Eye on the Eaglestag:blogs.phillynews.com,2008:/philly/eagles//82007-08-12T17:38:27ZMovable Type 3.35Wrapping things uptag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4502007-08-12T17:36:16Z2007-08-12T17:38:27ZSo 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...Jonathan Tannenwald]]>
"It's time to go play football."tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4482007-08-11T18:12:20Z2007-08-11T18:17:40ZThat'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...Jonathan Tannenwald]]>
Practice 28 Observationstag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4462007-08-11T15:44:52Z2007-08-11T16:20:47ZBy 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...Zach Berman
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):
Players who missed practice: Shawn Andrews, Brian Dawkins, Dustin Fox, Dedrick Roper, Dustin Fox, Bill Sampy, Lito Sheppard, L.J. Smith.
William Thomas left practice early with knee soreness.
Scott Young was back out at practice, which was important to see. He sprained his knee injury, although that injury seems minor considering he was out there.
Two rookies who caught my eye today: Tony Hunt and Kevin Kolb. I mention this because Kolb looked to slow down later in the week, although he had a decent practice today. He threw effectively on the run and was putting the ball in spots he was missing the past few days.
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.
Last week, a Cowboys fan was heckled. Today, it was a Giants fan. The Eagles crowd barked down a Giants fan with the "Giants (Stink)!" chants. I don't know if William James heard, although he might have agreed.
Juqua Thomas had a solid morning. He knows the path to the quarterback and he made it past Pat McCoy for what would have been a sack. The Eagles gave Thomas money over the off-season, although I thought he could have gone to a 3-4 team and been effective as an outside linebacker. He's back with the Eagles, where he gives them depth at that end position.
Jerome McDougle and Matt McCoy will be two names to watch during the preseason. The Eagles spent high picks on both players (first-round pick on McDougle, a second-round pick on McCoy), and neither has lived up to expectations so far. There is competition on both of them and it will come to numbers.
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.
Jason Avant beat Quentin Mikell on an out pattern on individual drills. Avant isn't very fast, but he simply knows how to run routes. Mikell stayed with him until Avant's cut, which was sharp. Avant will be a factor for the Eagles this year. How that effects Greg Lewis remains to be seen. Assuming Jeremy Bloom is the returner, the Eagles would have to keep six receivers (Bloom included) to keep Lewis. If they keep five with Bloom as one of them, Lewis is likely a long shot.
Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said Stewart Bradley will split time 50-50 between the SAM and the MIKE. He seems to be more of a SAM, although the Eagles have moved linebackers around in the past. Bradley can push Chris Gocong for time at the SAM if Gocong struggles, although that is all speculative at this point. But Bradley will be an important player to watch during the preseason because of his versatility.
**
That's it for now. We'll see what's going on in the afternoon practice, but if anyone has any final training camp questions they'd like an answer to, send them to zberman@phillynews.com.
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Saturday Morning Linkstag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4442007-08-11T10:41:02Z2007-08-11T10:49:14ZThe 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...Zach Berman
The Eagles are relying on the draft class of 2005.
"Definitely not."tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4412007-08-10T18:53:23Z2007-08-10T19:10:15ZThat'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...Jonathan Tannenwald]]>
Practice 26 Observationstag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4392007-08-10T15:51:59Z2007-08-10T16:06:19ZBy 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...Zach Berman
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:
Injuries continued when offensive linemen Jon Runyan and Scott Young both left practice early. Runyan has back tightness -- it doesn't appear serious. Young sprained his right knee -- there's no prognosis yet. Reid also announced L.J. Smith's injury is unrelated to the sports hernia surgery from the off-season, but is in the same area. Take from that what you want.
Shawn Andrews, Brian Dawkins, Lito Sheppard and Darren Howard were among the big names that missed practice. All are previously reported injuries.
Donovan McNabb practiced on the wet field, which is a major step for him. If he wasn't wearing a brace and you didn't know about last season, you wouldn't know he was hurt.
The Eagles were playing Victor Abiamiri with the first-team defensive line today. He was playing at left end, which is Jevon Kearse's spot but Kearse was taking some reps off. Abiamiri has had an excellent camp, but it's interesting he was practicing with the first team. They also used him in the "joker role" -- when a defensive lineman plays as a stand-up linebacker -- which is interesting because he's more of a power end.
