The weather is hot and the days are long, but the sounds and smells of football are in the air. It’s time for training camp, and once again the Philadelphia Eagles meet at Lehigh University for their summer preparations for the fast approaching football season. There is not much to cheer about in Philadelphia these days. The Phillies stink, the Flyers have missed out on three of the top free agents in the league, and the Sixers seem to be stuck in limbo until at least next summer. The only hope right now for loyal Philadelphians is the Eagles.
Here is a breakdown on how the Eagles are performing in Training Camp so far:
Injuries:
Wide Receiver Riley Cooper suffered a fractured collarbone. There is no timetable on his return.
Wide Receiver Donald Johnson suffered a dislocated ankle on a non contact play. There is no timetable on his return.
Defensive End Jason Babin is confirmed to have a stained calf muscle. There is no timetable on his return.
Early Standouts:
Brandon Graham, DE:It’s do or die for the former first round pick, and so far he has impressed during practice. Graham has been taking reps with the first team due to Jason Babin’s injury. The key for Graham will be staying healthy. He missed most of last season
DE Brandon Graham knows that he has one more chance to prove he belongs on the Philadelphia Eagles.
with various ailments, and he’ll have to prove to Andy Reid and company that he belongs on the Eagles 53 man roster before the regular season starts.
Demetress Bell, LT: He is certainly not Jason Peters, but so far Demetress Bell looks like he can adequately fill the void that Peters left behind. He has quick feet is being coached by Howard Mudd, who is one of the best in the business.
Fletcher Cox, DL: The Eagles first round draft pick has proved to be a good one so far. Cox has been lining up with the first team defense. There is a chance that he could contribute immensely during his rookie year.
Marvin McNutt, WR: With the injuries to Riley Cooper and Donald Johnson, someone needed to step up at Wide Receiver behind DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. So far, that person has been Marvin McNutt. He is not especially big or fast, but the former Iowa Hawkeye has shown a lot of energy and confidence. His sure hands could land him a spot on this team if he can keep this up.
Needs Work:
Michael Vick, QB: Two words, shut up. There is to be no talk of a dynasty at this point in time. Especially when your rival the New York Giants are the defending champs. I know that Vick said that on paper, the Eagles could have a dynasty. However, in today’s media circus, Michael Vick has to know that his words will get twisted out of context. We don’t need ESPN running the headline “Michael Vick talks Eagles Dynasty.” Don’t give your opponents any fuel.
“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”
- Theodore Roosevelt
Looking Ahead:
The Eagles will open their pre-season schedule on Thursday, August 9th vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers at 7:30 pm.
The injured player is Ronald Johnson and not Donald Johnson. Vick is the quarterback and leader of the team. He can say whatever he thinks will motivate his team to excellence. You were right about your assessment of the media not getting things right…. especially you.