Games 2006

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Wednesday, 7/26/06
Philadelphia Eagles
Training Camp
at Lehigh University
(by myself)
McNabb shows mobility
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The pocket collapsed on Donovan McNabb and the Eagles quarterback deftly escaped the pressure, rolled to his left and threw a bullet in wide receiver Greg Lewis' direction.

Lewis reached out to make a one-handed catch that he turned into a 23-yard gain during the Eagles' morning practice session yesterday at Lehigh University. It was a sensational catch, probably the best of the day.

More encouraging, however, was the mobility shown by the quarterback.
A year ago, when McNabb was dealing with a sports hernia, it became painfully obvious that he did not have the same elusiveness behind the line of scrimmage that had served as one of his biggest weapons.

At least in the early going of training camp, it appears to be back.
"I'm healthier, so I'm able to get out of the pocket a little bit more with a little more speed," McNabb said. "I can make a decision [on] what I'm going to do after that. If the call comes for me to come out of the pocket and make something happen, that's what I'll do. If not, then I'll just continue to do what I've been doing."

McNabb had an impressive day throwing the football against the Eagles' second-team defense and he said he has no lingering effects from the sports hernia surgery that cost him the final seven games of last season.
He said he realizes he creates a lot of problems for a defense when he's at his elusive best.

"It puts a lot of pressure on defenses," McNabb said. "People know that I can get out of the pocket. Every quarterback in the league, if they're called to, will get out of the pocket. But if you're healthy, it's easy."
And few quarterbacks in the NFL are more dangerous than McNabb when they're on the move.

Hit of the day
Surprise, surprise, it came from Jeremiah Trotter. After Jeff Garcia hit Matt Schobel with a short pass, the Eagles' middle linebacker quickly closed on the new tight end and made the kind of hit that always excites a crowd.

Play of the day
Wide receiver Darnerien McCants got behind the Eagles' first-team defense and caught a strike from quarterback Jeff Garcia in stride for a long touchdown.

Temper, temper
The heat and the humidity were both up yesterday, and they probably helped trigger the first scuffle of training camp.

It was a minor altercation between linebacker Greg Richmond and guard Scott Young. At the end of a play, the two briefly grabbed each other's shoulder pads before teammates separated them. Trotter was the primary peacemaker.

Number 81
Jason Avant, a rookie selected in the fourth round, still has not been on the field because he is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, but the wide receiver did have to take a walk along the bleachers after a visit to the autograph tent yesterday.

The reception from a small gathering of fans was interesting.  "Welcome to Philly," one fan screamed.  "You look better in that [No. 81] jersey than the other guy," screamed another. "T.O. who?" said another fan.

Bald Eagle
One couldn't help but notice Koy Detmer's new look. Instead of the long, scruffy hair that has been a staple during the quarterback's 10-year career, he arrived at practice yesterday with a shaved head. It was quite a sight.

Eagles Notes
Running back Ryan Moats joined the list of injured Eagles yesterday when he was carted off the field during the morning practice. A team spokesman said that Moats had suffered a sprained knee ligament. He did not participate in the afternoon practice, and no timetable was given for his return. He suffered the injury after being hit by cornerback Donald Strickland during a scrimmage.

The Eagles were already a little thin at running back because coach Andy Reid is being cautious with how he is using Correll Buckhalter as the veteran back attempts to return from two major knee surgeries. Buckhalter has yet to participate in the full-contact scrimmages.

Fullback Thomas Tapeh had been out with a hamstring injury but practiced in the afternoon for the first time since veterans reported to camp.

In other injury news, no official reason was given for cornerback Lito Sheppard's absence from the morning practice. Sheppard, who is recovering from ankle surgery that kept him out of the final six games last season, returned for the afternoon practice.

Linebacker Shawn Barber left the morning practice with leg cramps in the severe heat; he returned for the afternoon workout.

