tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104529992011-06-08T02:31:38.053-04:00A Philadelphia Inquirer blog on what's happening with the Eagles.Aaron Knoxnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-62940419459539816672007-06-19T12:21:00.000-04:002007-06-19T20:52:37.707-04:00

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris insists he was joking when he said in Philadelphia last week that the Bears would win a championship with Donovan McNabb at quarterback, rather than current signal-caller Rex Grossman.Attending McNabb’s charity golf tournament, Harris told reporters that he would love for the Eagles quarterback to play for the Bears and that the Bears would win the

Aaron Knoxnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-67164508548048023452007-06-15T14:55:00.000-04:002007-06-19T21:00:24.427-04:00

Minicamp has come to an end without much fanfare. Over the eight-day camp, veterans and rookies worked out for the first time together and new veteran acquisitions began learning a new playbook in preparation for any football player’s favorite two words – training camp. Rookies and select veterans will report to Lehigh on Friday, July 27 while the full team must report by July 30th. The

Patrick A. Carneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470071419848935488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-74821925772674658762007-06-13T13:47:00.000-04:002007-06-13T13:48:28.323-04:00

Last week Brian Westbrook spoke about his leadership role on the team. His emphasis was leading by example. As mini camp comes to an end tomorrow, Westbrook continues to display veteran leadership on the practice field at the Nova Care Complex.Morning drills typically consist of each running back taking hand-offs from coaches at the 10 yard line. They take the ball, make their cut, and run.

Patrick A. Carneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470071419848935488noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-49668482909925837292007-06-12T11:38:00.000-04:002007-06-12T12:34:44.516-04:00

For the second consecutive day, Eagles' quarterback Donovan McNabb has participated in the mini camp drills at the Nova Care Complex. McNabb looked sharp throwing to his receivers as he continues to rehab from his season ending knee injury.During his first workout yesterday, McNabb hit his favorite target, Brian Westbrook, for a few screen plays and Hank Baskett for a few catches over the middle.

Patrick A. Carneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470071419848935488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-80844851045717309142007-06-11T14:59:00.000-04:002007-06-11T15:14:18.104-04:00

For the first time since his November 19th knee ligament injury against the Tennessee Titans, Donovan McNabb put on his helmet and ran on the field to practice.McNabb, who looked healthy, worked out with fellow quarterbacks A.J. Feeley, Kelly Holcomb, and Kevin Kolb in three drills during today's mini camp. Eagles' wide receivers caught passes from McNabb for the first time in their route

Patrick A. Carneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470071419848935488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-74011101565470547212007-06-08T16:52:00.002-04:002007-06-08T17:15:29.230-04:00

Eagles pro-bowl running back Brian Westbrook spoke to reporters after practice about his emerging role as a team leader."I can do it", Westbrook said. "I just try to be a little more vocal and let the guys know that I support them and want them to do the best they can. I try to show them by example as well".Donovan McNabb's absence since week 11 last season has significantly altered Westbrook's

Patrick A. Carneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470071419848935488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-49641313805110801642007-06-07T17:26:00.000-04:002007-06-07T18:49:20.386-04:00

The Eagles finished day 3 of mini camp today at the NovaCare Complex as the veterans continue to work with rookies before next month's training camp in Lehigh.With L.J. Smith and Matt Schobel already inactive for camp, the Eagles are thin at tight end. Today, fifth-round draft pick Brent Celek limped off the practice field in pain after a 7-on-7 drill. He called over a trainer as he walked toward

Patrick A. Carneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470071419848935488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-17094902817376450092007-06-07T16:36:00.000-04:002007-06-07T19:04:13.936-04:00

Donovan McNabb isn't participating in drills during the current mini-camp, where veterans reported Tuesday and the first full-squad workouts of the 2007 season are taking place through June 14 at the NovaCare Complex, but he has been in uniform and on the field during the first three days of camp.McNabb shows no signs of a limp or any other impairmant as he jogs around the field and jokes around

Aaron Knoxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1168752861596941302007-01-14T00:24:00.000-05:002007-01-14T00:34:21.620-05:00

NEW ORLEANS -- When it comes down to it, an old nemesis bit the Eagles and ended their season. When things have gone wrong this year, a major culprit has been the Eagles' inability to stop the run.And that was certainly the case during their 27-24 divisional playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints in the raucous Superdome.The Saints ran for 208 yards on 37 carries (5.6 average) and two touchdowns.

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1168228548960505002007-01-07T22:47:00.000-05:002007-01-07T22:55:49.000-05:00

The Eagles realized after their 23-20 playoff win over the New York Giants that a better effort will be needed during Saturday's second round matchup with the New Orleans Saints.This was a game where Jeff Garcia's passer rating of 79.1 was less than Eli Manning's. And Manning didn't exactly dazzle anybody with his play.What this showed was the Eagles can win a big game without Garcia coming close

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1167618720952171342006-12-31T21:19:00.000-05:002006-12-31T21:32:01.040-05:00

Since the Eagles turned their season around, the players began pointing fingers at all the skeptics, those who didn't believe they could resurrect themselves from their 5-6 landfill.Those who read this blog realize that anybody pointing a finger this way, is certainly justified. This writer counted the Eagles out after they lost to Tampa Bay.The feeling was that things in the NFC were so tight

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1166575662007874082006-12-19T19:30:00.000-05:002006-12-19T19:47:42.110-05:00