Max Jean-Gilles and Nick Cole filled in at right guard after Young went down. Cole played guard in college but is a center with the Eagles. Jean-Gilles is a left guard.
Receiver Dereck Faulkner had a standout practice. He was able to use size and hands to make three nice catches, including one in the live red-zone drill. Faulkner likely won't make the roster, although if he can play like this in the preseason he might have a shot with a different team.
Kevin Kolb is slowing down. Andy Reid refused to say he's hitting a wall, although the camp is catching up with him. He doesn't have the same zip on his passes as he did earlier in camp. At the same time, it's difficult to find anyone who isn't fatigued.
Hank Baskett fought Joselio Hanson off of him in press coverage. Baskett is the Eagles' biggest returning receiver and likely the most physical.
Ryan Moats had a morning that's become far too common. He had a few impressive runs -- including a cut back that was one of the better moves in camp -- but he finished the drive by fumbling on the goal line. This isn't news, but Moats needs to hold onto the football.]]>
Friday Morning Linkstag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4382007-08-10T11:07:46Z2007-08-10T11:17:34ZThe 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,...Zach Berman
The book on L.J. Smith has a new chapter.
L.J. Smith Clarificaitontag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4372007-08-10T00:16:25Z2007-08-10T00:19:45ZI 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...Zach Berman
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.
Brian Westbrook returns to camptag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4362007-08-09T21:05:59Z2007-08-09T21:18:47ZCredit 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...Jonathan Tannenwald
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.
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Donovan McNabb transcripttag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4352007-08-09T18:48:47Z2007-08-09T18:53:19ZDonovan 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"...Zach Berman
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.
On what went through his mind when he saw TE L.J. Smith go down:
“Actually, I didn’t get a chance to see it. I was on the other field, and I just kind of saw him in the fetal position. Any time you see any of your players go down, you ask who that player is and what happened, and if he’s okay. Having pretty much that same injury, with the torn groin, and having it surgically repaired and coming back out here, it’s something you’ve got to battle through. Right now he’s going through another phase of it. I hope everything kind of works itself out and he’ll be back out here being able to be the L.J. we all know.”
On whether it was a bad feeling for L.J. after knowing how much the same injury bothered McNabb:
“When I was diagnosed with mine, it became a phenomenon across the league. Early on, they didn’t know exactly what it was. They just said it was kind of a torn abdominal muscle. Also, they thought it was kind of an abdominal strain. Once it led to a torn groin, they kind of found out exactly what it was. After I heard that L.J. was diagnosed with it and had to have it surgically repaired, I just kind of gave him insight about it and tried to give him a little bit of information of what he had to go through to prepare himself for trying to come out here and play at a high level.”
On what kind of advice he would give L.J. now:
“I think the good thing for him is that it happened in the offseason. He was able to go through a rehab process before training camp. They took him slowly through a lot of the drills out here in the beginning of training camp, which led to him being able to compete. It was kind of unfortunate what happened with the strain, or whatever he was diagnosed with after he got hurt out here on the practice field. The thing that I tried to tell him early on was just to go slow with it. Days when it feels like everything is healed, it’s really not. There’s scar tissue in there, you continue to stretch, and have someone go in there to dig out that scar tissue. Just kind of be patient with it—everything will get better in time, but patience is everything.”
On whether he wrestled with the decision to have surgery on his sports hernia before the 2005 season:
“With my situation, I came in with a sports hernia, which is a torn abdominal muscle. That led to me tearing my groin. People have played with the actual sports hernia and had it repaired at the end of the year or played through it for years. I was just fighting through my torn abdominal muscle, which led, in that Dallas game, to me tearing my groin completely off the bone. At times, when you have the sports hernia, the surgery is pretty much for the doctor to clip two tendons in your groin and go up and reattach the abdominal muscle, which he had to do both with me. I tore four tendons off the bone in my groin, and he had to repair two and go over and clip the other side to alleviate some of the pressure, and then go and attach the abdominal muscle. As excruciating as that sounds, imagine that surgery and how it feels afterwards. But, God willing, I was able to come out here and do the things I was able to do after the surgery, and with the rehab and a little bit of rest.”
On whether he was surprised that he had a setback:
“Not really, because that was kind of the thing that the doctor would always tell me, was don’t be shocked about having a setback or something may occur afterwards. I never had to go through that mode, probably because I had mine surgically repaired and I just pretty much had to rest all through the end of the year and all throughout the offseason.”
