear. I want to keep that respect I’ve earned so far.”

On whether there was a doubt that he would get signed before camp:

“No, I really though it would [get done] just because of the two sides that were working. We’re obviously very fair and so are the Eagles. [President] Joe Banner and everybody else around here did a good job to get it worked out and gave us a good, fair deal.”

On how it feels to have all of this money now:

“Yeah, it’s been about twelve hours so I’m not sure it’s sunk in completely yet. And I’m not sure it ever will. It’s nice, it’s perfect. It is a lot. To me, that shows me that they’ve opened some doors that they weren’t going to open up anymore, contract wise, and it makes me feel special. It shows me what I’ve done here so far and that they respect me, and they want me around for awhile. So, it’s a mutual feeling, obviously, and we’re very excited to be at this point.”

On whether DT Brodrick Bunkley’s contract situation last year affected his mindset for his signing process this year:

“Like I said before, my biggest fear was getting behind. I think the players and the personnel, more than the fans, understand that sometimes it takes a little longer than usual to get a contract done. But, personally, I wanted to be there just so I could get that catch up time. We’ve had a month off and I would like those three days before everybody gets there to get back in the groove. Obviously, the rookies and selected vets are stages behind the ones that have been here for so long. So, we have a lot of work to do and it’s going to be a long season. I need to be ready to go.”

On whether signing the deal renewed a confidence in him:

“Yeah, sure, how could it not? Although, I know I have to be patient and wait my turn, at the same time, I feel like we have mutual feelings about my place here and what I can bring.”

On what he wants to establish at training camp:

“I think just consistent progress. I think the thing that I lack right now is consistency in my game because there are a lot of unknowns, the offense, the different mechanics that they’re teaching me. I have a long way to go and I want to consistently get better everyday, and hopefully by the end of training camp the guys won’t know whenever I step in the huddle and will have just as much confidence in me as they do with anybody else.”

On how he will handle the focus on him regarding the public:

“Well, I think in the past I’ve done a good job of blocking that out and just playing football. That’s what I have to do again. They’re not going to help or hurt my progress. I have to do what I have to do on the field, and I know, and the coaches know what it is to get better. As long as I can stay focused on that they’re won’t be any bumps along the way, and hopefully it will go pretty smooth.”

On whether he has talked to anyone about what training camp is like:

“Yeah, definitely. I’ve talked to a lot of people including the veterans and people around the city. They’ve said, ‘Just get ready.’ It’s exciting, and at the same time it kind of gets you amped up for practice. When you’re doing two a days for 17 days in a row you can get in a lull, and that’s where the fans come in and they help you. You push through those times and realize what you’re out there for and get some energy in the air.”

On his leadership abilities:

“I think the biggest thing for me is consistency. I think that’s what they want to see out of me right now. With the veterans, you want to get in there and block out your adolescence. They know I’m young, and if I can get in there and show a little bit of confidence—I’ve already had some of the guys tell me I’ve done a good job with that—then they’ll start to follow. Hopefully, we can get some wins under my belt in the preseason.”

On whether it is hard to learn how to defer to other people:

“Somewhat. But, you know how it is. When you’re in this position for so long like I’ve been—I’ve been playing since I was in the seventh grade and played as a coach’s son—you get used to leading and learning your surroundings. Even if guys you’re playing with are 33 and 34 years old, they are ten years older than me. Sometimes that’s difficult, but you have to find a way to do it because you’re the guy in charge and you have to get it done to win games.”

On how much of a help QB Donovan McNabb has been:

“A lot so far, and I can tell it’s going to be a lot in the future as well. I’m very anxious to get into the season and see how he handles everything as a whole—wins, losses, trouble on the field, trouble with the media, everything. I know he does a great job of that, I’ve seen it already. The biggest thing for me is just sitting back and watching and picking and choosing. He’s definitely a good one to learn from and he’s very open with everything that he does.”

On whether there are any plans for the bonus money:

“I am conservative with everything that I do. So, my wife and I will live just like we always have with a few extra things. We’ll put it away and hopefully our kids will be able to see it.”

On whether it would be disappointing if he didn’t get any snaps during the regular season:

“No, I’m not looking at disappointment right now. I’m excited. I’m excited to be in training camp, excited to get the contract done. In all, I’m excited to be where I am. I love the opportunity I have and I think everyone is on the same page with my progress, and that’s what you want as a young quarterback. Whatever happens, happens. I’ll roll with the punches and we’ll get going.”

On whether a grooming year would be okay with him:

“It all depends on the guys in front of me. Obviously, I’m the last in line right now. As long as Donovan stays healthy, he’s the guy. We all know that. He’s very talented and still has a lot of years to play. Whatever happens, happens. Like I said, I’ll go with it.”