The statistics don't do justice to the value of Eagles running back Brian Westbrook, but too many people vote for the Pro Bowl based on the stat sheet.Which is why Westbrook won't have a flight to Hawaii in the second week of February unless somebody gets hurt.Westbrook was named a first alternate even though one could seriously put his name in the MVP race and it wouldn't be farfetched.The three

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1166468820580279092006-12-18T13:58:00.000-05:002006-12-18T14:07:00.613-05:00

The Eagles had just been torpedoed by the Indianapolis Colts, 45-21, in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicated and the season appeared to be down the tubes.There weren't many people who gave the Eagles a chance at that point (including this reporter).The players were visibly down, especially since the Colts physically pounded the Eagles, rushing for 237 yards.Of course the season has

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1166202016008803942006-12-15T11:43:00.000-05:002006-12-15T12:00:16.036-05:00

The Eagles have received much better play than from quarterback Jeff Garcia than anybody could have anticipated, regardless of what the coaches say. Garcia has been an efficient quarterback and more importantly, a leader on the field and in the locker room. His teammates trust him and it doesn't hurt when you've thrown eight touchdown passes and no interceptions.If he continues this efficiency

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1165798474723063302006-12-10T19:46:00.000-05:002006-12-10T19:54:34.813-05:00

LANDOVER, MD -- They don't go for style points when a team is fighting and clawing for a playoff berth.The Eagles made things a little too interesting, turning a 21-3 potential rout into a 21-19 nail-biting win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field.Washington rushed for 210 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry, but could only get into the end zone once.Even though the Redskins are a

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1165531611103520932006-12-07T17:31:00.000-05:002006-12-07T17:46:51.253-05:00

Teams with quarterbacks in their first season haven't been too kind to the Eagles this season. Tampa Bay beat the Eagles, 23-21 with rookie Bruce Gradkowski at controls. (Even though Tampa Bay scored two touchdowns on Ronde Barber interception returns, the fact that Gradkowski was the winning QB, can't be lost on the Eagles).Houston applied a 31-13 win with Vince Young, the No. 3 overall pick in

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1165299282579701242006-12-05T00:57:00.000-05:002006-12-05T01:14:42.616-05:00

After Monday's 27-24 win over the Carolina Panthers, Eagles offensive guard Shawn Andrews talked about proving to the doubters that this indeed was still a quality team.Consider this writer as one of the big doubters. While one game doesn't turn around a season, it did save it for the Eagles.Now the Eagles are 6-6 and very much in the playoff hunt, but that doesn't mean that there aren't some

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1164924691326058602006-11-30T17:02:00.000-05:002006-11-30T17:11:31.353-05:00

There is no middle ground. The Eagles will either turn their season around in Monday Night's game at Lincoln Financial Field against the Carolina Panthers, or be finished for good.While this writer still doesn't think the Eagles will earn a postseason berth, at least they can stay very much alive in the playoff race with a win over Carolina.The Panthers are 6-5 and if the playoffs were held today

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1164607567290486452006-11-27T00:56:00.000-05:002006-11-27T01:06:07.316-05:00

INDIANAPOLIS -- This is beginning to look a lot like last year and we all remember that wasn't such a pretty site for the Eagles.What is most discouraging is how teams have been literally running over the Eagles during the last month. The Colts rushed for 237 yards and quarterback Peyton Manning barely had to break a sweat in Sunday's 45-21 demolition of the Eagles.Three times in the last four

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1164310312942619562006-11-23T14:15:00.000-05:002006-11-23T14:31:52.973-05:00

This is the first time this year that the Eagles will be underdogs when they invade the RCA Done for Sunday night's matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. It sure won't be the last time.And whether the Eagles (5-5) are talking a good game or not, they appear to be a confident team. This week, player after player has talked about how confident he is to have Jeff Garcia now running the offense.And

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1163986953059715532006-11-19T20:26:00.000-05:002006-11-19T20:42:33.086-05:00

Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young missed the team flight to Philadelphia on Saturday, saying he forgot his I.D. and then got stuck behind a funeral procession.Young found his way to Philadelphia, only to attend another funeral - one for the Eagles. At 5-5, after Sunday's 31-13 pasting by the Titans, the Eagles season is over, although we said that after they lost at Tampa Bay and again

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1163444113363519662006-11-13T13:43:00.000-05:002006-11-13T13:55:13.410-05:00

It's easy to dismiss the Eagles 27-3 win over Washington as no big deal, over a Redskins team that has just kissed its playoff homes goodbye.Yet in the NFL, especially this year, no win should be taken for granted. As bad as the Redskins looked against the Eagles, they were able to beat Dallas the previous week.And if anybody is checking, the Eagles' best win this year has still be over that

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1162171326233441932006-10-29T20:14:00.000-05:002006-10-29T20:22:06.303-05:00

After each loss the Eagles have talked about what a great team they still are, but that conversation was missing after Sunday's 13-6 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now the Eagles are answering questions (and probably asking them among themselves) whether this season is over.At 4-4 and now at the bye week, the Eagles are in deep trouble. In fact, count this writer as one who is writing them

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1161567769236423522006-10-22T21:31:00.000-04:002006-10-22T21:42:49.303-04:00

TAMPA -- The Eagles are now 4-3 and all the players and fans feel they should be 7-0. They have let three winnable games get away, and had the lead in the fourth quarter of all three.While they have all been lost in frustrating fashion, it's hard to believe a more disappointing loss than the 23-21 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Especially since the Eagles took a 21-20 lead with 33 seconds

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1161360117016937492006-10-20T11:50:00.000-04:002006-10-20T12:01:57.160-04:00