On how his knee feels:
“There are days where you go consistently with it feeling fine. You warm it up and stretch it out before practice, come out here and move around. That’s why you see me stretching while I’m standing around, because you don’t want it to get cold and then have to start all over again. The confidence is there, knowing that it is repaired and that it’s fine, but you just kind of have to go through a mode where sometimes it’ll stiffen up a little bit, where you may have to get on a bike or stretch on the sidelines and get out there and get moving. I think the mindset of it is that you have to know it’s repaired and it’s fine to do the minor things. Like I said, just move around a little bit and get it going. When you can step out on the field, you can do exactly what you can do.”
On whether his injury ever bothers him psychologically when he is on the field:
“Out on the practice field right now, no. I can’t speak for everyone. There may be a game situation- but that’s going to be a process that I think I have to go through. It’s just getting out there in a game situation and having that same mindset just like out here in the practice field. It’s kind of like riding a bike. If you haven’t ridden a bike for a while then you get back on- you’re forgetting stages of saying, ‘Oh, everything’s fine, I can get back on and adjust real quickly.’ But, there’s going to be times where you have to adjust and something’s going to pull you away and say, ‘Hey, you’re going to have to do this over, now and you’re going to have to get in that rhythm now.’ And knowing this game situation, and this is the speed of it, and you’re going to have to adjust quickly.”
On whether the Eagles will have a good offense if L.J. Smith misses a significant amount of time:
“It’s tough any time you lose any of your weapons. I think with the three of us though, myself [RB Brian] Westbrook, and L.J., we’re able to work the inside of the field. And with [TE] Brent [Celek] and with [TE] [Matt] Schobel, obviously, with the experience L.J. has in this offense, not to say it’s a step down or upward or whatever it may be, they’ve worked well together. We would love to have L.J. out there. But, knowing the situation, we want him to be healthy and ready to go when he comes back. But with Schobel out there, and Brent learning, it takes a lot of pressure off of Brent knowing that he is a rookie, he’s learning the offense. And, Schobel having that experience of playing in the NFL and playing last year in this offense, he can help us out in many ways as well.”
On whether he wants to get reps Monday vs. Baltimore:
“We’ve been communicating leading up to that. Either today, tomorrow, or Saturday whatever it may be. But, I would love to play. Is it the right time? We’ll communicate about that. But, I will be stepping up there some time throughout this preseason. I just look forward to that opportunity.”
On his thoughts about Head Coach Andy Reid’s concerns for him playing on artificial surface:
“That I’ve never been through this situation and I’d have to step out on astroturf or grass. I’ve trained all throughout on grass. I’ve never really trained on astroturf after the injury. So, to answer that fully for you- I’m sorry if I’m not able to. But, just trying to give you something. I can see where Andy’s talking about getting back out on natural grass knowing that we’ve practiced on nothing but natural grass- wanting to be able to get back out there in a game situation and do it.”
On whether he is worried that the injury list is getting long:
“That I’m not on the list, no (jokingly). I’ve been on that list. But, the good thing for us is the fact that it’s nothing serious. This is the preseason, and this is the time where you are able to eliminate some of those little injuries that you can have in training camp. Seeing the guys in the training room being high spirited, knowing that they will be back. It’s exciting for all of us to know that, and have the confidence to know that those guys will be back out there when the whistle blows, when it’s time.”
On how guards Max Jean-Gilles and Scott Young have looked because of Shawn Andrew’s injury:
“I try not to look at the guys and look at the numbers when they’re in there. I try to have that confidence, and try to provide that for them knowing that I have confidence in them. So, when guys rotate you don’t look to see who’s in and say, ‘Oh well, can he do this, can he do that?’ You try to provide confidence for them to let them know that no matter who’s in there, we have confidence that they’ll be able to get the job done. If it’s Max, if it’s Scott, whoever it may be- or even with Winston - you just try to let them know that you’re in here. We’re confident that you’re going to get the job done. Let’s just get ready to roll.”
