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Practice Blog: July 23
 
July 23, 2008 | Last Updated: 7/23/08 5:18 PM ET | Comments (87)
By: JOE DOLAN and CHRIS ZERVOUDIS

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4:30 PM - Practice ends as the rain looms. We gotta run! Note: Sean Considine was hitting the goalpost with his once-injured shoulder for a couple minutes.

4:25 PM -
Quintin Demps makes a nice play, undercutting Brent Celek on a crossing route and picking off a pass.

4:22 PM -
WOW! What a catch by DeSean Jackson, on a nice throw from A.J. Feeley. Jackson outjumps Therrian Fontenot in the back corner of the end zone, and hauls in a big grab. The animated Fontenot is noticably upset with himself.

4:20 PM -
Good news for Ryan Moats. He seems to be finishing on screens and getting upfield. The big question? Will he be able to hang onto the ball when the hitting starts?

4:15 PM -
Horn sounds for more seven-on-seven red zone drills. The close quarters and simulation of a scoring opportunity can only bring more intensity out of the defense.

4:13 PM - 
Kevin Kolb and Brent Celek having been clicking well in the red zone drills. The second-year tight end, along with L.J. Smith are vital to the red zone offense.

4:08 PM -
DeSean Jackson finishes off seven-on-seven drills strong for the offense as he catches a pass from A.J. Feeley between Sean Considine, Joe Mays and Kyle Arrington.

4:07 PM -
Safety Quintin Demps picks off a Kevin Kolb pass deep down the field. Demps picked off Kolb twice in college while playing for Texas-El Paso. Jim Johnson yells at all of the defenders to hustle and finish the play, continuing his emphasis on turnovers.

4:04 PM - 
This is a perfect example of the physical play from the cornerbacks. Kyle Arrington took wide receiver Frantz Hardy to the ground. On the very next snap he pushed DeSean Jackson off his route. Marty Mornhinweg tells both rookie receivers to use their speed to get off press coverage.

4:00 PM -
Seven-on-seven drills. This is easily the most exciting part of camp because the defense is intense. They don't like to give one inch to their opponents, even if it happens to be a teammate. Trust me (Chris), it's worth a trip to Lehigh.  

3:57 PM -
A deep, beautiful 25-yard pass from Kevin Kolb to DeSean Jackson has everyone on the sideline saying, "That would have been six in a game."

3:55 PM -
The offensive line was busting their butt to get out quickly in front of Ryan Moats on a screen play. The Eagles have been known as one of the best screen teams in the NFL ...this kind of effort in training camp is why. 

3:52 PM -
Jim Johnson isn't pleased with what he's hearing - silence. "What was that? You guys said like one word," he yells at his linebackers after a play. Better communication will lead to more turnovers. Johnson won't tolerate players that can't relay what they see on the field. The next play, you can't even make out any words because all the 'backers are talking at once.

3:50 PM -
Therrian Fontenot continues the physicality that got him noticed in this morning's practice. This time, however, he's battling it out with coaches in drills. Definitely a bump-and-run type corner.

3:48 PM -
At the running back individual drills, there's not a whole lot going on. In fact, there are more coaches and staff members over there than backs - four to two (Ryan Moats and Jed Collins).

3:46 PM - The linebackers are working a lot on ball drills. Once again, it's obvious that Jim Johnson wasn't joking when he placed a emphasis on more turnovers, and a lot of them. Justin Roland, in particular, seems to have a nice eye for the ball.

3:45 PM - Most noteworthy happening so far is that Donovan McNabb isn't practicing. He won't practice Thursday morning either. It isn't because of the new "30-And-Over Club." It's a tradition that McNabb gets these practices off. No doubt Donovan is loving it. You have to wonder what exactly it is that he's doing right now. My guess? Sleeping.

Additionally, it seems as if the inevitable storm that initially moved practice indoors took a swing south. It's definitely still coming, but Reid and his staff hope that they can get a decent practice in before it hits.

3:41 PM - Practice looked like it was going to get relocated in doors but the weather is holding up.  Everyone is out on the field and warming up...stay tuned.

MORNING PRACTICE

10:00 AM - Morning practice ends with a stretch. It's time for Andy Reid's press conference. Chris will have a story for you soon, and we'll be showing some of the highlights during Training Camp Live! at noon. Then, we'll blog this afternoon. See ya then!