While most feel that the Eagles will be involved in nothing more than a glorified scrimmage, here's a word of caution - the Birds can't just beat Tampa Bay by simply showing up.Sure, the Bucs are 1-4 and are starting a rookie quarterback in Bruce Gradkowski. Yet this is the same team that beat Cincinnati last week 14-13, at home which means the Tampa Bay defense is beginning to round into

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1161290384260355842006-10-19T16:26:00.000-04:002006-10-19T16:39:44.286-04:00

The Eagles special teams are still waiting to make their mark. During last week's 27-24 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the special teams arguably had their worst game. The Eagles Dexter Wynn averaged just 18.8 yards on five kickoffs and 5 yards on two punts.Wynn at times has seemed on the brink of making a big return, only to be tackled. The Eagles longest kick return this season has been 34

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1160995412768327132006-10-16T06:31:00.000-04:002006-10-16T06:43:32.826-04:00

NEW ORLEANS -- The Eagles went for the home run too many times in their 27-24 loss to New Orleans and ended up striking out instead. Coach Andy Reid and quarterback Donovan McNabb became enamored with the deep ball.Maybe it was the vision of the 87-yard touchdown pass to Hank Baskett against Dallas the inspired the Eagles to keep trying the deep pass.Baskett continually wasn't open on the deep

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1160994629601664312006-10-16T06:16:00.000-04:002006-10-16T06:30:29.626-04:00

NEW ORLEANS -- The Eagles insisted all week that they would forget about their big win over Dallas and concentrate only on New Orleans. Here's hoping now as they prepare to visit a resurgent Tampa Bay team on Sunday, that the memory of Sunday's 27-24 loss to New Orleans can be easily forgotten.Good luck.The Eagles allowed the Saints to hold the ball for the final 8:26. They will be continually

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1160685151203132762006-10-12T16:15:00.000-04:002006-10-12T16:32:31.286-04:00

All week long, the Eagles have insisted that they have put Sunday's emotional 38-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys behind them. The players and coaches have insisted thetr will be no letdown when they visit the New Orleans Saints Sunday in the Superdome.Both teams are 4-1 and the way the Eagles are talking, one would think that the Saints are comparable to the Pittsburgh Steelers teams that won four

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1160486189621851872006-10-10T09:08:00.000-04:002006-10-10T09:16:29.656-04:00

After criticizing the Eagles fans for leaving the game early in their 30-24 overtime loss to the New York Giants, it's only fair to give them props for their performance in Sunday's 38-24 win over Dallas.Many of the players felt that the electricity and noise level rivaled that of the Eagles' 27-10 NFC championship win over the Atlanta Falcons two seasons ago.Lincoln Financial Field was

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1160061628181615162006-10-05T11:07:00.000-04:002006-10-05T11:20:28.216-04:00

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is playing as well as any quarterback in the NFL at this time and one doesn't need to look at his 106.0 passer rating to see how much he is enjoying the game.McNabb, who appeared to be miserable a year ago while fighting a losing battle with a sports hernia and a fractured relationship with Terrell Owens, is playing like his old self. He's also smiling like his

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1159853990101593672006-10-03T01:30:00.000-04:002006-10-03T01:39:50.126-04:00

The Eagles proved that they can beat a poor team without some important components during Monday's 31-9 win over the Green Bay Packers. Running back Brian Westbrook and cornerback Lito Sheppard tried to work out before the game, but weren't cleared to play.While the Eagles won't admit it, the fact that this was the Packers probably made it easier for them to be without Westbrook and Sheppard.Now

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1159566273602026772006-09-29T17:19:00.000-04:002006-09-29T17:44:34.220-04:00

It's been said that this is the JV portion of the Eagles schedule, although if that's the case then the New York Giants proved to be a pretty good sub-varsity team.Either way, the Eagles are expected to steamroll by the Green Bay Packers in Monday night's game at Lincoln Financial Field.The Packers are 1-2, but are coming off a road win. They beat the Detroit Lions, 31-24. The Lions, however

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1159398609228876602006-09-27T18:58:00.000-04:002006-09-27T19:10:09.256-04:00

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens did the right thing by addressing the situation immediately. He emphatically declared that there was no suicide attempt, refuting a report that was apparently part of an internal police document. The pills that his publicist thought he took were apparently put in a drawer.It was a major misunderstanding according to Owens and we should take him at his

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1159375645428843552006-09-27T12:28:00.000-04:002006-09-27T12:47:25.873-04:00

We live in a world where people want immediacy, and that includes opinions on breaking news. Here's some advice on the current situation of Terrell Owens - hold off until all the facts are known.Police reports obtained by several news outlets revealed that Owens, the ex-Eagle and current Dallas Cowboys receiver, attempted suicide by overdosing on pain medication.The airways have been filled with

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1159272919689680102006-09-26T08:05:00.000-04:002006-09-26T08:15:19.716-04:00

There are still many things we don't know about the Eagles, with the exception that they are 2-1 and will be a solid favorite in Monday Night's game at Lincoln Financial Field against the Green Bay Packers.The Eagles have beaten two not so good teams, the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers on the road.They squandered a 24-7 fourth quarter lead and lost 30-24 at home in overtime to the New

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1159123304587562582006-09-24T14:26:00.000-04:002006-09-24T14:41:44.620-04:00

SAN FRANCISCO -- During the preseason, this looked like a gimmie, one that wouldn't extend the Eagles much more than last year's 42-3 romp of the San Francisco 49ers. Things have changed.Now the Eagles face a must-win situation - in week three for crying out loud - when they face the 49ers later this afternoon here at Monster Park.Last week's crushing 30-24 overtime loss to the New York Giants,

