The 2007 Offseason Thread

[Rome]

OMG! TROTTER IS WEARING A FLYERS SHIRT AT HIS NEWS CONFERENCE.  THAT HAS TO MEAN SOMETHING!

[Sgt PSN]

dont ask me why but i was reading spadaros mini camp blog and came across this beauty...


10:21 AM

The first thing I see on the practice field is the offensive line working together. It is a huge group, and Juan Castillo is one of the very best in the business. At this particular moment, the linemen are carrying weighted bags on their helmets, moving in rhythm with the added weight. Then they take the bags to their chests and slide step left, side step right.

Everything is perfect. It's Eagles football.

Spadaro>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Art

[Sgt PSN]

Bethel Johnson farged up his tibia. Done.

Heard he fractured it. 

[Wingspan]

Official site has it said as a stress fracture. so he's likely only done for the time being, and not a season ending fracture or break.

[Geowhizzer]

Official site has it said as a stress fracture. so he's likely only done for the time being, and not a season ending fracture or break.

So far, at least.  Hope for the best.

[Munson]

Great. Might be an excuse for them to resign and use up a roster spot on Reno.

[MadMarchHare]

Nah, it was him or Bloom.  Barksdale might find a way to make the active roster now, though.

[Dillen]

Official site has it said as a stress fracture. so he's likely only done for the time being, and not a season ending fracture or break.

You think they're going to even bother having with him when him and Bloom were pretty much going to be neck and neck throughout the entire TC and preseason? I really dont know, I'm curious. I just think it locks Bloom in.

[The BIGSTUD]

Only a stress fracture. He'll be 100% for TC.

[Rome]

Only a stress fracture. He'll be 100% for TC.

Thanks for the diagnosis, Dr. Kilpatient.

[PhillyPhreak54]

Jevon Kearse, wide receiver, Philadelphia Eagle

Holy jeez...I know he said he was down to 235 and will bulk before camp, but it looks weird seeing him that skinny.

[Rome]

Killa looks like he bulked up during the offseason.  Kearse looks like a triathlete, not a football player.  I don't see how he's gonna bulk up before the start of training camp unless he used "teh creem."

[PhillyPhreak54]

Jason Davis w/ #34 now

[PhillyPhreak54]

The Eagles had their first mini-camp practice earlier today. During practice there were quite a few differences from last year that stood out today. And of course, there were fresh faces, making their first impressions on their teammates and the Philadelphia media.

First, the linebackers are clearly a lot bigger. They actually look like grown men out there. Free-agent acquisition Takeo Spikes looks great right now. He appeared completely recovered from his Achilles injury of two years ago. During practice, his play displayed a great burst along with acceleration and sharp recognition, which allowed him to jump routes and make plays during the course of practice. Spikes did not practice as if he was just becoming familiar with Jim Johnson's defense.

Also of note from the linebacking corps, strong side linebacker Chris Gocong looks a lot better than he did last year. He's recognizing offenses significantly better and is showing that he now understands his position. Also, the 2nd-year linebacker looks quicker, which is probably due to that improved understanding of the position. He was getting good jams on the tight ends and showed the ability to run with them as well. Gocong also used his size and strength to get off of blocks well along with good awareness against both the pass and the run. So, overall, Gocong played in a non-Dhani Jones type fashion, which is encouraging.

Running back Ryan Moats has added some size (maybe now we will no longer mistake him for a player's kid), as has WR Jason Avant and LB Tank Daniels. These guys must have been living in the weight room during the off-season. Speaking of size, running back Tony Hunt is even bigger than I expected and he showed early on that he is very physical.

Kevin Kolb had some trouble with the snaps. He looks like he has an average to above average arm. Observers could tell he was thinking a lot, but he looked like he handled the situation pretty well given all that was placed on his plate during his first practice. Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg were taking their time with the young QB. Donovan McNabb was at practice and was also giving Kolb some pointers. Kelly Holcomb did not look very impressive in the first practice. His arm looks weak, he throws a lot check downs and hardly goes downfield with ball. He really didn't look any better than the green rookie, Kolb. I don't think he'll be around long, and if he continues to practice like he did today, he won't be.

Strong safety Sean Considine struggled some. I saw him get turned around on one route and pick up what would have been a pass interference penalty.

Receiver Reggie Brown had a collision with one of the defensive backs and left practice with a knee contusion. The minor injury may keep Brown out for the rest of mini-camp.

Defensive end Jerome McDougle looks like he is on his way out, as second-round pick Victor Abiamiri is already ahead of him on the depth chart. Abiamiri is currently backing up Jevon Kearse and is clearly the team's biggest defensive end.

William Thomas did not practice today due to arthroscopic knee surgery. Winston Justice filled in for him at the starting left tackle spot. Justice looks like he has definitely put in a lot of work during the off-season, as has fellow second year offensive lineman, Max Jean-Gilles.

Jason Avant looked very good in practice. He is a guy who has no qualms about running routes through the middle or blocking defensive backs down field. As mentioned earlier, he has added some size in the off season which should help him quite a bit. Meanwhile, on the other end of the size spectrum, I have to note that Kevin Curtis is small – not much bigger than Jeremy Bloom. Whenever both line up at the same time, the Lollipop Guild from the "Wizard of Oz" comes to mind. This means that the team lost some significant size at the WR position by losing Donte Stallworth. However, Kevin Curtis looked good running short routes. His quickness will definitely help out the team.


Other Notes:

Bethel Johnson has a stress factor in his fibia, and did not work out in the early practice.

Pro-Bowl safety Brian Dawkins was not at practice today, due to family issues.

L.J. Smith spent practice in the training room due to his coming down with some flu-like symptoms.

Former Colt defensive tackle Monte Reagor was not a practice due to knee surgery about which Head Coach Andy Reid did not give any details.

I'll be back with more on today's late practice. Stick with us here on GCOBB.COM for the latest on Eagles Mini-Camp.

from GCobb

[ice grillin you]

Barksdale might find a way to make the active roster now, though

  good one