9:59 AM - A coordinated "McNabb, you rock!" cheer gets a wave from Donovan.

9:56 AM - "BALL! BALL!" Sean Considine picks up an incomplete pass and goes the other way with it. The ball was clearly not caught, but the idea is improving on 2007's terrible turnover output - not letting any ball go.

9:55 AM - Ready for Round Three of Fontenot-Gasperson? McNabb threads a bullet to Gasperson with Fontenot nearly deflecting it away, almost making a great play. Fontenot slaps his hands, visibly displeased. "That's it 3-1, I feel you baby," McNabb says. Fontenot is really taking advantage of the first few days of camp here. He's getting noticed.

9:50 AM - Lots of action for DeSean Jackson from all three quarterbacks. He's clearly the offense's priority No. 1 in these first few days of camp. Fly routes, curls, slants, flats. You name it, he's done it.

9:46 AM - Quotable from Marty Mornhinweg. Following a play where Shaheer McBride reached up to grab a Kevin Kolb pass, Mornhinweg remarked, "Catch the ball at its highest point. When it's caught there, it's our ball all the time."

9:41 AM - McNabb bringing laughs again. As he switches fields, he spanks statistical analysis coordinator Mike Frazier while yelling, "WOO!" Took most people by surprise.

9:40 AM - Wow, here's go Therrian Fontenot and Michael Gasperson again. There's a little bit of shoving and a few words after the play.

9:31 AM - Horn sounds, time for seven-on-seven drills. This is where things get interesting. Therrian Fontenot and Michael Gasperson get physical on the very first play at the line. Nothing out of the ordinary really, this is football right? But for three months now, there has been no contact. Shells are on and players are getting the itch to start hitting ...oh boy.

Secondary coach Sean McDermott seems to be pleased with his corners new attitude to press receivers on the line of scrimmage.

9:27 AM - Andy Reid switches his focus over from offense to defense walking from the adjacent practice field. The Eagles have been a well-balanced team on both sides of the ball and 2008 should not be any different.

9:23 AM- Donovan McNabb's first pass of the day went to ...DeSean Jackson. Although Shaheer McBride, Ryan Moats, Frantz Hardy and Michael Gasperson also get a fair amount of touches.

9:20 AM - The offensive line leaves to go back into the gentle, caring arms of offensive line coach Juan Castillo. By the way, Castillo's use of language is truly inspiring and poetic.

9:15 AM - The whole offense gets together, including linemen, to work on reverses and other running plays. Receivers coach David Culley is side-by-side with some of his rookies to make sure they know exactly what their responsibility is on the play. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg  stresses the importance of spacing in this offense.

9:10 AM - Brent Celek is the only tight end in camp which is good for him so he can make up for the reps he missed during minicamps and OTA's. His drill focuses on catching passes in tight spaces.  He runs around tackle dummies making quick cuts and then has less than a second to react to a pass. Add a man trying to take his head off and you have a real life game situation - we are not there quit yet.

9:04 AM - Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is going over coverage language and callouts with his linebackers and defensive backs. It's amazing how such simple words mean so much. It's not exactly evident what it all means simply by watching, you've got to be taught these things.

8:59 AM - Funny moment from who else but Donovan McNabb. As he crosses the field to work with the running backs, McNabb intentionally runs through a wide receiver drill. "Hey, stay outside the hash marks!" David Culley yells. "I AM! I AM!" McNabb shouts back, despite running between them.

8:58 AM - Here come Trevor Laws and Bryan Smith to the practice fields. They're carrying medicine balls, still conditioning to be ready to practice in a few days or so.

8:55 AM - Wide receivers coach David Culley is throwing practice tosses to the receivers, and he's got a really nice spiral. He's a lefty, too. The receivers are working on catching the passes one-handed. Not a single ball is dropped the entire time.

8:54 AM - Here's a rare sight - Andy Reid on the defensive field. Typically, you'll find him watching his offense from behind the action, but here he's talking to trainer Rick Burkholder and watching his defensive backs. No matter where he is though, Reid sees just about everything that happens on the fields. It's really remarkable.