Offensive tackle William Thomas was held out of the afternoon practice by Reid, but no reason was given. Thomas' spot with the first-team offense was filled once again by second-round draft pick Winston Justice.

Todd Pinkston remained sidelined by sore Achilles tendons in both his legs. He had surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon last summer.
"There's no timetable," Pinkston said when asked about his return. "I'm not concerned. We're just trying to stay patient right now. It's just precautionary. I don't want to do too much too fast."

Bunkley update
The Eagles had a brief conversation yesterday with first-round pick Brodrick Bunkley's agent, Gary Wichard, but the sides did not move any closer to striking a deal.

Bunkley missed his ninth and 10th practices.

During an interview on WIP-AM (610) yesterday, Reid said he had tried to talk to Bunkley but was denied permission by Wichard.

Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said the defensive tackle's absence most benefits sixth-round pick LaJuan Ramsey.

Extra points
Safety J.R. Reed, attempting a comeback from a severe leg injury, drew a loud cheer during the afternoon practice when he picked off a long pass by Donovan McNabb... . With Pinkston, Jason Avant (knee surgery) and Jeremy Bloom (hamstring) all sidelined, the Eagles claimed receiver Derrick Fenner off waivers. The Washington Redskins had released Fenner after signing him as an undrafted rookie free agent in the spring. He played at Maryland, where he caught 82 passes for 1,189 yards and seven touchdowns in his career.

PhiladelphiaEagles.com Notes
AFTERNOON PRACTICE
� While the special teams were working on punting, I took in offensive line coach Juan Castillo talking to his players. The man has total control of the group, and they listen to him very attentively. It was a good thing to see out of the young group.
--Shane Evans, 4:17 p.m.

� When the offensive drills were concluded, full-speed punt drills were started and it was very nice to see punter Dirk Johnson kicking balls well, against a full rush. Johnson was able to get plenty of height on his kicks and they seemed to boom off of his foot. I tabbed one at about 53 yards.
--Shane Evans, 4:14 p.m.

� On a nice all-around play by the offense, Reno Mahe was able to score a long touchdown. Koy Detmer rolled out, lofted the pass to Mahe over his defender and he scampered the rest of the way into the end zone. Also on the play, rookie guard Max Jean-Gilles made an excellent block that set Detmer free along the left side of the play.
--Shane Evans, 4:12 p.m.

� Defensive end Jerome McDougle had a very nice pursuit of rolling quarterback Koy Detmer. Detmer rolled to his left, away from McDougle, but the talented end was able to chase him down, and had it been a full-contact drill, (or a game actually, because you can't hit the quarterback in training camp) McDougle would have made an outstanding play on the quarterback. This is extremely promising for the player who's career was in doubt this time last season.
--Shane Evans, 4:10 p.m.

� For the second time this training camp, the absence of William Thomas warranted time for Winston Justice at the left tackle spot. The talented rookie out of USC has been getting plenty of time with the first teamers and it can only help his performance and his abilities.
Shane Evans, 3:43 p.m.

� A little third-team offense news: quarterback Koy Detmer hooked up with fullback Jason Davis on a nice shovel pass that seemed to fool the defense. Davis was able to scamper down the right sideline virtually untouched. These were during non-contact drills.
Shane Evans, 3:26 p.m.

� During full-team drills and individual-position drills, Jamaal Jackson was practicing with the first team. It will be interesting to see when the veteran, Hank Fraley, gets his chance to step in there and show his stuff.
--Shane Evans, 3:20 p.m.

� Some good news as linebacker Shawn Barber returned to the field today after what looked like a severe injury during the morning practice. Barber was chasing a running back down in the flank, lost his footing and fell down clutching his leg/knee. It was cramps, however, and the veteran was back at full speed for the late practice.
--Shane Evans, 3:14 p.m.

