We are into the second week of the Eagles training camp and while I myself have not been able to attend (kind of tough to make the trip from California) several other Philly bloggers have done a terrific job of covering the daily festivities.
- Jeremy Maclin spent his first practice with the Eagles today working with the #2 offense, and Westbrook was running and making cuts with Coach Reid watching. [INSIDE THE IGGLES]
- The blitz pickup drill is quickly becoming a fan favorite. [IGGLES BLOG]
- An update on Tuesday’s practice, and the Maclin and Wilhelm signings. [BLEED GREEN]
Once the preseason games begin and I can actually tune in on NFL Network I’ll have a lot more takes on the team, but here are just a few thoughts based on what we’ve seen so far.
- This offense has the potential to be the best the Birds have seen over the last decade (yes, even better than T.O.’s first year here.) Think about the potential of having Brian Westbrook, Desean Jackson, and Jeremy Maclin all on the field at the same time…how the hell do you stop all of them?!? Factor in a finally healthy Kevin Curtis, Celek and Ingram at tight end (Ingram especially has looked good up to this point), and maybe the best O-line this team has seen in years. A scary scenario for the rest of the NFC.
- The defense on the other hand has a lot of work to do. While I’m confident Sean McDermott will be able to step in for Jim Johnson, there is a serious lack of leadership on that unit now that Stewart Bradley is out.
The depth at middle linebacker is a serious concern as well. Expect to see a lot of Joe Mays over the next few weeks as the Eagles try to get an idea of what he is capable of. As for the Wilhelm and Babin signings: it’ll provide a bit more depth at the position but neither of those guys are capable of replacing Bradley. I’m so upset about that injury because Bradley was clearly on the cusp of becoming an elite linebacker.
- It’s always tough to judge teams during training camp, but at this rate you’d have to say it’s very likely the winner of the NFC will come out of the East. Interestingly enough the Eagles, Giants, and Cowboys all have 4/1 odds to win the conference in Vegas. Do you really see any other teams out there that scare you at all? Carolina should be good, Arizona still has Boldin and Fitz, and Atlanta added Tony Gonzalez. Still there is a strong possibility that three teams out of the NFC East could make the playoffs.
Now for some other Eagles-related news:
- ESPN has a fantastic column about Jim Johnson up. If you haven’t already go read it now.
- CSN Philly takes a look at Maclin’s first day at camp.
- According to Philly.com, as long as Jeffrey Lurie owns the Eagles no other player will ever wear #20. A very classy move from the organization.