8:52 AM - Kicker Richmond McGee has been doing everything that's asked of him, including doubling as a lineman, receiver and running back during defensive drills. In doing so, he puts a blue cover over his helmet. McGee's a smart guy - he's was a financial planner with Northwestern Mutual before deciding to pursue an NFL career.

8:44 AM - Andy Reid is out on the field and the horn sounds for special teams.

8:40 AM - Donovan McNabb comes out of the locker room and he gets right to work.

8:37 AM - This time with the rookies and selected veterans might be most valuable for coach Rory Segrest and his special teams unit.  With the exception of the five offensive linemen and three quarterbacks, everyone else in camp is working hard to find a spot on punt and kickoff coverage.

8:33 AM - Kevin Kolb and A.J. Feeley are out on the field playing catch and warming up.

8:31 AM - The offensive line rotates during their first drill.  They take turns imitating defensive linemen, spinning every which way and using swim/rip techniques. Offensive line coach Juan Castillo tells the players that even though it's not their turn they should still pay attention to what they other guys are doing so they can see what to do or what not to do.

8:30 AM - It's an ugly day here at Lehigh University. The rain has been pretty steady all morning, and it's showing no signs of stopping anytime soon. Still, practice is underway and we, Joe and Chris, will be here to update you as long as there are updates to blog about. Stay tuned!