� Both running back Ryan Moats and left tackle William Thomas did not take part in the afternoon practice. Moats got knocked down hard a few times in the morning and had heat exhaustion. Thomas will be given a light load by head coach Andy Reid until he is fully healthy.
--Shane Evans, 3:11 p.m.

MORNING PRACTICE
� Quarterback Donovan McNabb throws a pass for wide receiver Hank Baskett, who runs a fade pattern during the red zone drill, and cornerback Dexter Wynn breaks up the play.
-- Chris McPherson, 10:54 a.m.

� Wide out Darnerien McCants had an outstanding touchdown reception as he got by cornerback Sheldon Brown and hauled in the deep ball from quarterback Jeff Garcia before the safety help from Brian Dawkins arrived. A very big play for McCants.
--Shane Evans, 10:47 a.m.

� On a play over the middle, running back Correll Buckhalter made a nice move against middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and caught a strike from quarterback Donovan McNabb. Buckhalter seemed to move well over the middle, which is definitely a promising sign.
--Shane Evans, 10:36 a.m.

� Center Nick Cole holds defensive tackle Mike Patterson at bay in one-on-one drills.
-- Chris McPherson, 10:34 a.m.

� Defensive tackle Darwin Walker bull rushes past guard Max Jean-Gilles in one-on-one drills. Walker has tremendous strength and if he can stay healthy, he could enjoy the type of start that he had last season when he had 2.5 sacks in the first two games.
-- Chris McPherson, 10:32 a.m.

� Kicker David Akers nails a 47-yard field goal.
-- Chris McPherson, 10:19 a.m.

� Running back Ryan Moats was leveled by cornerback Donald Strickland, forcing a fumble.
--Chris McPherson, 10:16 a.m.

� Brian Baldinger from FOX Sports is watching practice from the sidelines. The former Eagle compared the training camps run by Rich Kotite, who Baldinger played for, and Andy Reid. Baldinger said Kotite didn't run the players hard during camp because there were a lot of veterans. Meanwhile, Reid looks to break down the players during this week of full-contact hitting.
-- Chris McPherson, 10:14 a.m.

� Tight end Andy Thorn makes a nice block on SAM linebacker Chris Gocong to help spring a run.
-- Chris McPherson, 10:11 a.m.

� Wide receiver Greg Lewis made a nice one-handed catch from the throw of quarterback Donovan McNabb. McNabb was forced to scramble to his left side and was able to feather a pass over the linebackers and in front of the safeties into the outstretched arm of Lewis. He was also able to keep both feet in bounds.
--Shane Evans, 10:09 a.m.

� Guard Todd Herremans pushes back defensive tackle Sam Rayburn during a run play in live action drills.
-- Chris McPherson, 10:08 a.m.

� Running back Ryan Moats had two nice runs in a row against the Eagles defense. Moats showed some burst up the middle and then was able to bounce it outside along the sidelines.
--Shane Evans, 9:56 a.m.

� Rookie linebacker Omar Gaither made a nice open field tackle against starting running back Brian Westbrook. It was a very good flash of what Gaither may be able to offer in the future.
--Shane Evans, 9:54 a.m.

� During the 7-on-7 drills, OLB Greg Richmond and OG Scott Young engaged in a minor scuffle after a play. It's not uncommon to see tempers flare when the pads are on, the mercury rises and players become exhausted.
--Zach Berman, 9:37 a.m.

� The linebackers were working on a drill with the tight ends earlier this morning. The tight ends were lining up and testing the SAM off the snap.
--Shane Evans, 9:11 a.m.

� There are referees in attendance to help oversee practice. Every year, the officials come during training camp to help with the ever-evolving NFL rule book. During the off-season, the NFL toned down touchdown celebrations and made replay modifications. In terms of game play, the NFL expanded its definition of a horse collar tackle, disallowed a rushing defensive player from forcibly hitting a quarterback below the knees and forbid a defensive player from lining up directly over a center snapping on field goals, extra points and punts. The NFL also sought to clarify its definition of holding to create uniformity among the penalty.
--Zach Berman, 9:10 a.m.

