Eye on the Eagles http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/ en Copyright 2008 Sun, 12 Aug 2007 13:36:16 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Wrapping things up reid350.jpg]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/wrapping_things_up.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/wrapping_things_up.html Andy Reid Brian Dawkins Donovan McNabb Multimedia Shawn Andrews Training Camp Andy Reid Baltimore Ravens Brent Celek Brian Dawkins Donovan McNabb NFL Philadelphia Eagles Shawn Andrews Tony Hunt Training Camp Sun, 12 Aug 2007 13:36:16 -0500 "It's time to go play football." trotter350.jpg]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/its_time_to_go_play_football.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/its_time_to_go_play_football.html Jeremiah Trotter Multimedia Sheldon Brown Training Camp football Jeremiah Trotter Philadelphia Eagles Sheldon Brown training camp Sat, 11 Aug 2007 14:12:20 -0500 Practice 28 Observations 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. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/practice_28_observations.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/practice_28_observations.html Sat, 11 Aug 2007 11:44:52 -0500 Saturday Morning Links The Eagles are relying on the draft class of 2005.
  • The offensive line is taking a beating.
  • David Akers in a pressure situation...
  • Get used to Ike Reese's voice. NFC East Link of the Day: The Redskins will use their starters more in the preseason.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/saturday_morning_links_1.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/saturday_morning_links_1.html Sat, 11 Aug 2007 06:41:02 -0500 "Definitely not." mcnabb350.jpg]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/definitely_not.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/definitely_not.html Andy Reid Donovan McNabb Multimedia Training Camp Andy Reid Dirk Johnson Donovan McNabb L.J. Smith Philadephia Eagles Saverio Rocca Training Camp Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:53:23 -0500 Practice 26 Observations 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.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/practice_26_observations.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/practice_26_observations.html Fri, 10 Aug 2007 11:51:59 -0500 Friday Morning Links The book on L.J. Smith has a new chapter.
  • The news isn't good for Shawn Andrews, either.
  • The right defensive end spot will likely rotate starters.
  • NFC East Link of the Day: Is Fred Smoot the same player he was during his first stint with the Redskins?]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/friday_morning_links_1.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/friday_morning_links_1.html Fri, 10 Aug 2007 07:07:46 -0500 L.J. Smith Clarificaiton 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. http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/lj_smith_clarificaiton.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/lj_smith_clarificaiton.html Thu, 09 Aug 2007 20:16:25 -0500 Brian Westbrook returns to camp 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. 0809_ljsmith_thumb2.jpg 0809_merrillreese2.jpg]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/brian_westbrook_returns_to_cam.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/brian_westbrook_returns_to_cam.html Brian Westbrook Donovan McNabb Multimedia Shawn Andrews Training Camp Al Meltzer Brian Westbrook Dan Baker Donovan McNabb Harry Kalas L.J. Smith Merrill Reese Philadelphia Eagles Shawn Andrews Tony Hunt Training Camp Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:05:59 -0500 Donovan McNabb transcript 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. http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/donovan_mcnabb_transcript.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/donovan_mcnabb_transcript.html Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:48:47 -0500 A correction 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. http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/a_correction.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/a_correction.html Training Camp Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:34:54 -0500 Practice 24 Observations 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.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/practice_24_observations.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/practice_24_observations.html Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:13:34 -0500 Thursday Morning Links Bob Brookover on an injury list that is swelling.
  • Andy Reid is impressed with Brent Celek.
  • Fans are flocking to training camp.
  • An NFL official doesn't worry about a gambling scandal.
  • NFC East Link of the Day: Expect T.O. to play tonight.]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/thursday_morning_links_1.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/thursday_morning_links_1.html Thu, 09 Aug 2007 06:58:05 -0500 Answering readers' questions... 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. ]]> http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/answering_readers_questions_1.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/answering_readers_questions_1.html Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:49:03 -0500 Brian Westbrook out of camp
    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. thermometer.jpg]]>     http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/brian_westbrook_out_for_the_re.html http://blogs.phillynews.com/philly/eagles/2007/08/brian_westbrook_out_for_the_re.html Andy Reid Brian Westbrook Donovan McNabb Shawn Andrews Training Camp andy reid brian westbrook donovan mcnabb philadelphia eagles shawn andrews training camp weather Wed, 08 Aug 2007 17:20:26 -0500