Practice 18 Observations (Eye on the Eagles)

By Zach Berman

The Eagles practiced this morning on a wet field. There was hitting for the sixth straight day, although the live session was not too long. The focus in scrimmages was on long-field situations. The offense started backed up inside its red zone and had to fight its way out.

Here are some observations, notes and tidbits from the 18th practice of training camp:

Donovan McNabb did not practice. Andy Reid said after practice it was for precautionary reasons. With a slick field, it's at least understandable. McNabb said he felt sore, although he said he should be back out tomorrow.

A new injury: Correll Buckhalter has a knee contusion. The other injuries are all previously reported. However, Brian Dawkins continues to sit. He hasn't participated in live drills yet this camp. Shawn Andrews is hurt, too.

Tony Hunt lined up with the first team offense in live drills. He looked great running the football, which says something about playing in front of the first-team offensive line. Hunt has been behind the third-team line for much of camp. The difference in who he was running behind was the difference in his running success.

Hunt is an upright runner but showed the ability to get extra yards.

(By the way, Brian Westbrook was out there for practice but Hunt took part in the live drills with the first team.)

Ryan Moats also bumped up a spot and practiced with the second team. Moats had what's become a "Ryan Moats" day. He's no doubt a good runner, but he fumbled again after rushing well. Moats needs to hold onto the football -- it's an obvious statement, but it's important for the third-year back.

Jon Runyan was back in the lineup after spending the weekend in Canton.

Receiver Zac Collie made a few nice catches, but also had a pair of drops. This will likely be of no consequence -- Collie is a long shot to make the team. But he was hot and cold this morning.

Reggie Brown beat Joselio Hanson for a 40-yard touchdown. The pass came from A.J. Feeley, who was the No. 1 quarterback in McNabb's absence.

Kevin Kolb was quarterbacking the Eagles when they were back inside their own 5-yard line. The pass rush came on and Kolb was able to scramble out of pressure and out of the endzone. He bought the Eagles five yards. Kolb showed mobility with the play.

Sheldon Brown had a big hit on Jason Avant. Brown can hit for a cornerback. William James might be on his heels, but Brown can simply hit.

C.J. Gaddis is another hitter. The Eagles have two rookie free agent safeties playing well -- Marcus Paschal and Erick Harris -- so Gaddis is not a sure bet to make the team. But he laid a lumbering hit today on Tony Hunt.

Matt McCoy showed some signs of life with a big hit. McCoy lost his starting job last season and with Takeo Spikes at the WILL, McCoy won't start this season. But if he can hit hard and play smart, he'll find a spot on special teams and as a backup linebacker.

David Akers was 1-for-2 on 53-yard field goals. Dirk Johnson was holding both kicks.

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Eye on the Eagles

Practice 18 Observations

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