� The offensive line was working a drill with the left guard and left tackle lining up with Hank Fraley, and the right guard and right tackle lining up with Jamaal Jackson. They worked about 10 snaps each. It was peculiar to see both centers working with the starting guys, at the same time.
--Shane Evans, 9:06 a.m.

� Returning to the field after missing the last four days of practice, fullback Thomas Tapeh was in full pads this morning and working out with the rest of the backs. Tapeh suffered from a hyperextended knee and a subsequent strained hamstring
--Shane Evans, 8:52 a.m.

Moats Injures Knee
Running back Ryan Moats sprained a knee ligament in Wednesday morning's workout.  The second-year running back suffered the injury after being hit by cornerback Donald Strickland during a live drill. Moats is penciled in as the backup running back to Brian Westbrook and the Eagles are expected to utilize Moats as a catalyst in their pledge to run more.
 
Pinkston Update
Todd Pinkston paused his rehab for a few minutes after Wednesday's practice to sign autographs for fans. The veteran receiver sat out for the second straight day as the team is taking precautionary measures for his inflamed left Achilles tendon.

Pinkston met with reporters after he signed, but couldn't provide any details on his prognosis. "I don't know," Pinkston said. "We're just trying to stay patient right now. I don't want to count my eggs. I'm just doing a my rehab and doing a little extra and getting a little rest."

Pinkston, who missed last season with a ruptured right Achilles tendon, experienced soreness in his feet and was diagnosed with an inflamed Achilles tendon on Monday. He's spent the past two days rehabbing during practice.

"I'm doing a lot of running," Pinkston said. "We'll just take it day-by-day. It's Just precautionary. I don't want do too much too fast." He admitted it's difficult to sit out, especially considering he missed last season. Pinkston wants to return to the field, but understands the need to be cautious.

"It's kind of hard. I'm just trying to sit back," Pinkston said. "Coach (Andy Reid) is looking out for me and doesn't want to rush me too fast. It's hard sitting in the training room, know the guys out there are working hard and sweating. I want to be out there, but it's all about my health."

Darnerien McConfidence
Receiver Darnerien McCants is in a battle for one of the elusive receiver spots. It helps that he had perhaps the top play of the day in Wednesday morning's practice.  McCants, who usually lines up inside, was on the left outside flank against the first-team defense. He sidestepped cornerback Sheldon Brown and free safety Brian Dawkins had to slide over. When that happened, backup quarterback Jeff Garcia located McCants and the fifth-year receiver's eyes opened up.

"Once I get even with any safety, I can beat him," McCants said. "I never had to break strides or break around. It was perfect."

Physically, McCants has a lot of tools. He's big, tall and relatively fast. What's lacked in his career is production. McCants has carved a niche in the red zone, scoring six touchdowns on 27 catches while with the Washington Redskins in 2003.

"My game is in the red zone," McCants said. "Most of the time I'm in the middle so I don't have the chance to break free. But if they keep me outside, 10 out of 20, I'm scoring."

Even still, he finds himself in a crowded mix of receivers. His ability in the red zone can help find him a spot on the team. McCants' goals are higher, though. And if you listen to McCants speak, you'll quickly be assured his lack of sufficient production isn't because of a lack of a confidence.

"There's only one goal and that's to start," McCants said. "I've proven everything that whatever critic said. They talk about my speed, I run a 4.4. I'm 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. They say I couldn't play special teams; I was fourth in production here. They say I couldn't do whatever, I was one of the leading scorers and I was the third guy in Washington.

David Akers

Donovan McNabb

Koy Detmer

Dirk Johnson

David Akers, David Akers and David Akers

Donovan McNabb

Trotter, Jackson, Patterson, McNabb

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Games I
Attended
2006
Games I
Attended
2005
Games I
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200
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Games I
Attended
2003
Games I
Attended
2002

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