Watkins Asks to Play Final Exhibition
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Watkins Asks to Play Final Exhibition
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
Andy Reid doesn't play starters in the final preseason game, ever since 2001, whenplaying one series in that contest ended the Eagles career of starting center Bubba Miller.
But first-round rookie right guard Danny Watkins will play Thursday, Watkins confirmed today, as he hurried to a meeting.
"I asked for it," Watkins said.
Earlier, in the locker room, rookie center Jason Kelce said he worked at right guard with the first team today, which was the scout team, since the object of the practice was to get ready the guys who are going to play against the Jets (i.e., the nonstarters).
So Watkins will work with subs Thursday, just to get experience, as he tries to make up for a late start learning offensive line coach Howard Mudd's system.
More later from the Michael Vick press conference.
Good idea Danny. At least it seems like he's willing to learn.— dlivesay- I think the entire O-line should work at least a series on Thurs.— palmyra21
- Watkins will be fine and the fire of controversy will be put out...johnnyu— john ullman
- This is why I like this Kid. Some people talk a good game, but Gamers put in the work. I think Kelce and Watkins are going to be main stays and productive on the Eagles Line.— Dexter
- the o-line should play the entire first half.....isn't the idea that they need to gel....— nuggett
- Gelling is overrated. This is the NFL, these men are professionals, I wouldn't worry to much about gelling.
- The whole ofthe team should be playing a couple series, honestly.— dmanns
- @dexter...you're right on point here..the work ethic and maturity (uh, Watkins has a reason) of these two young guys is exceptional!— bearsfriend
- There's maturity and a willingness to do what it takes, and then there's aggression and talent. From the games I've seen, he's not very aggressive. You can see it in his run blocking. He doesn't finish. Maybe it's because he doesn't know what he's doing, so too much thinking is being done on the field. That's why I don't want to pass judgement on the kid. However, his age doesn't help his learning curve. He's gotta produce NOW. He may have will, but skill, remains to be seen.— beegal99
- Gotta love it. Can't coach desire.— tpizza
- I can't WAIT to see how opposing "D" coordinators attack the three white guys in the middle of the line. Maybe Andy should start Young for the first six games so HE can either escape or absorb the pounding those three guys will allow! Then bring V7 in to start the last ten games after the middle of the line gels somewhat. I'm being facetious..but all the Superbowl talk pisses me off. We go NOWHERE with this O-Line as constituted. If Mike had the kind of time the old line used to give Mc5, a superbowl WOULD be in the picture. The first six games will be a horror show....only hoping that Mike can avoid the worst of the traffic coming at him.— TBear
- Relax. Watkins is the X-factor here. He plays well, they should be fine. If Kelce stumbles, they'll more than likely put Jackson back in and give the kid another year. Mathis is underrated. Last two years he played a total 762 snaps at LG, gave up zero sacks. Herremans' a little undersized at OT, but do you really think he'll do worse than Dunlap, or even Justice? They just need time to gel. They'll be some bumps, but if they can stay healthy, there shouldn't be much to worry about.
— phillychaos - I agree there will be some bumps in the road, but I wouldn't worry much about it. Mudd knows what he wants, and these guys would not be the starter if he didn't think they were capable.