As the Eagles prepare for training camp, the Lehigh University staff is hard at work getting ready for the birds and the flock of fans to come.

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b1_4eagles.5949819jul22,0,3402109.story

The scene is the same every training camp. Players speed around the curves of Lehigh's hilly campus, up into the Sayre Park dormitories where the Eagles camp for the next two and a half weeks and unpack their belongings.

Only rookies and selected veterans report today, so there are few players and even fewer big names. The "selected veteran" designation is often reserved for players recovering from injuries and quarterbacks, all of whom report.

Continue reading after the jump for more...

Andy Reid spoke, which is the commencement of training camp.

Now camp can officially begin. There are 39 players here at Lehigh University for the first three days of training camp.

Among the highlights of Reid’s press conference:

The only news that happens on reporting days is when somebody doesn’t show up. That wasn’t the case today. No rookie holdouts and the players seemed in good spirits.

Here are a few off-the-field notes from what was essentially a moving day:

Practice starts at 8:45 a.m., so we come with a quick post before practice.

First, the links:

Bob Brookover provides the news from a first day that lacked drama.

Stephen A. Smith
advises you to keep your eyes on Donovan McNabb.

Eagles receiver J.J. Outlaw reacts to the rape accusations in the Villanova football program.

With less than half the team present and no hitting, today's practices will not unearth any big revelations. Although here are three storylines to follow:

1. McNabb's mobility : McNabb dominated the headlines this morning after he was cleared to practice. Head coach Andy Reid said McNabb will wear a brace on his right knee. The question is whether McNabb will be able to move effectively with the brace on the knee, or whether his mobility will be hindered the way Daunte Culpepper's was after his ACL tear.

McNabb is scheduled to answer questions following the morning practice.

2. Gocong and Bloom: Both were rookies last season, although neither played in an NFL game. Their recovery from injuries will have lingering effects because both are slated as starters headed into camp. Bloom is expected to be the Eagles' top returner and Gocong the starting strongside linebacker.

3. Kevin Kolb vs. A.J. Feeley : Feeley is the backup, and the Eagles signed him to an extension during the off-season before last year's No. 2, Jeff Garcia, signed with the Buccaneers. The move was an indication of the Eagles' faith in the veteran. However, Kolb was the Eagles' highest pick and fans will be excited to see what he can do -- especially because he isn't likely to play beyond training camp and the preseason.

If McNabb were to go down during the season -- which is no stretch based on his injury history -- the Feeley/Kolb storyline would be a point of interest. That would definitely be the case if Kolb impresses during the next few weeks.

The Eagles wrapped up their first training camp practice quicker than usual, finishing a little more than an hour after they started.

The players were in shorts and shells, which meant no hitting was taking place. Therefore, it’s difficult to make any sweeping determinations on anyone. Here are some notes and observations from the first practice:

Fans have no problem spotting Nate Ilaoa.

Even if they can’t pronounce his name (ee-LAU-uh) or know much about his career (Ilaoa was a seventh-round pick out of Hawaii), he’s distinguishable with his curly hair let out like a bush coming out of his head. When Ilaoa arrived in Philadelphia following the draft, his hair was braided. Now it’s loose – and noticeable.

“You can wet it down and it actually keeps you kind of cool,” Ilaoa said.

But Ilaoa is trying to get noticed by his game and not his hair. He’s a short, stocky back (5-foot-9, 245 pounds) who can catch out of the backfield. The Eagles’ offense often dumps the ball to its running backs, which could work in Ilaoa’s favor.

Hawaii utilizes a run-and-shoot offense that you might remember from head coach June Jones’ days as an NFL coach with the Atlanta Falcons and San Diego Chargers. Ilaoa had 67 receptions last year, which is more than some of college football’s top wideouts record.

“We had a lot of swings – kind of like this,” Ilaoa said. “Every offense is new and takes time to get used to, but if you’re not ready for it now, you shouldn’t be around here.”

Ilaoa was involved in passing drills today and was able to catch most thrown his way. He was twice overthrown by Kevin Kolb, some of which could be attributed to timing. Ilaoa’s speed might have also been a factor. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.77 seconds, which is a poor time for a running back. There was talk around the draft that he might project as a combo back in the NFL, sliding over to fullback when needed. But Ilaoa’s experience at Hawaii was as a running back and receiver, not as a fullback.

Ilaoa will have to fight for a roster spot. The Eagles have their franchise running back in Brian Westbrook and spent a third-round pick on Tony Hunt. Correll Buckhalter is a productive player when healthy and the Eagles have invested time in the veteran while he was fighting knee injuries earlier in his career. If he’s healthy, he should be around.

