Bradley, Jean-Gilles, Herremans Miss Practice
Updating: Guards Max Jean-Gilles (ankle) and Todd Herremans (calf) missed practice Thursday, along with middle linebacker Stewart Bradley (elbow). Jean-Gilles and Herremans still seem likely to play Sunday against the Packers; Bradley probably will not play.
Bradley, Jean-Gilles, Herremans Miss Practice
Daily News staff and Les Bowen
Updating: Guards Max Jean-Gilles (ankle) and Todd Herremans (calf) missed practice Thursday, along with middle linebacker Stewart Bradley (elbow). Jean-Gilles and Herremans still seem likely to play Sunday against the Packers; Bradley probably will not play.
Tackles Jason Peters and Winston Justice said cohesiveness shouldn't be a problem for the Birds on Sunday, no matter who is playing guard. Justice said Jean-Gilles and Herremans have played enough that they shouldn't really need a lot of practice to be ready.
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Coordinator Sean McDermott said he is extremely proud of what his defense has accomplished. "A lot of defenses are sitting home right now," he said.
"This is a resilient bunch," he said. "They give great effort every week."
McDermott knows better than anyone how his Eagles defenders have struggled, but he also knows he has to get them ready to face the high-powered Packers this Sunday, and the way to do that probably isn't by publicly lamenting their shortcomings.
In facing Green Bay, McDermott said he plans to roll in every defensive end they have and will continue to blitz. The question is just how much. He also pointed to the Packers making a concerted effort to run the ball more.
Middle linebacker Stewart Bradley was not part of the team's morning walkthrough today and remains day-to-day with a dislocated elbow. All signs point to rookie Jamar Chaney making his first playoff start.
"We've got his back," strongside starter Moise Fokou said of Chaney.
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On the other side of the ball, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said he thinks the Packers might be playing their best defense of the season in recent weeks.
He said the Eagles will be in good shape against the Packers' blitzes and noted that quarterback Michael Vick was not 100 percent against Minnesota.
Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson are "two of the very best defensive players in the league," he said.
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Special teams coordinator Bobby April indicated that DeSean Jackson probably will return punts, though he said that ultimately will be Andy Reid's decision.
April also lauded Pro Bowel kicker David Akers for what he called a "real quality year." Akers led the NFL in scoring and had more touchbacks that he has ever had.
April also said returner Gerard Lawson was what the Eagles hoped and expected he would be, a tough return guy who also played well in kick coverage. He noted that Lawson could have gotten better blocking in his Eagles debut last Sunday against the Cowboys.
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Right guard Max Jean-Gilles insisted he'll be fine for Sunday. When a reporter noted that Jean-Gilles' left ankle still looked swollen, Jean-Gilles shook his head. "Thick ankles," he said.
Left guard Todd Herremans, who was listed as a limited participant yesterday, is not expected to practice today.
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The Eagles announced two surgical procedures that took place earlier this week:
DB/KR Jorrick Calvin underwent microdisectomy surgery on his lower back Monday by Dr. Alex Vaccaro of the Rothman Institute at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.
DT Jeff Owens underwent surgery to repair his left knee patella tendon as well as microfracture surgery Wednesday by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, AL. Owens, injured a handful of snaps into his NFL debut, will also have surgery to repair his ACL at a later date.
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To see Les Bowen's video report, click here.
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proud of the worse rated redzone defense since the 80's?!? proud of giving up close to 30 points a game?? i dont want him back next year.
Imagine how proud he'll be when the Defense does it's job!— kjuggs77
Gold stars for everyone and ice cream & pizza after the game, win or lose— Mabus
Comment removed.
Everybody and their mother knew there was holes in the D coming into the season, and that proved to be true. They have given up a lot of points this year. But the one real, tangible thing this D has going for it is, they have come up big in the 4th quarters in the Eagles comeback wins this year. (check the stats) That can NOT be underestimated, it shows character and the ability to come up big in the big moments. Plus the fact, I believe the Eagles offense will out gun the cheesy-poofs(packers), which will give the D the opportunity to play w/ a lead, and give McDermott the opportunity to put his defensive squad into attack mode, (as opposed to reacting to the offense)...and say what you want about this young D coordinator, but facts are facts, in his 2 years leading the Eagles' D, he has had to work w/ youth, player turnover and injuries. A fair judgment on him will be when he gets to coach an experienced, cohesive unit for an entire season. The jury is still out on him, and the effectiveness of his defensive philosophy...but enough about that... E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!!
I'm not at all proud of you Mcdermott...— dexter55
@Mabus, we're not playing Pop Warner here. Its all business on Sunday with the men coming to play. All kids stay home. This means that Bonehead April and Sean McDoormat had better have their particular squads playing above average! We'll see how proud of his defense he is after the first half. Either the score will be the Eagles up 3 or more or the Pack will be. If the Pack is leading by halftime, look for the same ole, same ole cause we all know Fat Andy doesn't know how to change the game plan in real game situations!- what is this a joke? this guy not only should of been fired 15 times this year, he should never of had the job...hey sean, have some integrity and QUIT— tooltime
- "April also lauded Pro Bowel kicker David Akers"
there's a difference between "bowel" and "bowl"
;-)— ekw555 - Maybe Akers can get an endorsement deal for Activia, I hear it's pro-bowel as well
— tornadoh - jay grace is everywhere today on philly.com— Serge_Matthews
- That was my point, at least with regard to Opie McDoormat. I guess subtlety & sarcasm are lost on some...— Mabus
- Wait! Does this mean we're not getting pizza and ice cream? — tornadoh
- lol, sorry. Panthro spoiled it for everyone. I guess they'll just have to play to win now :( — Mabus
- The defense has to play smart and not miss tackles and cover the pass well. They need to be ready.— fjulio
