Michael Perez / Inquirer Staff Photographer
Running back Ryan Moats -- shown catching a pass in camp on Friday -- may have a tough time making the team. Defensive linemen Montae Reagor and Jerome McDougal could also casualties of depth at their positions, but Jeremiah Trotter's job seems safe.
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Eagles Chat: Who's safe, who might be sorry
The Inquirer's Ashley Fox answers questions about how the team is taking shape.
Ashley Fox: Hello all. We're ready to get going. Got a lot of questions already I'll try to run through as quickly as possible. Keep 'em coming.
Nick: How do you see the Eagles' record panning out this season?
Ashley Fox: As with any team, injuries will play a factor in how the season goes. But at this point, I think 10-6 is a distinct possibility. To me, the Eagles are the team to beat in the NFC East, with Dallas a close second. There are some good-looking games later in the season, with New England and Seattle on the schedule. But the Eagles are my pick to win the division, which would mean another playoff berth.
Rich Foley: Why should we believe the Birds have a legit shot at going to the Super Bowl?
Ashley Fox: I think the Eagles defense will be very good. They've got tons of depth up front, an upgraded linebacking corps (although Gocong is the big question there), and a solid secondary. We'll have to see how McNabb progresses as he continues to come back from knee surgery. They've got playmakers on offense. Things will have to go their way, but I think the Eagles will be among the top five or six teams in the NFC.
Strosberg: How many running backs do you think the Eagles will keep on the roster this year? I picture a possibility of having just three. I see Westbrook and Hunt as sure things. In my opinion Ryan Moats is not well-rounded enough for this team and Bloom will be the returner. I like Buckhalter, but his health is still a concern.
Ashley Fox: They could carry between four and five. I agree that Moats could be the odd man out now that Hunt is in the mix. Hunt gives them a big body they could use in short yardage and goal-line situations. Buckhalter should make the team as well, to give the Birds flexibility. But obviously Westbrook is the main guy, and he proved last season he could handle an increased workload.
Harry Caines: A lot of people agree w/ me that the 49ers are the surprise team this year. Will you jump on the bandwagon and say they can win the NFC West?
Ashley Fox: I'm not ready to jump on that bandwagon just yet, but the Niners certainly did a lot in the offseason to upgrade their defense. They added some veterans, like former Eagles safety Mike Lewis, and their quarterback has progressed nicely. They have a pretty challenging schedule early -- Pittsburgh, Seattle and Baltimore among the first five games. I'll go with Seattle to win the division at this point.
Troy: How do the Linebackers look in camp? TKO and Trott meshing well, what about Gocong's camp? And how do you see Bradley, Gaither or Roper and McCoy fitting in? Who will be the odd receiver out once the season starts? It seems the Eagles won't keep 6. And with Curtis, Brown, Avant, Baskett and Bloom, will it be GLewis?
Ashley Fox: First, the linebackers are looking good. Gocong, to me, is the wildcard, but the coaches keep saying he's picking things up well. The important part will be how he reacts when it's full speed ahead in games. As he's said, it's one thing to understand the defense, and another to just play, react and not have to think. As for the receivers, every year I think Greg Lewis will be left out, and he still makes the team and comes up with a few clutch catches. He's not my favorite, but he always seems to make the team. Bloom will be used primarily as a returner, if at all.
Robert Simonet: I know we can not see in the future but for the last 5 years 3 of them ended with McNabb getting hurt. How confident are you in Kolb ... or would Feeley be the Qb coming in? What are the feelings of keeping Holcomb? Does mean you are going to carry 4 QBs? If so what other area will be minused in doing that (WR,LB, RB)?
Ashley Fox: To me, in the event McNabb gets hurt again, we won't see Kolb. It will be A.J. Feeley. He is the backup. It's not a question of 2 and 2A. It's Feeley. Kolb is picking things up and looks sharp for a rookie. I can't imagine the Eagles will carry four quarterbacks, which means Holcomb likely will be looking for work pretty soon.
Toby: Hi, the media reports about Takeo Spikes in terms of his personality...but really nothing about his performance in training camp so far...what have you seen?
Ashley Fox: Toby, I haven't been at Lehigh in several days -- I was at Giants camp two days last week -- but from what I've heard from colleagues, Spikes is looking pretty good. He's moving well, and has picked up the defense. He's versatile, and pretty much healthy after his injury almost two years ago. Durability as the season progresses will be a question. But I think we'll see Gaither a lot, spelling either Trotter or Spikes. They'll be rotating guys in to try to keep those guys fresh.
Eddie Welch: Ash, is there any chance Trotter will be cut??????????
