The release of the 2008 schedule means a lot for Eagles fans. In many ways, it creates the first tingle of excitement that will build through the draft, training camp and into the preseason, culminating with the Eagles season opener.

The Eagles will open the 2008 season at home for the first time since 2004, when they play the St. Louis Rams on Sept. 7. In the Eagles locker room, the reactions to the release of the schedule were enthusiastic. Eagles' kicker David Akers said he was excited to open the season at Lincoln Financial Field this year.

"Obviously we like to play at home quite a bit," Akers said following a workout at the NovaCare Complex. "Especially for the fans, it's kind of like an opening day deal. You want to play at home and get everyone all pumped up. There are a lot of expectations, obviously, for the year, so for myself I'd like to stay here. I wish we played all 16 games at home."

The atmosphere at Eagles home games is undeniably difficult for opposing teams with almost 70,000 rabid, screaming fans who undoubtedly give the Eagles an added advantage. Still, when asked about the excitement that comes with the opener being at home, Eagles wide receiver Reggie Brown admitted he wouldn't mind working out some of the kinks on the road before giving the fans their first taste of the team.

WR Reggie Brown

"I don't know," Brown said jokingly. "Maybe it's good to play away for the first game, but it will be exciting. At least we don't have to travel. The crowd gets to come and watch the game, so it will be fun."

The release of the schedule also revealed that the Eagles will be playing on Thanksgiving for the first time in 19 years when they host the Arizona Cardinals. The game will be played at Lincoln Financial Field in front of a national audience on NFL Network (don't worry, it will be carried on a local TV station in the Philadelphia market) and will certainly be a unique experience for the Eagles and their fans. Not to mention, it will give them a few extra days to prepare for their next game against the defending Super Bowl champion and NFC East-rival New York Giants.

"Most likely it will give us a nice long weekend, hopefully after a win there on Thanksgiving," Akers said of the first home Thanksgiving game since 1940. "That's the first time I've played on Thanksgiving since I was a freshman in college. It beats practicing on Thanksgiving."

The Eagles did have different feelings on what the release of the schedule means in terms of the onset of the season. When asked if the release of the schedule made it feel as though the season is close, Akers - who has been with the Eagles since 1999 - did not hesitate.

"No. It's April," said Akers. "This is 10 years now that I've been doing this, so it's neat to see kind of where we're going to be playing and all that, but for the most part, it's just trying to get back in the swing of things, no pun intended (being a kicker), and just trying to get the body the way it's supposed to be."

Brown, entering his fourth season with the Eagles, knows that the season is closer than you would think.

"Yea, yea that just let's you know it's getting here quick," Brown said. "I've only been up here for like a week working out. But it's coming around, man, it gets on you quick. You think you have a couple of months, but it goes pretty fast. Everyone's around here working and getting ready. It should be a good season."

While the season is still a long way off, it's hard to deny that both fans and players are beginning to feel that tingle.