Practice observations: Ingram, Jauron, the WRs
The Eagles opened up training camp with their first practice Tuesday morning. Who was here? Who looked good? Here are my daily practice observations from Lehigh.
Practice observations: Ingram, Jauron, the WRs
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
The Eagles had rookies and selected vets on the field this morning for the first practice at Lehigh. Here's what I saw:
* Let's start with the quarterbacks, shall we? Kevin Kolb, Michael Vick and Mike Kafka were all in attendance. The players were not in pads, but the QBs got their work in. Kolb was on-target, but keep in mind that the highest-profile defensive back on the field was rookie cornerback Trevard Lindley. As for Vick, I am still amazed at how he slings the ball so effortlessly, specifically on outs and down the field. He really has an unbelievable arm, although it's not always on-target, as we saw on a couple misfires intended for Clay Harbor.
* One play caught my eye when the Eagles rolled Kolb out of the pocket, something that had been a staple of the offense with Donovan McNabb. According to Football Outsiders, 13 percent of the Eagles' pass plays last season were with the QB out of the pocket. That was the seventh-highest percentage in the league. That number will drop this season, but it will be interesting to see to what degree.
* Wide receiver is a good position to focus on these first few days. Rookie Riley Cooper is here, and the other guys, like Chad Hall, Jordan Norwood and Dobson Collins, are intriguing as well. Wide receivers coach David Culley is vocal so it's easy to hear him offer up instructions - like how the receivers need to "sit" in their pattern when they stop and turn for the ball, rather than bounce around.
* Cornelius Ingram was in attendance as one of the only non-rookies here who actually has a good chance of making the team. I'll continue to keep an eye on how the Eagles use Ingram and Harbor. Martin Rucker is not in attendance. Only two tight ends.
* Only two running backs as well: rookie Charles Scott and Martell Mallett.
* Not many recognizable names on the offensive line. A.Q. Shipley is here, and so is Dallas Reynolds. If you have specific questions about other guys, let me know.
* The most notable aspect of the defense's practice was probably that Ricky Sapp seemed to get reps exclusively at defensive end. Sean McDermott said afterwards that Sapp will practice with the defensive linemen, but the Eagles will keep their options open. As I mentioned in yesterday's chat, the coaches just want to find some way to give Sapp a chance at getting after opposing quarterbacks.
* I noticed rookie cornerback Trevard Lindley getting quite a bit of one-on-one instruction with defensive backs coach Dick Jauron. If you're wondering what Brandon Graham and Nate Allen are missing by not being here, that's it.
* Rookie safety Kurt Coleman, the seventh-round pick out of Ohio State, who was not allowed to participate at OTAs because of NCAA rules, is in attendance. After practice, McDermott said you'd never know Coleman missed time with the way he performed today. During one red-zone play, he went after a pass from Vick, making significant contact with Mallett over the middle - something you don't often see during these drills since no one is wearing pads. But McDermott smiled afterwards when describing the play, and said he liked that attitude.
* As I mentioned on Twitter, there are so many former Eagles in attendance that they could field an alumni team pretty easily. Duce Staley and Shawn Barber are here as coaching interns. Others I saw today: Hugh Douglas (WIP), Harold Carmichael, Michael Zordich, Doug Pederson. I asked the Twitter followers if I was missing anyone. The best response was from @cranekicker, who asked if Rich Miano was here. Sadly, he is not.
* I know many of you are not big Twitter people, but if you want instant updates from practice, it's really a good resource. I'll be using it quite a bit the next three weeks. As you know by now, you can follow me here.
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I don't remember adding Dick Jauron to our coaching staff, but good move! This can only help McDermott in his 2nd year, to have such an experienced coach in his fold. And Duece is back! Not much else to talk about yet....— wavydavy2000
Suit up Shawn Barber and Mike Zordich, and escort Doug Pederson off the premises.— tornadoh
Mike Zordich. He had a great mustache. I'd never wear one like that, but he wore it and wore it well. He was also a decent safety.— Hamlin- Shawn Barber, teaching: How to give a ten yard cushion on your own 7 yard line.— mccloudmj
- coleman will be the starting FS by the beginning of next season— main liner
- Cut Chad Hall and send him to Afganistan. Baskett and Cooper fight it out for #4 WR, team keeps 5. I'm as excited about coaching intern Duce as I was last year about Pinkston.— dragoon6
- @mainliner... honestly i wouldn't be terribly surprised. sounds crazy i know, but watch and see— sasquatches
- @wavydavy2000:The eagles added Jauron to their staff in the offseason when DB coach Brian Stewart accepted a job with University of Houston. Stewart was Dallas DC in the 44-6 loss to the Birds the year before , and did an awful job with the DBs last year, so I think the Eagles were thrilled to lose him without having to fire him. Jauron will be a much better addition.— drbob1
- Why would I need instant updates about practice?— phillyinsd
- practice? we talkin bout practice!— bigsteve
- Anybody who watches Kurt Coleman seems to have good things to say about him. This guy will stick in the NFL. Maybe a career backup, maybe a starter eventually. He's got football player written all over him.— tacklinjoe
If the Eagles defense doesn't improve from last season, I have a feeling Dick Juron will be the defensive coodinator next season. McDermott (aka Richie Cunningham) better watch his back....- Juron won't be the D.C. (not saying he shouldn't) Reid needs yes men whom nobdy else would be dumb enough to hire. Neither Morningweg or Opie Cunningham are anybody else's short list as real coaching candidates. A.R.'s ego is the only thing bigger then his waistline!
Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce!
Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugh!— willbert31
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