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1158864967952570122006-09-21T14:28:00.000-04:002006-09-21T14:56:13.813-04:00

On Thursday, Eagles running back Brian Westbrook didn't practice for the second consecutive day. Should this cause alarm?Westbrook began complaining of knee inflammation last Thursday when he left practice early. He didn't work out the rest of the week, but played in Sunday's 30-24 overtime loss to the New York Giants.Other than an ill-advised fumble, Westbrook played well, with 124 all-purpose

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1158584728367768642006-09-18T08:54:00.000-04:002006-09-18T09:05:28.520-04:00

We keep hearing about the passionate Eagles fans and how they are the 12th man for team. Then if that is true, there is just one simple question that needs to be asked - where were the fans at the end of Sunday's 30-24 overtime loss at Lincoln Financial Field to the New York Giants.?By the beginning of overtime, a sizeable number of patrons had left. And the numbers kept growing. When the Eagles

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1158583707093337302006-09-18T08:39:00.000-04:002006-09-18T08:48:27.123-04:00

We'll get past the obvious that this was one of the most devastating and inexcusable defeats in Eagles football history. What's worse about Sunday's 30-24 OT debacle to the New York Giants is that it woke New York up.Instead of being 0-2 and having to travel to Seattle, the Giants now feel pretty good about themselves. And the Eagles don't.Everybody knows all this. And the fact that the Birds

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1158175433776936662006-09-13T15:05:00.000-04:002006-09-13T15:23:54.056-04:00

Roderick Hood has long been considered one of the best No. 3 cornerbacks in the NFL. Hood is a relatively modest, but supremely confident player who doesn't consider himself a backup. And now once again he isn't.Hood will take over for Lito Sheppard who is out for Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field against the New York Giants with a right ankle sprain. While the Eagles only announced that

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1157934932890773622006-09-10T20:06:00.000-04:002006-09-10T20:35:33.096-04:00

HOUSTON -- Even considering the opponent, there were plenty of positives to see in the Eagles' opening 24-10 win over the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Houston looked like a Super Bowl contender in the game's first series, and then reverted to appearing more like, well, the Texans, the rest of the game. The Texans scored on a 25-yard TD reception by Eric Moulds to culminate a 10-play, 77-

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1157728823676579742006-09-08T11:12:00.000-04:002006-09-08T11:20:23.700-04:00

We've seen the Eagles through the first day of training camp in Lehigh to now, as they prepare for the regular season opener in Houston against the Texans.The Eagles appear vastly improved, but so do the other three teams in the NFC East. The difference between the first place team in the NFC East and the fourth could be paper-thin. The Eagles could end up with either role, or of course something

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1157580200309461892006-09-06T17:54:00.000-04:002006-09-06T18:03:20.333-04:00

It has to be a slow news day and to be honest, a slow week when the big story centers on a position change by the Eagles' Bruce Perry.Up until Monday, Perry was a running back, but Eagles coach Andy Reid casually mentioned at his Wednesday press conference that Perry is now playing defense.When confronted in the locker room, Perry indeed spilled the beans, admitting that he is now a

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1157394740216923092006-09-04T14:25:00.000-04:002006-09-04T14:32:20.260-04:00

One thing that can rip a team apart even more than a Terrell Owens tantrum is a key injury. The Eagles had their share of injuries last year, which had as much to do with their 6-10 record as Owens' destructive behavior.If the Eagles bounce back and resume their role as playoff contender, they will have to stay relatively healthy, which is why the results from the preseason were so

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1157328370765505272006-09-03T19:42:00.000-04:002006-09-03T20:06:10.810-04:00

Eagles coach Andy Reid has always appreciated players who have helped him win, but as he has shown this preseason that the moment he thinks somebody can't aid the effort, that player is gone. And rightly so.From the 2004 team that won the NFC title before losing to New England in the Super Bowl, the Eagles return just five players on offense who started at least four games. Those back are tackles

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1156988156282972402006-08-30T21:17:00.000-04:002006-08-30T21:35:56.323-04:00

The Todd Pinkston era is over in Philadelphia and there won't be many people shedding tears. For somebody who started on a team that went to four NFC title games and one Super Bowl, Pinkston wasn't the most appreciated athlete.He was known for his speed and and his career 15.3 average yards per catch is better than Terrell Owens (14.7).Yet Pinkston, despite being a second-round draft choice, was

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1156808421613909422006-08-28T19:24:00.000-04:002006-08-28T19:40:21.736-04:00

Wide receiver Donte' Stallworth may not be a savior, but he's just what the Eagles offense needed and the price wasn't too steep.The Birds acquired Stallworth from the New Orleans Saints for reserve linebacker Mark Simoneau and a conditional fourth round pick in 2007. He will earn a base salary of $1.92 million this season, which isn't too much to pay for somebody who knows the way to the end

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1156570146812294522006-08-26T01:18:00.000-04:002006-08-26T01:29:06.853-04:00

There's an old axiom that a team should never look too far ahead, but the Eagles can be excused if they look past next week.That's because many of the veterans will have off from Friday's preseason finale at Giants Stadium against the New York Jets.The veterans traditionally don't play much or at all in the preseason finale. Couple the fact that the Eagles had five preseason games, and the next

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1156467653199237132006-08-24T20:43:00.000-04:002006-08-24T21:03:51.020-04:00

