KANSAS CITY -- Two more takeaways. A strong first half pressuring the quarterback. Only seven points alowed in two and a half quarters. Combined with the first two preseason games, the Eagles defense emerged from Week 3 of the preseason feeling pretty good about itself.

"Good progress was made, and now we have two weeks to get ready for Green Bay," said safety Quintin Mikell. "I think we did OK. I like the takeaways. We put pressure on the quarterback and got to him in every game, and we didn't allow too much on the scoreboard.

"The thing is, we kept everything simple. There is a lot more to show and to work on in terms of coverages and our scheme, and that is exciting. We definitely have a fast defense."

And the makings of a good one. The Eagles blanked Jacksonville on two series in the preseason opener, allowed just seven points in the first half of the loss in Cincinnati and then permitted one touchdown -- a pass from Matt Cassel to Dwayne Bowe -- in nearly three quarters against Kansas City. Now that is not exactly a Murderer's Row of NFL offenses, but still ...

"I think the communication is there and the talent is definitely there," said Stewart Bradley, who had a very active game against the Chiefs. "I think we are where we want to be, knowing that we have a lot more to work on before we play Green Bay."

The Eagles started two rookies in the game -- Nate Allen at free safety for the third straight week and Brandon Graham in his starting debut at left end -- and didn't skip a beat. Graham had a strong game on the edge and Allen was around the ball during his time against an offense that ran the ball a lot and dinked and dunked in the passing game.

"I love this defense and what it can be," said cornerback Ellis Hobbs. "We are all on the same page. We have it going, and it is going to get better. I think you are seeing a defense with a lot of confidence in the scheme and in each other. That's exciting."

-- Posted by Dave Spadaro, 12:27 a.m., August 28