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Practice observations: Babin makes presence felt

    by Sheil Kapadia
    Published 

If the last couple practices are any indication, the Eagles' new defensive end is going to bring an energy and attitude to this defense that was lacking in 2010.

MORE PRACTICE OBSERVATIONS

* When Michael Vick came on to the field at 8 a.m., he was greeted by a loud ovation from the fans here. He went on to have an outstanding practice, fitting the ball into tight windows time and again. On one play, he hit Riley Cooper in the end zone between Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Kurt Coleman. He also hit Brent Celek and Jason Avant. Later, perfect touch on a deep ball to Chad Hall. There's no DeSean Jackson or Jeremy Maclin, but Vick continues to be the one constant at camp. And he was on fire today.

* The merry-go-round along the Eagles' offensive line continues. Today, Ryan Harris took over as the starting right tackle. After practice, Marty Mornhinweg said Harris was "impressive" and that he was able to pick things up quicker than Mornhinweg expected.

* Jason Kelce continues to rotate in with the first team at center. I don't want to get carried away from less than two weeks of practice, but it looks like the rookie can play. He found himself at the second level against Jamar Chaney on a screen pass and flattened the Eagles' linebacker.

* Interesting competition brewing for the fifth wide receiver position. My guess is it will come down to Johnnie Lee Higgins or Sinorice Moss. Both guys were returning punts at the beginning of practice so special teams could be a deciding factor.

* Nate Allen missed practice with an unspecified knee injury, giving rookie Jaiquawn Jarrett a chance with the starters. Tough to provide too many observations on Jarrett here, given that his strength is laying people out and he doesn't get to do that during training camp.

* In nickel situations, it was still Nnamdi Asomugha and Asante Samuel on the outside and Joselio Hanson in the slot.

* Casey Matthews has had ups and downs in coverage. He was beat by Clay Harbor for a touchdown, but later broke up a pass over the middle.

* Mathis delivered a good block on defensive tackle Derek Landri on a screen pass to Ronnie Brown. It looks like Mathis could be a nice backup for this team.

* Jason Avant made a spectacular one-handed catch, but that seems to happen on a daily basis.

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