Who remains is former third-round pick Ryan Moats. Moats showed flashes as a rookie in 2005 although he had barely any production last season.

The Eagles carried four running backs last season, partly because former Eagles running back Reno Mahe contributed as a returner. Perhaps special teams will dictate whether the Eagles carry four running backs – and whether that back is Moats or Ilaoa.

***
The second practice of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. Check back after practice for a full practice report.

The Eagles had a normal afternoon practice in shorts-and-shells. There was no hitting – as usual for afternoon practices – and they ran positional drills and 7-on-7s. Here are some observations and notes from the 2nd practice:

The Eagles finished their first day of practice and the best news that could come out of it was there were no injuries -- or at least none that we know about. Andy Reid addresses the media tomorrow, and he'll reveal any injuries at the beginning of the news conference.

Here are some superlatives from Saturday:

Best play: In the first practice, linebacker Akeem Jordan intercepted a deflected Kevin Kolb pass. The pass was deflected by linebacker Stewart Bradley.

Jordan's take: "It was breaking on the ball, and my man Stewart made a good play knocking it in the air. It was just a little pop-up and it was just hustle to make the play happen."

Bradley's take: "I saw Sampy break on it, so I broke on it. ...He slipped and kind of took my knees on it, but I tipped it."

Best quote: “At 75 percent, I personally feel I can be one of the best quarterbacks in the league.” -- Donovan McNabb

He's obviously confident. Time will tell whether it's warranted.

Best save: Kevin Kolb said he's been to training camp a few times before. When he was asked about the other teams, Kolb said, "I don't want to say."

The likely answer for the Texas native is the Dallas Cowboys. Smart he didn't say.

Attendance: 2,811
Those fans must be dedicated. The first three days of training camp are uneventful with few players and no contact. Many of the players here early likely won't make the final roster.

Tomorrow's schedule: 8:45 a.m., 3:30 p.m.

E-mail your training camp questions to zberman@phillynews.com.

Former Penn State standout Tony Hunt has done pretty well during the Eagles summer minicamps and the training camp that opened on Friday, but the Saturday afternoon 7-on-7 drill was not one of his better performances.

Hunt, a running back, dropped two catchable balls coming out of the backfield during the session. After the second, Eagles head coach Andy Reid called him over for a chat. Reid, who typically does a lot more watching than talking during these things, spent a couple of minutes talking to the rookie who has an excellent chance of making the team.

When Reid was done Hunt walked back to the players in line to run drills, shaking his head. Moments later, he was doing the pushups in the sweltering heat that generally indicate someone has messed up and a coach has seen the transgression.

The next time up, Hunt made a nice catch on a deeper route, about 15 yards downfield.

"I know the playbook well enough that I shouldn't be making mistakes out there," Hunt said.

Practices 3 and 4 of training camp start at 8:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively.

Some good links this morning to get you ready for the day...

Bob Ford offers an interesting take on a changed Donovan McNabb.

Bob Brookover fills you in on what McNabb said.

For years, fans thought the Eagles wouldn't dare count on someone older than 30.You might want to reconsider, Brookover writes.

Jim Johnson addresses defensive concerns within Brookover's notebook.

While the Eagles warmed up for today's practice, a lightning bolt cracked overhead and the Eagles had to run into the locker room for cover.

The thunderstorm continued and after a few minutes of delaying and pondering, head coach Andy Reid decided to move practice indoors. The fans that came out were left with nothing to see because the indoor facility is closed to spectators.

The players changed out of cleats and into indoor shoes and the media was relegated into a back corner of the facility. For that reason, it was difficult to observe anything beyond the obvious.

Practice consisted of individual and positional drills, but no 7-on-7s. The one major note:

Each day of training camp, I’m going to catch up with an Eagles player to talk about life off the field. Today’s player is Jason Davis, a second-year fullback who spent last season on injured reserve. Davis was one of the more impressive rookie free agents in camp last year – and the Eagles ended up keeping three rookie free agents.

Here’s Davis:

Are you starting to get to know Lehigh by now?
Davis: “Noooo. I ride the shuttles, man. I ain’t getting lost in the woods.”

How’s the living been?
Davis: Same room. Same roommates. Well [running back] Tony [Hunt] is new, but Westbrook and [Buckhalter] are the same. Last year, it was me, Westbrook, Buck and Bruce Perry. Same bed and everything.

Is the food as you remember it?
Davis: Yeah, but last year I ate cheese fries every day. This year, I’m making a conscious effort to eat right.