Ashley Fox: No chance.
Jason: Hi guys, I hear my fellow Penn State alum Tony Hunt looks impressive to this point. Given rookie running backs previous lack of playing time during the season, where do you see Hunt factoring into this season?
Ashley Fox: Jason, that's a great question, and I'll be interested to see how Andy uses Hunt in the preseason games. We'll get a steady diet of Westbrook, but I'm sure Reid will use the games to look at Hunt, Buck, Moats, etc. I wouldn't expect to see a lot of Hunt during the season, but if he impresses the coaches, he's a great candidate for those short-yardage opportunities. And that would help preserve Westbrook. We all know how important he is to the success of this team.
Andy: What is the biggest challenge the Eagles have now that McNabb is back and people are healthy? (Knock on wood)
Ashley Fox: Well, Andy, McNabb's health will continue to be a concern. He didn't practice today, and we probably won't see much of him in the preseason games. To me, that's the biggest issue heading into the season. Both lines are solid. And on defense, I want to see something from Gocong and Considine.
Peter: Don't camp reports tend to seem overly optimistic? Seems like every year new guys shine, even in preseason games, then turn out to be nothing special. Should we take early reports with a grain of salt?
Ashley Fox: That is part of the nature of the preseason. Optimism is high. But you can look at the pieces the Eagles have and see things developing. But early reports are early reports. It's certainly a lot easier to judge players based on actual game performances. Look at Matt McCoy last year. He had a good camp, and had high expectations that he just couldn't meet. It happens.
Mark B: Are the Giants as much of a mess as they seem to be? Ashley Fox: There seems to be a disconnect there between their coach and some of the higher profile players. The styles/personalities don't mesh all that well. There have been distractions. And there's the Eli factor. No one will come out and say it, but this is a big year for him. If he doesn't show marked improvement, it could get ugly in New York. Tim: I can't believe I am asking this question but how is McDougal looking in camp? Ashley Fox: Tim, I haven't been to Lehigh in a few days, so Bob Brookover would be better equipped to give you an in-depth report. But from what I've heard, he's rotating in. I don't see him having a big impact, though, not with the depth they have at his position.
Phil: I just heard a report that Reid said McNabb sat out today's practice because of precautionary reasons, and McNabb said his knee was just sore a bit, but will be ready for Week 1 despite these occasional days off. Do you think McNabb will be set once the season begins?
Ashley Fox: Phil, I think McNabb will be ready. There are going to be days like these. The Eagles aren't going to risk anything. I also don't think we'll see much of 5 in the preseason games. The target is Green Bay, and I don't think they'll do anything to jeopardize that.
Matt Mc: Would the Eagles pursue Lance Briggs next offseason?
Ashley Fox: I certainly hope so. Everyone is going to pursue Briggs. He's going to be one of top free agents, if not the top free agent, of the offseason. And he will get paid.
Tom: Do you think all of the Kolb talk is premature? Isn't it possible that McNabb has a good 3-5 seasons left in him if he stays healthy? If that is the case, why would the Eagles want to have him leave?
Ashley Fox: Tom, sure McNabb could have several good seasons left, but his injury history can't be ignored. The Eagles aren't ignoring it. If he stays healthy all year, we won't see Kolb anywhere but the sideline. If he doesn't, we'll see Feeley. But Kolb is the future, be it this year or in 2010.
Brian Dougherty: What are the chances Sav Rocca wins the punting job? I hear he's been booming them.
Ashley Fox: Lots of Sav Rocca questions. That's a good battle, between Rocca and Dirk Johnson. I think Rocca has a good chance, but it's too early yet to handicap it. The preseason games will as important for him as anybody.
Matt W: Do you think the injuries to Reagor and Scott are hurting their chances of making the squad, especially Reagor's?
Ashley Fox: Matt, I'm not sure yet about Scott, but I've got to think Reagor is on the bubble, especially given the Eagles depth on the line. They'll likely keep 10 linemen, but I'm not sure Reagor will be among them.
Mike: The linebacker corps as it's made up right now is Trotter, Spikes and Gocong as the starters at least this season. Looking down the road do you see either Gocong or Bradley being moved into the middle with Gaither at the Will position or do you see Tank Daniels or somebody else moving into the picture?
Ashley Fox: The Eagles are grooming Gaither to take over for Trotter, whenever that happens. I seriously doubt they would move Gocong (a lot of time invested in teaching him the position after playing DE in college). Bradley could push Gocong a little this season.
Ron: What are the Eagles plans if Donovan McNabb gets hurt again this year? Who will be the starting QB?