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A correctiontag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4322007-08-09T17:34:54Z2007-08-09T17:42:06ZSo I wrote a post yesterday titled "Brian Westbrook out for the rest of camp" in which I quoted a reporter as asking Andy Reid whether Brian Westbrook would be back before the end of training camp. A number of...Jonathan Tannenwald
So I wrote a post yesterday titled "Brian Westbrook out for the rest of camp" in which I quoted a reporter as asking Andy Reid whether Brian Westbrook would be back before the end of training camp.
A number of reporters were confused this morning as to exactly what was said, and it became clear that the actual question asked was not "Will he be back?" but "Do you know when he'll be back?" It is that question to which Reid answered, "No."
The two questions are very different, of course, and this morning Philly.com made a correction to the text that accompanied the video, and also corrected the title of the blog post. We don't want to be reporting false information, and we definitely don't want to stir up Eagles fans when it's not necessary.
Apologies.
Practice 24 Observationstag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4312007-08-09T16:13:34Z2007-08-09T16:40:15ZPractice lasted a little less than two hours this morning. There was a live session again. Here are some observations, notes and tidbits from the morning practice: The injury list is getting longer. L.J. Smith left practice today after re-aggravating...Zach Berman
The injury list is getting longer. L.J. Smith left practice today after re-aggravating his sports hernia. Tony Hunt re-aggravated an ankle injury. Brian Dawkins and Lito Sheppard continue to miss practice. Jevon Kearse and Takeo Spikes were out today, too. Andy Reid released a statement about Shawn Andrews that isn't good news for Eagles fans. Here's the statement:
"He was examined yesterday by our team orthopedist, Dr. Peter Deluca, and an ankle specialist in Philadelphia. His right ankle, the same ankle which was surgically repaired during his rookie season, will continue to be monitored and evaluated over the next several days. He will rest it during that time with the use of a walking boot and crutches.”
The "walking boots and crutches" are the concern. We knew he went back to Philadelphia, but if that injury is worse than reported, the Eagles lose perhaps their most valuable offensive lineman.
Joselio Hanson had a nice practice for the Eagles. Hanson seems to have a firm grip on that dime cornerback spot. The Eagles like him and he's a physical corner for someone has size. He had an impressive interception today off of A.J. Feeley.
William James is also playing well. He's filling in with the first team in Lito Sheppard's absence. He pulled down an interception on a pass attempt to Jason Avant. The two wrestled for the football and James came down with it.
Rookie free agent Akeem Jordan had a good practice, too. Jordan has quietly put together an impressive camp. The numbers might not be in his favor at linebacker unless there's a surprise cut, but Jordan has played well.
Matt Schobel and Brent Celek are going to be under the microscope in Smith's absence. If Smith is out for awhile, don't be surprised if Celek's name is often mentioned. He's had a good few days at camp and he can push Schobel for a spot.
Montae Reagor was back. That's important for the veteran defensive tackle. He needs to be on the field -- as does Ian Scott - in order for the coaches to make an evaluation. Scott is still out.
Donovan McNabb is moving well. He took a run up the middle today when the pocket collapsed. The big test will be getting on the field in the preseason, but he's been able to go through training camp without a problem.]]>
Thursday Morning Linkstag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4282007-08-09T10:58:05Z2007-08-09T11:08:06ZGood morning, Eagles fans. Practice starts at 8:15 a.m. The second practice is at 2:45 p.m. I see there are many questions about Brian Westbrook in the comment boxes, which is legitimate. Andy Reid was vague in his description. I...Zach Berman
Bob Brookover on an injury list that is swelling.
NFC East Link of the Day: Expect T.O. to play tonight.]]>
Answering readers' questions...tag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4272007-08-08T22:49:03Z2007-08-09T00:42:14ZBy Zach Berman Thanks for all the readers who sent questions. For those that needed a coaches' answer, I went through the tape and found the answers. Please send any additional questions to zberman@phillynews.com or in the comment box below....Zach Berman
By Zach Berman
Thanks for all the readers who sent questions. For those that needed a coaches' answer, I went through the tape and found the answers. Please send any additional questions to zberman@phillynews.com or in the comment box below.
Q: I haven't seen much discussion regarding special teams. How is Bloom
looking - has he impressed or is he no better than last years' returners? -- Larry
A: Thanks for the question, Larry. I will say this about Bloom and any return question -- there's no way of knowing until the preseason. The special teams are not part of live drills for the Eagles, so I haven't seen Bloom -- or any returner -- get hit in the return game. I can say Bloom is fast and agile, although that you likely knew. In terms of whether he's better than last year, the Eagles should hope so because they needed an upgrade in that area.