Correll Buckhalter has been one of the true feel-good stories of the Eagles training camp. By now everybody knows the injury history. Buckhalter has missed the last two seasons with a torn right patellar tendon and has been sidelined three of the past four years.This season he has passed every test, but that doesn't mean he is finished taking final exams. In fact Buckhalter's health will be met

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1156283303979797122006-08-22T17:35:00.000-04:002006-08-22T17:49:37.193-04:00

Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley brought with him a big contract and even bigger expectations. He has done nothing to make people downplay the hype in his first two weeks with the Eagles. Bunkley missed 29 practices and one preseason game due to a prolonged contract holdout, but since he joined the team on Aug. 8, he has been turning heads.The 6-foot-2 Bunkley says he needs to lose about another

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1156193982303080382006-08-21T16:46:00.000-04:002006-08-21T16:59:42.333-04:00

What is Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb supposed to say? They were asked on Monday about the Eagles receivers and both professed to have faith in these maligned groups."We're comfortable with the skill position players," McNabb said. "With the receivers, tight ends, the running backs, I think we can do some good things this year."Again, McNabb can't be ripping his teammates, but wouldn't somebody

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1156183796152017772006-08-21T14:02:00.000-04:002006-08-21T14:09:56.226-04:00

While the Eagles offense, or lack of it has gotten a lot of the preseason attention, the defense didn't have its finest moment in Thursday's 20-10 loss at Baltimore against the Ravens. Sure, the first-team defense only gave up 3 points in half, but that doesn't tell all the story.While the Eagles didn't show very much and played a basic defense, they were carved up by Steve McNair, who helped

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1156092205498496232006-08-20T12:59:00.000-04:002006-08-20T13:06:57.573-04:00

From the (Vineland, N.J.) Daily Journal:(Comments in parentheses are mine.)By DON BENEVENTO Gannett News Service It appears the Eagles are moving closer to the end of an era.(Era? More like an aberration.)For nine seasons, quarterback Koy Detmer has been on the Eagles' roster -- the last seven of those as a backup to starter Donovan McNabb.(More accurately, as kicker David Akers' personal caddy.

Aaron Knoxnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1156093348061712162006-08-20T12:52:00.000-04:002006-08-20T13:02:28.066-04:00

Ty Hildenbrandt, writing for FOXSports.com, brags about how he went to Eagles camp and tried to stir up the faithful by asking about Terrell Owens:"The plan was simple: Rev up the rowdiest, most passionate and oddly dressed fans at training camp by talking about some very general football topics, and when they least expect it, pounce like Jim Gray with a flurry of provoking questions about

Aaron Knoxnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1156092645525994482006-08-20T12:48:00.000-04:002006-08-20T12:50:45.526-04:00

From Philly Sports Net:Five Reasons Why The Eagles Won’t Make the PlayoffsTime's yours.

Aaron Knoxnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1155677954843546552006-08-15T17:29:00.000-04:002006-08-15T17:39:14.926-04:00

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Donovan McNabb feels the Eagles are a Super Bowl team. So does safety Brian Dawkins. And offensive guard Shawn Andrews said the same thing. Who knows how many other Eagles feel the same way, but here's some quick advice - SHUT UP!Enough of this Super Bowl talk. While it's nice that the team shows confidence, after a 6-10 season, the Eagles should be a little humbled.Instead of

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1155589846533333922006-08-14T17:01:00.000-04:002006-08-14T17:10:46.560-04:00

The Eagles continue to say they aren't overly concerned about Brian Westbrook, even though the brittle, but effective running back won't play during Thursday's presason game in Baltimore against the Ravens.Westbrook has a sprained left foot and coach Andy Reid continues to say that he gets better every day. Reid said that the swelling is out of the foot, but that it would take a little time for

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1155267031717554872006-08-10T23:20:00.000-04:002006-08-10T23:30:31.760-04:00

The Eagles first-team defense has now been on the field for five series during the preseason and has yet to allow a point. A cynic would suggest that the two games were against two of the worst offenses in the NFL, Oakland and Cleveland.An optimist would say that the defense is vastly improved, no matter who the Eagles play.While the defense will have much bigger tests, the addition of Darren

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1155073406405017092006-08-08T17:33:00.000-04:002006-08-08T17:46:30.403-04:00

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- The Eagles don't seem to be alarmed at the latest Brian Westbrook injury. Heck, the team didn't even announce it until two days after it occurred, during Sunday's 16-10 loss to Oakland in the Hall of Fame game.Westbrook has a sprained foot. The good news is that it is the left foot, opposite of the foot in which he suffered the Lis Franc sprain that cost Westbrook the final four

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1154799835492863852006-08-05T13:35:00.000-04:002006-08-05T13:45:57.540-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- He has been the sensation of training camp and now receiver Hank Baskett will attempt to carry that over into the games.Baskett will be working with the first unit when the Eagles meet the Oakland Raiders in Sunday's Hall of Fame game from Canton, Ohio.There have been several training camp sensations who haven't been able to carry into the games, so Baskett will be monitored

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1154380962847287992006-07-31T17:18:00.000-04:002006-07-31T17:22:42.893-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- It's still not known whether the Eagles can beat the Redskins, Cowboys and Giants, but at least they have shown that they can beat the heat.The heat index during Monday's morning practice at Lehigh reached 95. Donovan McNabb would be happy to have a quarterback rating that high.The Birds went about business, even though it was difficult to watch due to the suffocating heat. It

