As the Eagles completed the paces on a soggy final walkthrough practice at Lehigh University on Thursday morning, the expectations for Friday's preseason opener were issued: Focus, play with intensity and be precise. Andy Reid wants his team to come out fast and finish strong against Jacksonville, and he set forth his rotation, keeping with a historical theme.
The starters, with Kevin Kolb at quarterback, will play the first quarter. That is subject to change, of course, but on paper Reid has it going that way. Michael Vick will play the second quarter and half of the third quarter with Mike Kafka finishing the game.
It is the way Reid has played it in his time with the Eagles. This time, of course, Kolb's presence makes for a new, and very interesting, twist.
"It will be good, if for no other reason, to play another team other than ourselves to get a little feel of how our players respond in a game and have that on their resume as we continue the evaluation process through camp," said Reid.
When asked if he would handle the play-calling any differently with Kolb at the helm, Reid said he would not.
"We have full confidence that Kevin understands the whole package," said Reid.
In addition to the three players on PUP -- Jamaal Jackson, Victor Abiamiri and Todd Herremans -- the following players won't play against the Jags: RB J.J. Arrington (foot), WR Hank Baskett (knee), RB Mike Bell (hamstring), OL Nick Cole (knee), DT Antonio Dixon (concussion), CB Macho Harris (hamstring), OL Fenuki Tupou (ankle).
More from Reid ..
Chad Hall will return punts and Quintin Demps will return kickoffs to give DeSean Jackson and Ellis Hobbs a break. Hall, a running back at Air Force, may also see some time at running back with the group there a little bit thin.
- Cornelius Ingram will play for the first time after missing the last two seasons with knee injuries.
- Juqua Parker starts at left defensive end with first-round draft pick Brandon Graham seeing time in the nickel.
- Mike McGlynn starts at center with both Jackson and Cole out.
-- Posted by Dave Spadaro, 11:14 a.m., August 12
