Andy Reid would like nothing more than to say matter-of-factly that his Eagles are faster and more agile than the unit that staggered out of the gate to an 8-8 finish in 2007.

The head coach, staid and soft-spoken, perked up and even managed to flicker a hint of a smile when discussing his team's potential for speed in the upcoming season. But, as is par for the course, he wouldn't confirm anything without rock-solid proof.

The Eagles wrapped up their voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Thursday at the NovaCare Complex, the final series of practices before training camp begins on July 22. Reid admitted he had seen a lot to suggest the Eagles were quicker on both sides of the ball, but also that the June passing camp – non-contact by rule – doesn't present the ideal scenario for analyzing game action.

"It looks like the team is in good shape for right now," Reid said. "We'll see how things go through training camp when you're hot and tired and you're beating each other up. We'll see how they respond then."

In the past two weeks, Reid emphasized the difference between this year's team and last's, citing the focus on getting quicker and making plays, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

The familiar faces of veterans like Jevon Kearse and Takeo Spikes have made way to their successors, while youngsters already entrenched in the fold have another year of experience under their belts.

But once again, Reid refused to jump for joy just yet.

"There are always things that can get better ... I would like to see our speed be maintained through the training camp," he said. "I want to see it when they are beat up, and see how fast we can play throughout those few weeks of training camp. I didn't see enough of that last year."

In the meantime, it's on the players to prepare for their stay at Lehigh University, whether by resting nagging injuries, training outside to get accustomed to the heat or a little bit of both.

Some players will be returning home to spend time with their families, while others will stay in the area to work out. Some are straitjacketed into a battle for a roster spot, with the first cuts coming in "the next couple of days," Reid said. The Eagles can only take 80 players to training camp and currently have 88.

Despite the downtime, players said individual work ethic will be imperative to handling the everyday rigors Lehigh has to offer, especially for those looking to emerge above the fray.

"As a rookie, you probably feel like you have a break now. But older guys, these vets around here, know that Lehigh's no joke," linebacker Omar Gaither said. "If you take a few days off, a few weeks off, it's going to be hard to get back in shape in a few weeks for what it's going to be like at Lehigh."

Others are excited to have made it through the minicamp without injuries, keyed up for what they consider the official beginning of the 2008 season.

"I'm not hurt, I'm not injured. Knock on wood," said tight end L.J. Smith, who battled groin and knee injuries last season. "I feel great actually. My mind is right, and I'm just ready to go."

NOTES: Reid said quarterback Donovan McNabb should be ready to throw with about another week of rest. McNabb has sat out of practice since Tuesday with shoulder tendinitis. He also said that wide receiver DeSean Jackson and cornerback Asante Samuel will be 100 percent recovered from their hamstring injuries by training camp.

WR Jason Avant also tweaked his hamstring, and participated in light workouts. He, too, should be 100 percent by July 22.

Running back Brian Westbrook was excused from practice on Thursday. Reid said that a possible contract dispute "has nothing to do with" his absence. Reid commented on guard Shawn Andrews' absence all week, saying it is a personal matter and something he had known about going into camp.