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1154293530611291542006-07-30T16:50:00.000-04:002006-07-30T17:05:30.636-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- He has never made the Pro Bowl, never had a 1,000-yard season and supposedly has that diva quality that infests many of the top NFL wide receivers. That all said, Jerry Porter would look good in an Eagles uniform.He is unhappy in Oakland, where Randy Moss is still the boss of the receiving corps. Porter just turned 28. He has good speed and over the past two years has averaged 70

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1154193577208610832006-07-29T13:06:00.000-04:002006-07-29T13:19:37.233-04:00

It's a fine line NFL head coaches have to tread, getting their teams ready for the rigors of the regular season, but also keeping the players healthy.One way to prepare for the season is to have extra hitting, which the Eagles did during their first four days of training camp.Yet the injury list seems to grow each day and one has to think the two are related. Some injuries can occur when a player

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1154021473353602652006-07-27T13:10:00.000-04:002006-07-27T13:31:13.380-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- If the fans who come to Lehigh to watch the morning workouts in pads feel that the Eagles are hitting more this year in camp, they aren't alone. The players realize this as well. The one thing teams use camp for is to get the players in a hitting mindset. Once the season begins, the hitting usually only occurs on game day.There have been some hard hits. Many of the veterans

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1153863703624304702006-07-25T17:31:00.000-04:002006-07-25T17:41:43.653-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- Eagles middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter says he doesn't like training camp, which doesn't make him different from about 1,000 other NFL players. If Trotter hadn't mentioned his dislike for training camp, it would be difficult to tell by his demeanor and more importantly, his play on the field.On the first day of live contact at Lehigh, Trotter was buzzing all around the field,

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1153850020382699102006-07-25T13:26:00.000-04:002006-07-25T13:53:40.580-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- The Eagles have vowed to run the ball more this year. Haven't we heard that before?The Birds only ran the ball 35.6 percent of the time last season. That wouldn't have been so bad, but the Eagles averaged just 19.4 points per game.The person who certainly wouldn't mind a bigger emphasis on running the ball is running back Brian Westbrook, who only averaged 13 carries per

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1153848362759030572006-07-25T13:11:00.000-04:002006-07-25T13:26:02.896-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- It was only the first day of live contact at Lehigh, but the Eagles defense was well ahead of the offense. And for a team that allowed a generous 24.2 points per game last year, that was a positive sign.Newcomer Darren Howard was a disruptive force on the defensive line. Howard's presence seemed to energize booked defensive end Jevon Kearse, who also made a few big plays. Getting

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1153677177250810452006-07-23T13:32:00.000-04:002006-07-23T13:52:57.306-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- The Eagles face a season of extremely low expectations. Not from the players, coaches, and of course the diehard fans. Yet the people who pick with their heads and not their hearts for the most part have the Eagles slotted for fourth in the NFC East.A check of last year's standings shows that is where the Birds finished in 2005 during a disappointing 6-10 season.The players, for

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1153603856443426862006-07-22T17:24:00.000-04:002006-07-22T17:30:56.466-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- With all the false alarms, the Eagles are obviously reluctant to proclaim that running back Correll Buckhalter is ready to return. Still, Buckhalter has been running after practice under the watchful eye of coach Andy Reid.For somebody who has missed the last two years with a right knee injury and the 2002 season with a torn left ACL, this represents progress.Buckhalter is still

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1153591812797831412006-07-22T13:57:00.000-04:002006-07-22T14:11:39.076-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- Each day it's apparent that Lito Sheppard is more comfortable on the football field. Sheppard's return from a severe high ankle sprain that cost him the final six games of last season, will be a key for the Eagles.In 2004 he earned a Pro Bowl berth and if healthy, Sheppard and Sheldon Brown will form one of the top cornerback tandems in the NFL.Sheppard didn't have as good a

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1153521399118347192006-07-21T18:26:00.000-04:002006-07-21T18:36:39.156-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- The Eagles have 13 wide receivers in camp and it's one position that is expected to have heated competition.Reggie Brown is expected to be the No. 1 receiver and Jabar Gaffney, has looked strong in workouts, but remember, the hitting hasn't started.Greg Lewis has a lot to prove after a subpar 2005 season. Todd Pinkston missed last season with a ruptured Achilles tendon and while

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1153507267160990142006-07-21T14:31:00.000-04:002006-07-21T14:41:07.326-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- Donovan McNabb proved to be entertaining at the microphone but none of that will matter if he can’t make the big play on 3rd and 7. The Eagles quarterback spent a lively 20 minutes answering reporters questions on Friday following the morning workout at Lehigh for selected rookies and veterans.McNabb talked about many of the many insults in Terrell Owens’ new book, plus questions

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1153438474853929692006-07-20T19:13:00.000-04:002006-07-21T14:13:35.400-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- Andy Reid rarely shows emotion, but the Eagles coach was visibly upset. The subject was first round draft choice Brodrick Bunkley and his decision to be a holdout. Bunkley is the only unsigned Eagle. He's also officially in Reid's doghouse."You miss practice and it's tough to get in the flow," Reid warned.It's obvious Reid won't have much sentiment if Bunkley misses a lot of time

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1153437212614304362006-07-20T19:02:00.000-04:002006-07-20T19:13:32.920-04:00

BETHLEHEM, PA -- The Eagles view Jeremy Bloom as a potential game-breaking punt returner, which is why they drafted the Olympic skier in the fifth round even though he didn't play football the previous two seasons.Bloom has game-breaking potential, but one has to wonder if he will be healthy this season. On the first day the rookies and selected free agents reported to camp, Bloom was one of

