Quintin Mikell isn't worried about the performance of the first-team defense in the first two games of the preseason because he knows that, during the regular season, a lot of more effort is put in to preparing for certain team's offensive styles.

"It's always tough in the preseason because it's tough to really game plan," Mikell said during his morning press conference. "We just get out there and see who can play, who can make adjustments, stuff like that. So until the real bullets start flying, that's when we'll really see what we're about."

But that doesn't mean Mikell and the rest of the defense weren't still disappointed in their performance against the Colts.

"I think a lot of the frustration with that game was that we practiced a lot of stuff and we got away from it," said Mikell. "We started thinking too much and we really beat ourselves in that game, so that was a lot of the frustration.

"I think we just got back to cutting loose and just playing ball and not thinking so much and we're working on that this week. We're going to go out there and fly around and have some fun."

Mikell is also confident in the abilities of new defensive coordinator Sean McDermott.

"He seems really comfortable," said Mikell. "He's calm. He made adjustments in the game and for all the eyes on him and with the entire situation he's in, he's handling it pretty well so far.

"I know Sean, I know his demeanor, I know what he can do, so I'm already a step ahead of everyone, and a lot of guys are a step ahead so I think we'll be fine."

Mikell also discussed the abilities of cornerback Sheldon Brown.

"Sheldon, that's my man," said Mikell. "He's one of the top corners in this league and he's definitely proven that over the years and we need him out there.

"The stuff he does is the dirty work. He's where he needs to be. As a safety, I love that because I know where he's going to be, I know he's going to jam when he needs to jam, I know if he's got to make a tackle on a running back he's going to come up and do it."

Mikell even chimed in on the big topic this week - Michael Vick's likely Eagles debut.

"I think he's pretty ready," said Mikell. "I'm not a quarterback or a quarterback coach so I wouldn't know exactly, but as a defensive guy watching I can tell you that he's ready."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 4:43 p.m., August 24