Defensive end Trent Cole didn't make the trip to Indianapolis because of a shoulder injury, but he kept an eye on how his teammates were doing. In fact, he was so impressed by his new teammate and longtime hunting buddy, Jason Babin, that he sent him a text message immediately after the game.
Cole wasn't the only one impressed. Babin was one of the bright spots on defense in Thursday's 23-15 loss to the Colts with four tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
Just over a week ago, the former first-round pick posted four tackles and a sack against the Patriots. But it was against the backups. This time, he started at right defensive end with the injuries to Cole, Darren Howard (groin) and Bryan Smith (concussion). Even if he wasn't making the tackle, Babin was pushing his way into the backfield on what seemed like almost every play against a quality offense.
"When you get an opportunity like that, you have to take advantage of it," Babin said. "I was going to play just as hard regardless. It was good to get out there and play against the ones."
Learn more about Babin's road from first-round pick to free agent pickup for the Eagles.
*-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 2:58 a.m., August 21 *