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1153423535985868242006-07-20T15:14:00.000-04:002006-07-20T15:25:36.113-04:00

Eagles center Jamaal Jackson signed a contract extension on Thursday through 2013, but that doesn't mean he will automatically move into the starting lineup.However, fellow center Hank Fraley shouldn't feel too comfortable in his standing. The center position figures to be one of the big battles in training camp, but the long contract extension appears to give Jackson the leg up.Fraley had been

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1149547567793760342006-06-05T18:35:00.000-04:002006-06-05T18:46:07.833-04:00

If harmony could equal wins, then the Eagles will be heading to the Super Bowl. However it is never that easy, but at least there is a different tone to this year's Eagles team.No back-stabbing. No complaining about contracts. And in the most telling circumstance - no no-shows at volunteer camp. The Eagles began their voluntary camp on Monday and surprise - everybody volunteered to come. That was

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1148506050256051982006-05-24T17:19:00.000-04:002006-05-24T17:54:39.476-04:00

By now any self-respecting Eagles fan knows about the upcoming movie "Invincible," which hits theaters on Aug. 25. In the football version of "The Rookie" (a product of the same studio, Disney) comes the inspiring real-life story of Vince Papale, with Mark Wahlberg as the 30-year-old Eagles fan who makes the team after a walk-on tryout.It may not qualify as news, exactly, but here's the trailer,

Aaron Knoxnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1148505322692285682006-05-24T17:09:00.000-04:002006-05-24T17:15:23.066-04:00

From the Albuquerque Tribune:Hank Baskett wants to be the next Terrell Owens. Not the next T.O. "Terrell Owens is the football player," Baskett said from his hotel in Philadelphia. "T.O. is the guy off the field. "On the field, he works harder than anybody out there. Off the field, he does stuff that gets himself into trouble. It's like he has a split personality." Baskett, the undrafted,

Aaron Knoxnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147894566844071412006-05-17T15:35:00.000-04:002006-05-17T15:36:07.276-04:00

From the Associated Press:WASHINGTON - President Bush welcomed "dudes and dudesses" from the U.S. Winter Olympic team today in a White House ceremony that included a most unusual prop - a signed football jersey from Donovan McNabb.After speeches by Bush and speedskater Chris Witty, the president was presented with an Olympic torch and was quickly surrounded by athletes who treated him like a

Aaron Knoxnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147827623175015802006-05-16T20:53:00.000-04:002006-05-16T21:00:23.536-04:00

In response to some questions from fans who want more analysis of the rookies at minicamp, here's one thing to remember - it can't be done with any degree of accuracy. Or with a straight face.The players aren't wearing pads and it was basically a passing camp. For those e-mailers who wanted evaluations of defensive linemen like Darren Howard and first round pick Brodrick Bunkley, check back in

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147721910637707282006-05-15T15:38:00.000-04:002006-05-15T15:38:35.753-04:00

The Eagles appear to be heading into training camp in relatively good shape health-wise. The team will meet again on June 5 for the beginning of a two-week voluntary camp that isn't very voluntary, especially if players are looking for playing time.Coach Andy Reid said three of the four players who didn't participate in the minicamp, have a chance to be ready for the voluntary camp.The three are

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147714977040992612006-05-15T13:16:00.000-04:002006-05-15T13:42:57.556-04:00

The questions about T.O. and the rest of the disastrous 2005 season were fewer and fewer as the Eagles minicamp went on. For Eagles coach Andy Reid, this first minicamp was a time to put last season's 6-10 debacle well in the rearview mirror.And he felt following the completion of the minicamp that the calendar has truly turned for the Birds."I feel like everybody wants to put it to rest," Reid

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147713323366976322006-05-15T13:00:00.000-04:002006-05-15T13:15:23.730-04:00

He has changed his name from Tra to William, although the newly named Williams Thomas says that was his name all along. What is more important is whether the three-time Eagles Pro Bowl left tackle is ready for the rigors of a 16-game NFL season.Thomas underwent season-ending back surgery after being inured in the 10th game of the year against the New York Giants.As the blindside blocker to

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147703362097342932006-05-15T10:20:00.000-04:002006-05-15T10:29:22.436-04:00

There isn't a lot that can be determined at a minicamp where there is no actual hitting and much more fine-tuning. Still, one thing has become abundantly clear as the Eagles close out their first minicamp of the 2006 season - Donovan McNabb has assumed control of this team.Of course, McNabb feels he never lost control, although that could be subject to debate. What can't be disputed is that he

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147639982868796492006-05-14T16:38:00.000-04:002006-05-14T16:53:03.030-04:00

Eagles fans shouldn't get too hung up on depth charts. Players who are listed on top during minicamp don't always find themselves starting when the season begins.Still, there has to be some pecking order. That's why following Sunday's morning practice, special teams coach John Harbaugh said that as of now, Reno Mahe is the starting punt returner. Now Mahe led the league last year with a 12.8

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147638977516329732006-05-14T16:23:00.000-04:002006-05-14T16:36:17.760-04:00

Brian Dawkins hopes to end his career where it started, with the Eagles. Now entering his 11th season, Dawkins has been a starter at free safety since his rookie year with the Eagles in 1996. After this season he will become an unrestricted free agent and the Eagles coaches say the 32-year-old Dawkins hasn't shown any signs of age.The Eagles have a reputation of discarding 30-something players,

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147630478639032742006-05-14T14:01:00.000-04:002006-05-14T14:14:39.056-04:00

