The Eagles came out for practice in pads -- a welcoming signal for training camp.
The hitting didn't start right around. Instead the Eagles eased into it, starting with touch, then "thud" (lightly hitting), then tackling.
Here are some observations and tidbits from the morning practice:
Jason Avant has made considerable strides during the off-season. The 2006 fourth-round pick was injured at the beginning of training camp last season and was not a major contributor in his first year. Rookie free agent Hank Baskett actually surpassed Avant on the depth charts.
That might change. Avant works well lining up in the slot and can be moved around. He has good hands and more importantly, he catches the ball in traffic.
Avant left this morning's practice with cramps. His development will be interesting to watch during the next week and a half.
The biggest hit of practice came from Sports Illustrated cover boy Sheldon Brown. A.J. Feeley threw an out pattern to Baskett, who turned around and was leveled by Brown. The coincidence is the SI story that featured Brown was about big hits.
Check the blog later today for an interview with Brown about that cover.
Donovan McNabb was able to move around in the pocket. The knee didn't appear to hinder him. McNabb even ran a route with the receivers for fun during positional drills.
Drops are still an issue with the team. Andy Reid said part of that might have been the mental part of putting on pads and knowing a hit is coming, but there were drops before the pads came on.
The rotations have been interesting. Darren Howard took some reps with the first team today in Cole's place. When playing the nickel, Will James played on the outside and Sheldon Brown played on the inside. This was expected, although the inside spot is usually reserved for the nickel back, not the starting cornerback.
Kolb felt pressure today and he wasn't getting rid of the ball on time. Had he not worn the red jersey, that likely would have resulted in a sack. Don't read too much into this, because Kolb doesn't line up with the first-team line. However, rookie quarterbacks are prone to holding the ball too long.
Kevin Curtis was able to pick up a first down on the run after the catch in live drills. This is one part of Curtis' game that the Eagles praised. He can catch the ball and still pick up some yards. The disadvantage of Curtis is he not especially big. McNabb threw to Curtis on a deep route down the left sideline, although the ball was incomplete. A more physical receiver might have been able to box his man out or jump up to get position.
The next few days will be most telling. Every player seems excited the first day, but after a few days of two-a-days and hitting, one can develop a better idea of how a player looks.
Philly.com discussions are intended to be civil, friendly conversations. Please treat other participants with respect and in a way that you would want to be treated. You are responsible for what you say. And please, stay on topic.
These boards are monitored by Philly.com staff. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us in our sole discretion and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. Personal attacks, especially on other board participants, are not permitted. We reserve the right to permanently block any user who violates these terms and conditions.