Eagles focused for preseason opener
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Eagles focused for preseason opener
There’s no question Andy Reid’s return to training camp inspired the players. “I continue to learn more and more about him every day,” said safety Kurt Coleman. “His character is so strong.”
Reid’s return Wednesday also settled the uncertainty of whether he’d be leading the team tomorrow against Pittsburgh. And that shift has allowed the players to focus on the game.
“Playing a game is something big,” said LeSean McCoy, “but playing for [Reid] and his family actually motivates us a little bit more.”
Eagles like McCoy and Coleman can recall last year’s preseason game against Pittsburgh and don’t want to see a repeat. The Steelers’ first-team offense ran over the Eagles, collecting 71 yards on 14 carries in the game’s first two drives. Pittsburgh raced to a 21-0 halftime lead en route to a 24-14 win.
“It’s a totally different mind-set this year,” said Coleman. “Our focus is top-notch.”
Newcomer DeMeco Ryans is eager for his first game action as an Eagle. “I’m excited to step into the Linc for the first time to see the fans, the atmosphere, everything,” he said. “When the lights are on, that’s when you can really cut it loose as a player and have fun.”
Another new face, rookie Fletcher Cox, is glad to have new bodies to battle after weeks of training camp practice.
“It’s always exciting not to go against your own teammates,” Cox said. “We’re just going to go out and really compete.”
Though it’s only the first preseason game, McCoy says the team is determined to work on improving last season’s weaknesses.
“We need to convert on third down, look sharp, pick up blitzes,” McCoy said. “Those are the biggest things. Keeping turnovers down, that’s something we struggled with last year so we’re looking forward to taking care of that this year.”
For rookie quarterback Nick Foles, last season as a star at Arizona is a world away from where he is now as third-teamer with the Eagles. And, he says, where he is now is far from where he was even at the beginning of training camp.
Each of the four quarterbacks will play a quarter, with Michael Vick in the first, Mike Kafka in the second, Foles in the third and Trent Edwards in the fourth. Foles is confident he’s ready.
“Every day I’m picking up more and more and understanding what the coaches want,” Foles said. “I definitely feel I’ve learned a lot in training camp.”
Vick playing an entire quarter sounds like a bit much,, but ,, Andy knows best. Lets Go Birds.— phillyroni- Normally I don't pay much attention to pre-season games. This year I think it is important for the team to get off to a good start and at least look sharp in the game— JamesSeitz
- I see Brandon Graham's not playing.....nothing new there. He should just stay home and have his checks mailed. BUST!!— Geno D
- About time we realize Reid is great in so many ways. Players need to shine now.— fman727
- BRANDON GRAHAM is playing tonight! LET ME CLEAR THAT UP RIGHT NOW for the haters! The report was a misprint. It listed Graham instead of Trent cole out with a shoulder injury. Graham will be wreaking Havoc tonight on the opposing quarterbacks! save your hate for another day. This is the year I waited my whole life for...so beat it with your crappy negative energy! We are probably the most passionate fanbase in sports, that brings down the team the most! sad!— johnGiam
- I thought it was just a mistake because the other article says Brandon Washington isn't playing. No matter, will be good to see him on the field.
DL has a chance to be fantastic.— tpizza - yeah as soon asa i reAD THE INITIAL report i knew it was a mistake. everyone knows that Cole would be out tonight with a shoulder problem, but he wasnt listed. Graham has been a man possesed. A shoulder problem would not keep him out of this game regardless of what the coaches said. But yeah, its been confirmed that Indeed Graham is playing, and cole isnt! this D-Line will seriously be Viscious...add into the equation a serious threat as a blitzing linebacker in Kendricks, and even Boykin off the slot....we will put a ton of heat on QBs this year! But I think people will be surprised at how good our run defense will be!— johnGiam
- Its gonna be really hard to run against this eagles defense this year! especially on Obvious rushing downs when they line up cole(outstanding against the run and Cullen Jenkins at the Dend spots, and Fletcher and Landri/dixon if he can get it together...then behind them you will have Dameco who is a serious thumper against the run....but more importantly, he will put his fellow linebackers in the right position to make plays as he has done so far in camp! Rush defense was a serios weakness last year! Fat chance trying to rush against us this year!— johnGiam
- Just hope they continue with the adjustments they made towards the end of last season. Not playing wide on every down leaving huge running lanes. That was the difference as we started to actually make some plays against the run. I think a lot of it is scheme but of course better players help. Interested to see how Demeco looks overall. Word is Joselio is still ahead of Boykin and Kendricks needs more work.— peteike
- This comment has been deleted.— Owner of Junod
- i really hope that Vick goes right down the field and scores so we can pull him and lesean out right away, and see what Dion and Kafka can do with the 1's! Would love to see what Fowles could have done with the 1's but theres ZERO chance in that happening — johnGiam
- 1st preseason....it beats the olympics, anything Nascar, the golf channel, reruns of Seinfeld and the other stupid sitcoms and faked reality shows....it does not mean alot.....but thank goodness football season is here.....— nuggett
- If it wasn't for football. Summer ending would be Suicide month.— dmanphilly
- i DO NOT GET IT WITH YOU NEGATIVE BUMS. WHY DON'T YOU JUST GO HIDE WITH YOUR PLAYBOY MAGAZINES AND HAVE YOU USUAL DATE NIGHT. THESE EAGLES ARE GOING TO BE A WRECKING CREW— JIM IAQUINTO
- The best indication of Andy's "character" would have been to set football aside and grieve properly. Instead, we all fool ourselves by saying, "Move on with your life! This is what Garrett wanted." Really? Come on guys. Andy is complicit is his son's death! Garrett died from a drug overdose. Garrett did not have his father, Andy, in his life because Andy was addicted to football, just like Garrett was addicted to drugs. Sorry guys, the truth hurts. But Andy is complicit here. Then he adds insult to injury by coaching a game a few days after his son dies????— chrissmith