It seems like such an elementary part of the game, but the one that the newcomers all seem to struggle with initially - learning the plays.At the Eagles minicamp, the rookies are being thrown a steady diet of the playbook in rapid fashion."We've installed 30 plus plus passes every morning," said Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. "For a new player that is a lot of things spinning

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147621904110561922006-05-14T11:42:00.000-04:002006-05-14T11:51:44.323-04:00

While it's difficult to tell much when football players are running around in shorts and no pads, the Eagles workouts at their minicamp are being done at a brisk pace. The Sunday morning session, just like the two sessions on Saturday had a crispness to them. The players and coaches were all business. There was very little joking around and plenty of instruction.The rookies, who were given 27

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147548674696207182006-05-13T15:05:00.000-04:002006-05-13T17:55:46.553-04:00

Donovan McNabb softened his original comments when asked about his controversial statement that he made during Super Bowl week on ESPN about former teammate and adversary Terrell Owens.McNabb spoke to the Philadelphia media for the first time on Saturday since those comments were made.The comment that got McNabb going was when Owens was asked (also on ESPN) if the Eagles would be better off if

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147544257730667942006-05-13T14:10:00.000-04:002006-05-13T14:17:39.720-04:00

The Eagles reported to their minicamp in relatively good shape. Coach Andy Reid said only four players were sidelined from the opening practice.The four are cornerbacks Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard, running back Correll Buckhalter, and wide receiver Todd Pinkston.Brown had shoulder surgery on Feb 13 and Sheppard had ankle surgery for a high ankle sprain that caused him to miss the last six

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147543650633766252006-05-13T13:59:00.000-04:002006-05-13T14:07:31.010-04:00

One surprise announcement after the first mini-camp practice was that Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown won't be available these next three days as he recovers from shoulder surgery. Brown had the surgery Feb. 13 on his right shoulder.To demonstrate the toughness that Brown displayed, he injured the shoulder last preseason and didn't miss a start. In fact Brown hasn't missed a game in his first

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147535650455135062006-05-13T11:49:00.000-04:002006-05-16T21:03:57.396-04:00

It's only mini-camp, with repetitive drills that consist of throwing balls to receivers, but Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb looks to be in good shape physically.After last year's sports hernia that hampered McNabb for the nine games he played and the seven he didn't, the health of the Eagles quarterback is the No. 1 item on the Birds' priority list for this season.Later McNabb will speak to

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147530796289536822006-05-13T10:20:00.000-04:002006-05-13T10:33:16.760-04:00

In two moves that weren't surprising, the Eagles signed running back Reno Mahe and safety Quintin Mikell each to one-year contracts. Both were restricted free agents who are entering their fourth year with the Eagles.Mahe led the NFL in punt returns, averaging 12.8 yards, although seven of his 21 returns came in the 42-0 loss to Seattle.He rushed for 87 yards on 20 attempts. He will have plenty

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147477057516065372006-05-12T19:26:00.000-04:002006-05-12T19:37:37.880-04:00

One person who might have been annoyed at the Eagles acquisition of defensive end Darren Howard is Trent Cole. That's because the addition of Howard as a free agent from the New Orleans has pushed Cole down the depth chart.You'll remember that Cole came in as a relatively unheralded rookie fifth round pick out of Cincinnati last year and ended up starting seven games. He recorded all five of his

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147475976712201462006-05-12T19:07:00.000-04:002006-05-12T19:19:37.150-04:00

For a fifth-round pick, Eagles rookie Jeremy Bloom has sure gotten his share of attention. Then again there aren't too many two-time Olympic skiers in the NFL. Actually there is nobody else with those credentials.So Bloom has faced a question or two from the media during his time and at the first day of mini-camp, where players just reported for meetings at the Nova Care Complex, Bloom was by far

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147472677343144632006-05-12T18:24:00.000-04:002006-05-12T18:24:37.523-04:00

Not all the Eagles will be available for duty when the team takes the field on Saturday for mini-camp. General manager Tom Heckert says that cornerback Lito Sheppard, center Hank Fraley and wide receiver Todd Pinkston are three key players who aren't expected to do much.Sheppard is recovering from an ankle injury that cost him the final six games. Pinkston missed the entire season with an

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1147471191010891542006-05-12T17:47:00.000-04:002006-05-12T18:06:44.670-04:00

The Eagles reported for a team meeting on Friday to begin their mini-camp that will last through Monday and most of the interest will center on Donovan McNabb.General manager Tom Heckert said that McNabb, who missed the last seven games with a sports hernia is ready to go.With all the talk about regaining the locker room, McNabb must also regain his form after throwing nine interceptions last

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1146618929109079802006-05-02T21:14:00.000-04:002006-05-02T21:15:29.340-04:00

The Eagles have gotten a lot of praise for their work in the draft and rightfully so. And even though there are no trophies for good grades on draft day, the Eagles fortified two of their three key positions of need - the offensive and defensive line.First round pick Brodrick Bunkley will be an immediate starter at defensive tackle. Second round offensive tackle Winston Justice and third round

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10452999.post-1146415185153993642006-04-30T12:04:00.000-04:002006-04-30T12:39:45.290-04:00

The Eagles followed an active first day in the draft with an even busier second day. And the team is doing its best to get younger after trading defensive tackle Hollis Thomas and offensive guard/tackle Artis Hicks in separate deals with New Orleans and Minnesota.In both instances, the Eagles made the trade to move up in the fourth round and selected University of Georgia guard Max Jean-Gilles (6

Marc Narduccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728476392464075186noreply@blogger.com0