Eye on the Eagles

It’s a ninety degree day in August and the Eagles were in full pads for their first two-a-day practice in front of hundreds of loyal fans. Now, it feels like training camp.

The Eagles appeared in good form.

For the first time since November 19, 2006, Donovan McNabb saw a live defense in pads rushing him on every play. With a brace on his plant leg, McNabb looked sharp as he hit receivers Reggie Brown and Jason Avant in stride during deep passes. McNabb was blitzed by the second team defense causing him to scramble outside the pocket. While running to his right he fired a perfect pass to a leaping Hank Baskett. Later in the drive, Baskett was leveled by teammate Sheldon Brown in a tackle. It was similar in power to Brown’s hit on Reggie Bush in last year’s divisional playoff game.

The Eagles’ defense will be rejuvenated by the return of a healthy Jevon Kearse. Kearse, recovering from multiple ligaments strains in his left knee, will likely start with teammate Trent Cole at defensive end. However, with the depth the team has at that position, Jim Johnson said Kearse will likely play 35 – 40 plays each game rather than his typical 55 – 60 plays. Kearse is optimistic about the impact his return and the acquisition of Spikes will have on the defense. “I see the ingredients for a long, long season.”

Brian Westbrook looked to be in Pro Bowl shape in his first true test of the off-season. In his first snap against the first team defense, Westbrook broke through the defensive line and broke free by a long run only stopped by the whistle to start the next play. Teammate Brian Dawkins was asked about Westbrook’s place among the elite running backs in the NFL. “He’s right up there. He’s got to be right up there. To this day I don’t understand why people don’t give him the due that he deserves.”

Newcomer Takeo Spikes seems ready to step right into the weak side linebacker position and make a difference immediately. Spikes, who has been injury plagued in the past with Buffalo, said, “The physical and mental aspect of it, I haven’t felt this good in two years. This is a good fit.”

Kevin Curtis struggled throughout practice holding onto the ball. “It was a long practice,” Curtis admitted after the morning practice. “I haven’t been live this early in other camps. It’s different with the live defense out there.”

During the first team contact drills, Matt Schobel was slotted into the tight end position as L.J. Smith recovers from sports hernia surgery. Smith will remain out of contact drills for the next few days.