Trying to get back into the rhythm of the season ... and in the mean time, let's hit on some topics that here, there and everywhere as the Eagles turn all of their attention to the game on Sunday against Tampa Bay.

• How has Brent Celek become such a productive tight end? He has done it the old-fashioned way, by not taking a thing for granted and by working his rear end off every single day of the year. Celek is a lot like Chad Lewis in his approach, but Celek clearly has more talent. Celek is more powerful, has more athletic ability and is every bit as intelligent. I'm not sure Celek is going to lead all of the NFL's tight ends in receptions this season, but he is going to be a major piece of the Eagles offense and is going to have a bunch of opportunities. Here is a lesson for every player: Hard work pays off. Celek is a fifth-round draft pick and he has improved his game in every phase. The coaches use the word "trust" more with Celek than just about any player on this roster because he rarely makes mental mistakes and runs great routes and is just so completely reliable. Excellent player.
• Jeremiah Trotter is going to play a lot on Sunday as the Eagles attempt to have a more physical presence at middle linebacker against the run. We know that. We hope it happens. Here is something to look for at Lincoln Financial Field: The defense is to be announced prior to the game, so will Trotter be introduced as a starter? It would certainly juice up the crowd, especially if Trotter were to get his wish and be the last player introduced. "I never had that before. It was always Dawk (Brian Dawkins) who was last. I would love it if it were to happen on Sunday,'" said Trotter.
• Tampa Bay is really struggling and the Eagles defense should practice attacking the line of scrimmage. Look out for the running ability of Bucs quarterback Josh Johnson, who seemed to take the conservative approach in his first start on Sunday against the Redskins. Johnson made one read and if the receiver wasn't open, he took off and ran and gave the Bucs a 10-9 lead until it all fell apart. He is an athletic quarterback and I wonder if Sean McDermott will use a spy to limit Johnson's running skills.
• I'm keeping my eye on Lito Sheppard, whom the Eagles traded for a fifth-round draft pick in 2009 plus a conditional pick in 2010 that could range, reportedly, from a second-round draft pick to a fourth-round pick depending on whether the Jets pick up a $10 million option on Sheppard and whether he plays in 85 percent of the Jets' plays this year. Sheppard has missed the last two games with a quad injury. So it is very much a question mark as to whether the Eagles will get an additional draft pick for Sheppard in 2010. As it stands now, the Eagles have a total of eight picks, including a first-rounder, one in the second round and two in the third round (one from Seattle). They have an additional fifth-round draft pick (from Saints), too.
• Brett Favre looks great, doesn't he? I thought the Vikings played an almost-perfect game to beat Green Bay, and I thought Green Bay's choice to leave their offensive tackles alone against Jared Allen was just plain stupid. It was a great, great game on Monday Night Football and a reminder why we all love this game so much. Yo, Brad Childress, it's time to shave.
• Does Andy Reid get Donovan McNabb going early against Tampa Bay with a bunch of high-percentage throws, or does he go deep early? Can't wait for Sunday to get here and get this season started again.
• Isn't it time for fullback Leonard Weaver to get a carry or two, especially in short-yardage situations? That, by the way, is my largest show-me point with the offense. The Eagles must run the ball better between the tackles.
• So far, so quiet for Macho Harris at free safety. Does that mean he is playing well? The feedback I get from the coaches is that Harris is off to a good start, and that everyone recognizes that he has a lot of growth in front of him. Harris has a chance to be very, very good.
• I have to give center Jamaal Jackson a lot of credit for keeping the continuity going on the offensive line with all of the personnel changing up front. He has done a good job coordinating the group.
• I am very curious, as are you, to see how the Eagles position the quarterbacks on Sunday. The roster is healthy, so Quintin Demps is likely to be active with Sean Jones a question mark. Can the Eagles go with Michael Vick as the No. 2 quarterback and use Kevin Kolb as No. 3, or do they keep all three quarterbacks on the active game-day roster? I think Kolb will be No. 3. But we shall see.
• If I were Sean McDermott, I would blitz a bunch and force the Tampa Bay running bakcs to stay in and help blocking.