Ashley Fox: Again, A.J. Feeley is the No. 2. If McNabb goes out, you'll see Feeley. Not Kolb.
Ashley Fox: All right, guys. Thanks for joining us for Week 2 of the Eagles chat. I'm looking forward to Week 5, when we can talk about a game. Have a good week.
Nick: How do you see the Eagles' record panning out this season?
Ashley Fox: As with any team, injuries will play a factor in how the season goes. But at this point, I think 10-6 is a distinct possibility. To me, the Eagles are the team to beat in the NFC East, with Dallas a close second. There are some good-looking games later in the season, with New England and Seattle on the schedule. But the Eagles are my pick to win the division, which would mean another playoff berth.
Rich Foley: Why should we believe the Birds have a legit shot at going to the Super Bowl?
Ashley Fox: I think the Eagles defense will be very good. They've got tons of depth up front, an upgraded linebacking corps (although Gocong is the big question there), and a solid secondary. We'll have to see how McNabb progresses as he continues to come back from knee surgery. They've got playmakers on offense. Things will have to go their way, but I think the Eagles will be among the top five or six teams in the NFC.
Strosberg: How many running backs do you think the Eagles will keep on the roster this year? I picture a possibility of having just three. I see Westbrook and Hunt as sure things. In my opinion Ryan Moats is not well-rounded enough for this team and Bloom will be the returner. I like Buckhalter, but his health is still a concern.
Ashley Fox: They could carry between four and five. I agree that Moats could be the odd man out now that Hunt is in the mix. Hunt gives them a big body they could use in short yardage and goal-line situations. Buckhalter should make the team as well, to give the Birds flexibility. But obviously Westbrook is the main guy, and he proved last season he could handle an increased workload.
Harry Caines: A lot of people agree w/ me that the 49ers are the surprise team this year. Will you jump on the bandwagon and say they can win the NFC West?
Ashley Fox: I'm not ready to jump on that bandwagon just yet, but the Niners certainly did a lot in the offseason to upgrade their defense. They added some veterans, like former Eagles safety Mike Lewis, and their quarterback has progressed nicely. They have a pretty challenging schedule early -- Pittsburgh, Seattle and Baltimore among the first five games. I'll go with Seattle to win the division at this point.
Troy: How do the Linebackers look in camp? TKO and Trott meshing well, what about Gocong's camp? And how do you see Bradley, Gaither or Roper and McCoy fitting in? Who will be the odd receiver out once the season starts? It seems the Eagles won't keep 6. And with Curtis, Brown, Avant, Baskett and Bloom, will it be GLewis?
Ashley Fox: First, the linebackers are looking good. Gocong, to me, is the wildcard, but the coaches keep saying he's picking things up well. The important part will be how he reacts when it's full speed ahead in games. As he's said, it's one thing to understand the defense, and another to just play, react and not have to think. As for the receivers, every year I think Greg Lewis will be left out, and he still makes the team and comes up with a few clutch catches. He's not my favorite, but he always seems to make the team. Bloom will be used primarily as a returner, if at all.
Robert Simonet: I know we can not see in the future but for the last 5 years 3 of them ended with McNabb getting hurt. How confident are you in Kolb ... or would Feeley be the Qb coming in? What are the feelings of keeping Holcomb? Does mean you are going to carry 4 QBs? If so what other area will be minused in doing that (WR,LB, RB)?
Ashley Fox: To me, in the event McNabb gets hurt again, we won't see Kolb. It will be A.J. Feeley. He is the backup. It's not a question of 2 and 2A. It's Feeley. Kolb is picking things up and looks sharp for a rookie. I can't imagine the Eagles will carry four quarterbacks, which means Holcomb likely will be looking for work pretty soon.
Toby: Hi, the media reports about Takeo Spikes in terms of his personality...but really nothing about his performance in training camp so far...what have you seen?
Ashley Fox: Toby, I haven't been at Lehigh in several days -- I was at Giants camp two days last week -- but from what I've heard from colleagues, Spikes is looking pretty good. He's moving well, and has picked up the defense. He's versatile, and pretty much healthy after his injury almost two years ago. Durability as the season progresses will be a question. But I think we'll see Gaither a lot, spelling either Trotter or Spikes. They'll be rotating guys in to try to keep those guys fresh.
Eddie Welch: Ash, is there any chance Trotter will be cut??????????
Ashley Fox: No chance.
Jason: Hi guys, I hear my fellow Penn State alum Tony Hunt looks impressive to this point. Given rookie running backs previous lack of playing time during the season, where do you see Hunt factoring into this season?