Is that the difference between last year and this year?
Davis: I know what to do and know what not to do. But sometimes there are mental lapses and errors, and I got to correct those. But I got a good grasp of what’s going on.

You talk to rookies at all about what to expect?
Davis: I talk to Tony a lot. I can’t really talk to the quarterbacks and the receivers that much, but the running backs I do. I talk to them about off the field. I tell them what to stay out of in the community, what streets not to go down.

What streets shouldn’t they go down?
Davis: I’m not going to tell you that because I go down all of them. I’m not going to burn no bridges. You know what I mean?

If there’s a player you want to hear from, e-mail me at zberman@phillynews.com

The rain cleared, the sun came out and the Eagles returned outside.

It was a normal practice with the Eagles in shorts-and-shells with no hitting. Here are some observations from Sunday afternoon:

This should not be considered a successful day for the Eagles. Andy Reid is adamant these first three days are imperative for the rookies and selected veterans, but it doesn't do as much as good if the practices are inside in a non-football facility. Reid put a positive spin on the morning practice and said they still accomplished what they needed, but the players interviewed all said they had to be careful inside.

Plus, what's most important for the coaches -- the film -- is hindered indoors.

"The film isn’t quite as good in here as it is outside," Reid said. "Obviously it’s not a regulation field, so you make the best of it, and then you go with it."

They should hope it doesn't rain tomorrow morning, the final practice for this group before the veterans arrive.

Something to think about... More and more NFL teams are moving training camp from college facilities to the team's practice facilities. Logistically, it would likely be easier. The team uses its own space, its own locker room, its own weight room, its own rehab facilities.

The negatives are the team loses the traditional "bonding" that come from the dorm life (which could be close to replicated by staying in a nearby hotel) and the fans that turn out by the thousands (which could be solved by practicing in Lincoln Financial Field).

Bob Ford made this argument earlier in the week.

Reid shot down the idea: “I think there are some pluses to coming up here- from a team standpoint with everyone coming together and having to live together- all those things I think are important. There are some positives of being back there; there are some positives here. Right now, I believe the positives are outweighed by being here- outweigh the fact of being there [at the NovaCare Complex].”

Monday's practice: 8:45 a.m.

The Eagles practice at 8:45 a.m., their lone practice of the day. The rest of the team arrives soon after in what can be characterized as the most Escalades to drive on the Northeast Extension in one day.

The sun is out here in Lehigh, so the Eagles should be able to get the practice in on the field unless anything changes in the next hour and a half.

One quick note to bring up: The Buffalo Bills traded former Eagles defensive tackle Darwin Walker to the Chicago Bears yesterday. Walker would have returned to the Eagles if he didn't report to the Bills by Aug. 5. The Eagles dealt Walker to Buffalo for Takeo Spikes and Kelly Holcomb.

Here are the links from the morning's paper...

Ashley Fox updates
Chris Gocong's development.

Bob Brookover sits down with Kevin Kolb.

Brookover explains how dreary the indoor practice was within this notebook.

NFC East Link of the Day: The Giants are playing hardball with Michael Strahan.

The rookies and selected veterans period is over after the morning practice concluded. The veterans will start to arrive any minute.

The rookies know their reps will decrease now the veterans arrive, although here are some quick notes for the final practice where they were the main attraction:

In today’s off-the-field field feature, we caught up with Montae Reagor.

Reagor has seen his share of training camps. The nine-year veteran has been with the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts. This camp – his first with the Eagles – will be the most challenging of his career. Reagor is recovering from facial injuries from a car accident that ended his season last year with the Colts.

Here’s Montae:

Of all your stops, what team's dorms have you liked the most?
Reagor: "Based on what I’ve been through over the last year and a half, this one will. This one will be the hardest for me, bouncing back from injuries, so this one will have the biggest challenge for me."

Who are your roommates?
Reagor: "Ian Scott, Mauricio Lopez, I don’t know the rest. I have my TV and my laptop."

Do you go on the Internet?
Reagor: "No, I just watch my DVDs sometimes."

What’s your favorite DVD to watch?
Reagor: "The Fugitive, with Harrison Ford."

What camp had the best food?
Reagor: "This one, and Indianapolis in Terre Haute [at Indiana State University]."

What’s the best prank that you’ve seen?
Reagor: "Best prank? Hmm…You know, there was a turkey prank. Right around Thanksgiving in Denver, they would say they’d dish out from a grocery store free turkeys for a Thanksgiving. They would put the notice in the veterans and the rookies’ lockers, but the veterans knew not to go. All there was just a bag of ice. They would go and we would film them on it and watch it next day. They got all the rookies on it every year. That was the biggest prank."

Did they get you when you were a rookie?
Reagor: "They almost, but somebody told me."

