Hall has big final day of OTAs; other observations
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Hall has big final day of OTAs; other observations
Jonathan Tamari
Wide receiver Chad Hall had a big showing on the last day of the Eagles' off-season training activities, catching passes all over the field, including a pretty grab toe-drag grab in the corner of the end zone.
Wide receivers coach David Culley and several of Hall's offensive teammates jokingly told him to "chill out," warning him not too embarrass the defense too much. After all, training camp, is not far away, and then, hitting begins.
Hall, an Air Force second lieutenant who spent part of the off season flying back to Salt Lake City for duty in between Eagles practices, is a five-foot-eight speedster trying to make it as an NFL wide receiver. He faces tough odds: the team already has DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant as the unquestioned top three receivers, and they drafted Riley Cooper and signed Hank Baskett, who each have seven to eight inches on Hall.
Hall may be able to earn a special teams' slot, as he has been working returning punts and kick offs. More performances like the one on Thursday would also help.
Fellow receiver Jordan Norwood had a tougher time, dropping a couple passes.
Safety Nate Allen had a nice pass break up on a throw from Mike Kafka, showing some of the skills that made him the Eagles' second round draft pick.
Cornerback Geoff Pope was beaten in coverage several times, and had a potential interception bounce off his face mask.
Jason Avant, praised as a receiver willing to play multiple roles, caught an onside kick during drills.
Safety Quintin Mikell sat out with a sprained MCL, picked up in Wednesday's practice, and running back LeSean McCoy returned to the field after "tweaking" his ankle. Andy Reid said Mikell would be ready for training camp. Jeff McLane had the details on the injuries, DeSean Jackson's absence this week and Reid's post-OTA thoughts here.
The team is off between now and July 26, when rookies report to Lehigh for training camp. Vets are due July 29.
Quarterback Kevin Kolb said it was important for the Eagles to maintain their conditioning before facing the brutal summer heat and the real lead up to the season.
"You don't want your body and your conditioning to hold you back once you get to Lehigh and training camp, because we all know how tough it can be and you don't want to be surviving, you want to be getting better," Kolb said.
He said he plans to do cardiovascular work and throwing five days a week.
"Now you're getting ready for the season, so you have to take this very serious and you have to make sure that you're ready to go."
I do love Kolb's work attitude. Can't say he isn't dedicated.— bossrjc- Kornhole acts like he's actually accomplished something. I sure hope he can walk the walk.— Kornholio Kolb
Comment removed.
You deserve an English teacher..........- God almighty Don ... Who taught you to read?— ronsullivan12
- yea blah blah blah... Andy is so full of it...Mike Vick is going the be the starter for your Eagles Green.— BooDuhBud
- Donovanhasa... is right. back to the mid 90's... fat andy and co really made a cocky move dumping Don for an unproven kid with half the talent. let's see what dude's got when teams actually have a scouting report on him. big mistake...— sore richard
- GO SKINS— CHUCK JR
- Wasn't there a poll to the affect of who wanted to keep McNabb or let him go for Kolb? Wasn't it good majority that chose Kolb? Since the fans are right 100% of the time, at least judging by the comments i read here. Philly will be jsut fine. As fo the Skins fans, if you're such good fans go back to ExtremeRedskins.com , or were all of you booted by the czar there?— PhillyFanSouth
The Eagles lost JJ just before the season. They got nothing from Westbrook, Bradley, the Andrews boys, and every safety other than Mickell. The DB's, LB's, and the O-line were injury riddled all year. Guess what? The team still won 11 games! McCoy, Celek, Weaver, Macklin and Kolb all played well, and they are all back along with Bell and Baskett. They are counting on Andrews health and a good effort from Cole at center to stabilize the O-line. They brought in a ton of young talent on the D side and some good coaches (Jauron and April) to improve the defensive backfield and special teams. I am sure many people think the loss of McNabb will make this team take a step back, but I am not sure it won't help the young guys move forward. If Kolb plays bad, Vick has had enough time to get back in playing shape and learn the plays. He was a Pro-Bowler before, who else has one as a back-up? McNabb was canned because of the way the season ended. AR will be next if this season does not result in a playoff berth. I am looking forward to the season. I expect them to score a lot, and the defense to play better. I also expect April to improve the special teams. They are in a tough division, but I think they will win ten and get in the post season. Every defensive move they made was to put pressure on the QB and ballhawk the hurried passes that result. If you have ever seen the 'girls play you know that is how to beat them.- Interesting and fresh observation on Avant playing multiple roles. why dont you write a feature on him? oh wait.— jb99
- First of all, Kornholio Kolb, you need to change your name. What kind of fan are you anyway? Give Kolb a chance, you know nothing about him. If you did know something, you'd be on the sidelines coaching the Eagles. Kolb is going to surprise alot of people. Just glad he is a better player than you are fan. Grow up!— spark12