Q: Who is in the mix right now on kickoffs? It seems to me Moats needs to win this job to remain on the roster as a fourth RB. - Aaron
A: Thanks for the questions, Aaron. When we last spoke with Rory Segrest, the special teams coordinator, this was his answer about who is in the mix at kickoff returns:
“Kick returns, we’ve got Bloom working with the first unit now. We’ve also got [RB Correll] Buckhalter back there. He looks real good. He’s a big, strong runner for us back there; [RB] Ryan Moats, same thing. They can get back there and do a great job, and again, Barksdale and J.J. Outlaw, as well.”
The Eagles have also incorporated Greg Lewis into that mix.
Regarding Moats, there are many different ways the roster could shake out. Moats could conceivably make the team as a running back if the Eagles kept four halfbacks and one fullback. Every year, there are certain areas that the Eagles stay heavy on. That will be interesting. There's also the possibility that Moats could be dealt -- as Bob Brookover pointed out in a recent article -- considering Moats has value around the league.
Q: Is Dawkins back today or is Mikell still filling? How about Lito Sheppard? How does LJ look coming along? -- Anonymous
A: Thanks for the question. Brian Dawkins didn't return today. A matter of fact, he hasn't played since the first practice of training camp. He missed mini-camps for personal reasons. So Dawkins hasn't played too much football this off-season. After all these years, he might not need it, but it would be good for Dawkins and the Eagles if that Achilles heals soon.
Lito dressed yesterday but tweaked his injured oblique so the Eagles held him today. He came out to run in the afternoon.
L.J. Smith was sore after yesterday's practice, the first practice that he participated in contact drills. He sat out today. He's looked fine moving and catching the football, but it's important for him to hit and get hit in order to play effective.
Q: How does Brodrick Bunkley look? I have read and heard all the "he looks like a new person" stuff, but I want to know how he is actually playing. I understand he is
working hard now, but is he dominating? Does he look like a [No. 14] pick should? Or does he just look like he will "hold his own" ala Mike Patterson? -- Alex
A: Thanks for the question, Alex. What you’ve read and heard about Bunkley is true – he’s more fit and he’s been playing well. That’s not saying too much, though, because he was out of shape and unproductive last season. Bunkley is doing what Eagles fans would have hoped for him to do. He’s penetrating the line of scrimmage and clogging the middle.
But I warn you – this is another example where we must wait for the preseason. The reason is Bunkley and the No. 1 defense seldom plays against the No. 1 offense. Bunkley is often pitted against an inferior offensive line than one he’d face in games. Bunkley is playing well and the reports are true, but he has to show he can do against starting-caliber offensive lines in game and not just backup offensive linemen in training camp.
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Brian Westbrook out of camptag:blogs.phillynews.com,2007:/philly/eagles//8.4262007-08-08T21:20:26Z2007-08-09T17:42:33ZSo there I was, standing behind the video camera, and then Andy Reid says this: "Westbrook I let go for personal reasons, and it's not due to injury." A few seconds later there was this exchange between a reporter (I...Jonathan Tannenwald
Reporter: Did Westbrook go, leave Lehigh?
Reid: Yes.
Reporter: Will he be back?
Reid: No.
Big pause.
As an old friend of mine likes to say, guh-wha? Here I was getting ready to do a video about a very good day for Donovan McNabb (though let it be said that none of the sideline cameras filmed his 60-yard touchdown bomb to Kevin Curtis), and Reid decides to take matters into his own hands.
So Westbrook was the first thing I asked Inquirer Eagles beat writer Bob Brookover about in today's video report. I also asked about McNabb and the latest news on Shawn Andrews' ankle injury.
Oh, and it was really hot out. If not for the breeze, I might have lost enough weight in sweat to make up for dinner at Waffle House last night. The TV cameras put a thermometer on the ground and you can see below what it registered.
The quote of the day, though, goes to the fan who called out the TV cameramen for the lack of journalistic value in filming a thermometer that may or may not have been fixed for theatrical purposes. One of the cameramen replied that they weren't going to let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Again, that's the TV cameramen. Not yours truly.
I didn't do anything until they moved away.
Click on the photo below to watch today's video.
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