What was the funniest training camp moment you had? ?
Reagor: "Oh man, I don’t know. I guess it was when they poured water on me and then poured powder on me in Denver."

Was this when you were a rookie?
Reagor: "No, it was my second year. Neil Smith and those guys taped me to the goalpost."

Today, I had the chance to talk with Eagles' backup quarterback A.J. Feeley today about training camp and his expectations for the upcoming season.

Is it a comfort level for you, the fact that you’ve worked so well here (in Philadelphia)?

“Definitely, that’s one of the reasons I came back because of the comfort level I have with the offense, the coaches, the players, you guys (the media), and the fans.”

Is it an adjustment to come back here after being a starter in this league to be a backup to Donovan McNabb?

“It’s not an adjustment; it’s one of those things. I guess I would say I’ve been around the block a few times. Every situation isn’t the greatest situation, but you appreciate where you are and being here with the Eagles, it’s a top notch organization. I look for opportunities to play, and I still have ambitions, but at the same time I realize it’s a team game.”

Do you expect any different atmosphere here thinking that the Eagles for the most part are a veteran team (in terms of expectations for the season)?

“The mentality hasn’t changed from one year to the next. The expectations are always there. They’re still the same and that’s to go to the Super Bowl and win the Super Bowl.”

Today's video from Eagles training camp features A.J. Feeley and Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

Now you'll know the players' names.

That's the significance of today, when the rest of the roster arrives. There are still a few stragglers as this gets posted, although big names like Brian Westbrook, Takeo Spikes and Jeremiah Trotter all arrived and drew large gatherings.

Among the notes and otherwise interesting tidbits:

The Eagles will spend the morning on timing and testing, which is closed to everyone -- media included. The first full-squad practice is in the afternoon and closed to the public.

Here are today's links:

Bob Brookover writes of all the odd items the Eagles' veterans packed.

Brookover on the respect Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg had for the late Bill Walsh.

NFC East Link of the Day: A long-time Dallas Cowboys pass rusher is considering retirement.

The Eagles have finally practiced.

The Eagles had their first full-squad practice this afternoon. The team was in shorts and shells, so no hitting. The hitting starts tomorrow. However, today's practice was more physical than any of the five practices before the veterans arrived.

Practice consisted of individual drills, a team period, 7-on-7s and special teams.

Starting tight end L.J. Smith was out there after suffering a sports hernia during the off-season training activities.

Here are some observations and tidbits:

After the first full team practice at Lehigh, injured tight end L.J. Smith spoke to reporters about his current contract situation. Smith has been looking to receive a contract extension for approximately five months with no progress to date.

When talking about his on field performance in the upcoming season, Smith seemed to be concerned with personal statistics before team success. “In the long run, if I do bad, I’m hurting myself and the team also, but number one I’m hurting myself. You know, I’m auditioning right now (maybe for other teams) so I want to put (forth) my best performance.”

Last year, the Eagles faced a similar situation with safety Mike Lewis. In search for financial security, Lewis went into the 2005-2006 season with feelings of resentment towards the organization. On how he would handle his feelings, Smith said, “Everybody handles things differently. Mike was my example of what not to do.”

Smith was hesitant to claim he was a ‘top 5’ tight end in the NFL, but eagerly asserted, “I’m definitely top 10.”

L.J continues to recover from his off-season sports hernia surgery, but practiced today and is slated to reclaim his spot on the first team offense. Smith will be held out of contact drills for the first three to seven days of training camp according to Andy Reid.

The Eagles will go to sleep excited tonight. That's because the hitting starts tomorrow.

The team will be in full pads tomorrow morning and head coach Andy Reid will finally be able to evaluate his team playing football and not simply running around in shorts and shells.

"That’s the main part of the game," Reid said. "You’re actually playing the game when you add contact.”

Today was very basic, with timing and testing in the morning and a quick practice in the afternoon. Here is what to look forward to tomorrow -- in addition to the hitting:

Brian Dawkins speaks: This is significant because Dawkins missed the off-season training activity when his wife gave birth to twins prematurely.

The lineup combinations: Reid said today it doesn't matter who practices with the first team, although it is Reid's nature to say that. It will be interesting to see some of the roster battles evolve and whether there is any legitimacy to the off-season speculation of Jeremiah Trotter and Sheldon Brown both having their backups breathing down their necks.

Kevin Curtis and Takeo Spikes: This will be Eagles' fans first time seeing the team's marquee off-season acquisitions. It will also be the players' first time seeing Eagles training camp.

Tomorrow's schedule: 8:15 a.m.; 2:45 p.m.
Players in autograph tent: Offensive linemen