Ashley Fox: Jason, that's a great question, and I'll be interested to see how Andy uses Hunt in the preseason games. We'll get a steady diet of Westbrook, but I'm sure Reid will use the games to look at Hunt, Buck, Moats, etc. I wouldn't expect to see a lot of Hunt during the season, but if he impresses the coaches, he's a great candidate for those short-yardage opportunities. And that would help preserve Westbrook. We all know how important he is to the success of this team.
Andy: What is the biggest challenge the Eagles have now that McNabb is back and people are healthy? (Knock on wood)
Ashley Fox: Well, Andy, McNabb's health will continue to be a concern. He didn't practice today, and we probably won't see much of him in the preseason games. To me, that's the biggest issue heading into the season. Both lines are solid. And on defense, I want to see something from Gocong and Considine.
Peter: Don't camp reports tend to seem overly optimistic? Seems like every year new guys shine, even in preseason games, then turn out to be nothing special. Should we take early reports with a grain of salt?
Ashley Fox: That is part of the nature of the preseason. Optimism is high. But you can look at the pieces the Eagles have and see things developing. But early reports are early reports. It's certainly a lot easier to judge players based on actual game performances. Look at Matt McCoy last year. He had a good camp, and had high expectations that he just couldn't meet. It happens.
Mark B: Are the Giants as much of a mess as they seem to be? Ashley Fox: There seems to be a disconnect there between their coach and some of the higher profile players. The styles/personalities don't mesh all that well. There have been distractions. And there's the Eli factor. No one will come out and say it, but this is a big year for him. If he doesn't show marked improvement, it could get ugly in New York. Tim: I can't believe I am asking this question but how is McDougal looking in camp? Ashley Fox: Tim, I haven't been to Lehigh in a few days, so Bob Brookover would be better equipped to give you an in-depth report. But from what I've heard, he's rotating in. I don't see him having a big impact, though, not with the depth they have at his position.
Phil: I just heard a report that Reid said McNabb sat out today's practice because of precautionary reasons, and McNabb said his knee was just sore a bit, but will be ready for Week 1 despite these occasional days off. Do you think McNabb will be set once the season begins?
Ashley Fox: Phil, I think McNabb will be ready. There are going to be days like these. The Eagles aren't going to risk anything. I also don't think we'll see much of 5 in the preseason games. The target is Green Bay, and I don't think they'll do anything to jeopardize that.
Matt Mc: Would the Eagles pursue Lance Briggs next offseason?
Ashley Fox: I certainly hope so. Everyone is going to pursue Briggs. He's going to be one of top free agents, if not the top free agent, of the offseason. And he will get paid.
Tom: Do you think all of the Kolb talk is premature? Isn't it possible that McNabb has a good 3-5 seasons left in him if he stays healthy? If that is the case, why would the Eagles want to have him leave?
Ashley Fox: Tom, sure McNabb could have several good seasons left, but his injury history can't be ignored. The Eagles aren't ignoring it. If he stays healthy all year, we won't see Kolb anywhere but the sideline. If he doesn't, we'll see Feeley. But Kolb is the future, be it this year or in 2010.
Brian Dougherty: What are the chances Sav Rocca wins the punting job? I hear he's been booming them.
Ashley Fox: Lots of Sav Rocca questions. That's a good battle, between Rocca and Dirk Johnson. I think Rocca has a good chance, but it's too early yet to handicap it. The preseason games will as important for him as anybody.
Matt W: Do you think the injuries to Reagor and Scott are hurting their chances of making the squad, especially Reagor's?
Ashley Fox: Matt, I'm not sure yet about Scott, but I've got to think Reagor is on the bubble, especially given the Eagles depth on the line. They'll likely keep 10 linemen, but I'm not sure Reagor will be among them.
Mike: The linebacker corps as it's made up right now is Trotter, Spikes and Gocong as the starters at least this season. Looking down the road do you see either Gocong or Bradley being moved into the middle with Gaither at the Will position or do you see Tank Daniels or somebody else moving into the picture?
Ashley Fox: The Eagles are grooming Gaither to take over for Trotter, whenever that happens. I seriously doubt they would move Gocong (a lot of time invested in teaching him the position after playing DE in college). Bradley could push Gocong a little this season.
Ron: What are the Eagles plans if Donovan McNabb gets hurt again this year? Who will be the starting QB?
Ashley Fox: Again, A.J. Feeley is the No. 2. If McNabb goes out, you'll see Feeley. Not Kolb.
Ashley Fox: All right, guys. Thanks for joining us for Week 2 of the Eagles chat. I'm looking forward to Week 5, when we can talk about a game. Have a good week.
