TE Ingram plans to join McNabb in Ariz.
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TE Ingram plans to join McNabb in Ariz.
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
It's been just over a week since the draft, but as far as first impressions go, the Eagles seem to have themselves a likeable group of rookies.
Tight end Cornelius Ingram joined WIP's midday show yesterday and called the Birds a "perfect fit."
When asked about meeting Donovan McNabb for the first time, Ingram said the Eagles' quarterback welcomed him and already invited him to work out in Arizona with other teammates before training camp.
"He told me, he was like 'I get the guys to come out to Arizona for a week so we can get some things done,'" Ingram said. "He was gonna definitely make sure everything is taken care of, getting the information, where we're flying out of, everything like that. It's definitely a work in progress, and I'm definitely gonna be willing to do that anyway. Any way I can get better, especially with being around the veteran guys, just learning the whole NFL, how to be a professional athlete, how to practice and all that kind of stuff, every chance I get to be around a lot of veteran guys, I'm willing to do it so I'm definitely looking forward to it."
Some of you have communicated a concern that the Eagles don't have a true blocking tight end. It's a skill Ingram wasn't asked to perfect in Florida's spread offense, but one he's willing to work on.
"This past weekend, I think I was in the three-point stance 90 percent of the time," he said. "It's all about just playing football and being a football player so it wasn't difficult or it didn't feel strange at all."
Ingram had seven touchdowns with the Gators in 2007 and said he's looking forward to being a target in the red zone for McNabb.
"It's to the point where some of the stuff that we ran in the red zone yesterday, I was actually familiar with because we did a lot of it at Florida," he said. "And some of the formations that we run, it was named the exact same thing at Florida so I felt pretty comfortable when they called certain plays or they called certain formations, I automatically knew because I did it here at Florida."
And finally, Ingram explained that he knows about Philadelphia's football tradition and high expectations from fans. It helps that he's gotten advice from another Gator who's now a professional athlete in the city.
"They said they [the fans] can be hard-going sometimes, so I'm gonna definitely make sure I make all my blocks and catch the ball all the time," he said. "But they're definitely great fans, and I've talked to Mo Speights playing with the 76ers because he went to Florida and he's actually looking forward to showing me around whenever I get stable in Philly."
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Not sure what you mean by "does it matter if he gets hurt". I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt, I just don't think he's going to go out to Arizona and do something stupid before he signs his contract. I doubt he'd take the chance anyway and that's what his agent is for. I don't think it is something the fans have to be concerned with. The concensus is that he was a great pick where he went in the draft so in that regard it DOES matter. I want him to contribute immediately. If going to Arizona helps in that regard he should go and learn whatever he can. I like Pettigrew too and I think the Eagles would have taken him if Macklin hadn't slid down to them. Perhaps Celek can block well enough? We'll see. I heard Cook disappeared at times and was lazy. Time will tell who got the better pick. Now, isn't it better to just talk sports rather than act like wolf? He doesn't need help making a fool of himself. Just let him. I seldom agree with Skip either, but at least he offers a point od discussion. If you don't agree that doesn't make him a moron.— tpizza- Comment removed.
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He is not talking to the media because of clowns like you lonewolf 4 and jwatson who nothing you say good about him. The fans are as bad as the media. Before McNabb came to town were we going to playoffs or even talked about a super bowl contenders? Stop thinking race and focuing on "Statistics."
Well, he has the right attitude. Seen him play some games at Florida and he could wind up being the steal of the draft. Go Eagles.— flyerdup- LJ Smith couldn't block or make a good catch. You phans that talk about TE blocking are a bunch of idiots. I recall several times when LJ would be in motion and required to seal the end only to go too far in motion and miss his block. I recall it costing a few plays close to the goal line.— Remember Tim Kerr
- Explain your dislike for Westy, 5. I think the things you say about DM are accurate. I feel the same way and also agree with grownman86 but you can say the same things about Westy that you say about DM. His knees were shot in the playoffs but he still played. I'm not sure you want him as a short yardage back anymore but that's why Weaver is here. I think Reid got him for just that reason and for more blocking. If Westy came up short it isn't his fault he was hurt anymore than when DM was hurt.— tpizza
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- If you think he shouldn't have been playing because he was hurt than that was Reid's fault for not playing Buck. That doesn't make Westy soft though. I agree he doesn't have power but his forte is being illusive not running over people. Maybe working in the rookie RB will free Westy up more for the passing game? Hope that works. I think that's where he excels too. LBs can't cover him. Westy has been as much a trooper as DM though. Can't fault him for that.— tpizza
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- McSoftie!! Ha Ha LOL I wonder if they practice dribbling the football with their feet, then they could tip up the dirt balls that 5 throws!!
- I see your point but I still think that if not hurt he was our best option. Remember I want the best team possible. If Westy is done bring on the upgrade. >>Tomorrow.— tpizza
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