Practice Blog: July 23
   
JayJay766
07/23/08
5:18 pm ET
I would love them 2 go under.500 and miss the playoffs
JayJay766
07/23/08
5:17 pm ET
modee, me using addressed might have been the wrong. I was trying 2 say that those areas should be improved. The OL is the same but when healthy it is a very effective line. They are as of right now healthy. On special teams as bad as our coverage was our return game was by far what left the most 2 be desired. The return game should be better with the additions of Jaccson, Booker & Demps. As far as improving the D & forcing TOs I think that is self explanatory
JayJay766
07/23/08
4:05 pm ET
Curtis had a lower avg becuzz he caught more passes (short & long). Stallworth on the other hand the bulk of his receptions were down the field . Only problem the short stuff he came up with very few. Thats why he disappeared in NE With Moss taking everything deep he couldn't adjust his game even when Moss was doubled and tripled. Everyone else seemed 2 thrive
Chuck_Love@...
07/23/08
2:51 pm ET
Well based on the stats, I guess my memory isn't that old yet. Stallworth had 19.1 YPC and Curtis 14.4 YPC. Almost 5 yards more. that's a pretty big difference over a whole season. Not sure why Stallworth provided a bigger play threat? Is is cause of 5?, or did he get better seperation?
Chuck_Love@...
07/23/08
2:46 pm ET
Comments on Curtis vs Stallworth? Didn't see that one. In watching them both play one season I considered Stallworth more of a deep threat, or at leats Donovan looked deep for him more often. While Curtis appears to be more of a posession receiver. Of course I have no data to back this up, it just stands out in my memory that way.
Thechosen19842003@...
07/23/08
2:46 pm ET
On the wide receivers getting a lot of reps and what he sees out of WR Shaheer McBride: ""He's doing a good job. Yeah, he's doing a good job. He's very strong to the football. He's very strong, period. He's a big, big target and I think he's a good route runner. He knows how to use his body very well.""
jboyd23
07/23/08
2:20 pm ET
Our backup-camp leg punter is pretending to be a defensive linemman - that's fricking hilarious. And I'd love to hear what Castillo has been saying to the line.
JeromeBrown99
07/23/08
2:07 pm ET
Hey fireline))) We are havin this big chat on which WR is better. Curtis or Stallworth. Why don't you jump in? Over on Spuds Jackson story.
Chuck_Love@...
07/23/08
1:59 pm ET
Yeah, last year was frustrating, especially when you thikn about how the season could have gone without the injuries. And you guys are too kind about our mascot. Thanks.
londrajd@...
07/23/08
1:49 pm ET
Ugh JB... I had finally gotten over that end of the season mess, haha. Thanks for reminding me, jk.
JeromeBrown99
07/23/08
1:31 pm ET
Just checkin out the recruiting sites. Scout has Joseph rated higher than Jones. Kinda suprised. Rivals has it the other way. But it's close. They say Joseph is a passer. Didn't mention his D though. So... gotta go with Jones. === Plenty of options though. 50 more than last year. They often ran out of gas. === Still can't believe that 3 rimmed out for Flynn against Georgetown. And that under the basket pu****urnover thing that screwed us up.
thefirelion
07/23/08
1:14 pm ET
first time poster, long time reader and eagle fan. Yes, I understand that the west coast offense is tough for a reciever to learn in thier rookie season, but it is possible to put up some decent contributions during their rookie season. That being said, with his speed, hands, and route running ability, though it may not be used more than 5 times a game, opposing DC's will come to respect the D/Mac-D/Jack attack.
londrajd@...
07/23/08
1:09 pm ET
Otto is the Man... err, well the Orange anyway. Go 'Cuse!
londrajd@...
07/23/08
1:07 pm ET
I don't think the Orange can go wrong either way, with the rook' or Rautins, in the starting lineup. Jimmy B has lots of options nonetheless. And Chuck is right... the teams that are hot come March are the ones that do well in the tourney. Just look at SU in 2003...
JeromeBrown99
07/23/08
1:07 pm ET
I completely disagree bout the mascot. Nations Finest.
Chuck_Love@...
07/23/08
1:03 pm ET
Oh, and our mascot sucks. Everyone in Syracuse thinks so. How could anyone pick a piece of fruit as a mascot? I mean, come on! How embarrassing. I'd rather have a turtle than an orange.
Chuck_Love@...
07/23/08
1:02 pm ET
I can't argue that fact that NC has the best chance to win it all. But, the one and done format in the tourney doesn't always reward the most talented team, just the hottes. AKA Giants. Harris' best strength is his defense. He's a beast, Zone, man-up, you name it. He's so strong, and so quick that nobody beats him. That's why Jimmy likes him up front. He protects that base line wonderfully. Not to mention the rebounding. I don't know much about the new kid. but a lot of Frosh are starting these days, so it could happen? I just know that two years ago Rautins had an incredible year, and worked himself intothe starting line up. I have to believe he's only improved since then, and it's hard to leave a guy like that on the bench? Well, time will tell.
londrajd@...
07/23/08
12:58 pm ET
This is for all the McNabb doubters/haters... I found this very interesting on another site... Injuries aside, why do people consider McMabb done at 31? Starr (2), Dawson, Unitas, Stabler, Staubach, Bradshaw, Plunkett (2), Theisman, Williams, Montana (2), Simms (2), Young, Elway (2), Johnson. All these QB's won SB's at age 31 or older. That's 45% of all Super Bowls wins. Let's go, Donovan! Win us a SB and earn yourself an MVP while you're at it! #5 in '09.....
JeromeBrown99
07/23/08
12:37 pm ET
Syracuse has a better mascot. That Billygoat er whatever would get his A** beat by that Orange blob.
londrajd@...
07/23/08
12:37 pm ET
Let's Go Orange!! E-A-G-L-E-S!! Can't wait...
JeromeBrown99
07/23/08
12:31 pm ET
That would leave a 2nd TEAM of... Jackson5, Ongenaet4, Joseph3, Rautins2 and Scoop1. Somethin like that. Whatever... they are loaded.
JeromeBrown99
07/23/08
12:29 pm ET
OK. I'm with that lineup. === Lets Go Orange!!! Let's Go Orange!!!
sflood@...
07/23/08
12:28 pm ET
Sorry JB and chuck d, but the national championship is going to have to go through chapel hill this year. We have everyone back, a year smarter, another year together, we won't loose more than 2 games this year. EAGLES superbowl '09. My popcorn's been ready!!!
londrajd@...
07/23/08
12:26 pm ET
That's a great comparison to The Matrix. And that means versatility on O & D. I like his length for Jimmy's 2-3 zone. Put him at the 3 and Harris at the 4. Paul would give up some inches in man-to-man against some other 4's, but he is so strong and athletic that I don't think that would be a problem. Not too mention.. how often does SU play man anyway? Starters from 1-5: Jonny, Eric, Mookie, Paul, Arinze
JeromeBrown99
07/23/08
12:23 pm ET
the cowboys brought in the DC that wrecked The Wrecking Crew of aNm. They had been so good for so many years... and he mucked them up bad. aNm ran him off... and dallas picked him up as LB coach to replace Coach P. lol



 

 
 
 
 
 
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