Eagles training camp 2013: What they're saying after the first week of camp
With one week of training camp in the books, here's a look at what local and national media outlets are saying about the Eagles.
Today is the first day off for the players, at least from practice. They will hit the fields again on Wednesday. I'll be doing a chat here at noon, so come on back and fire off any questions you may have about training camp.
NFL to the Eagles: Not so fast - Kevin Clark, Wall Street Journal
As Kelly mans his first full week of NFL training camp, installing a high-revving Ferrari engine into the Eagles' offense, league insiders say there are exactly zero indications NFL referees will be willing participants in the Kelly era. The NFL, they say, has a long-standing pace at which they do things between plays and the referees "aren't going to change just to accommodate someone's offense," said Mike Pereira, a former NFL vice president of officiating who is now an analyst for Fox Sports.
Jimmy note: This article has a lot of Eagles fans furious. I think it's much ado about nothing, and will have more later.
Sneak peek at the new Eagles offense - Derek Sarley, IgglesBlog
Outstanding.
Donovan McNabb's retirement press conference - Eagles Mothership
(Video)
I'm guessing most people don't consider McNabb a HOFer because of the ridiculous concept of his "big-game" performance. McNabb did not win a Super Bowl. NFL writers typically cling to this criteria when measuring greatness, despite its obvious outrageousness. First off, this is not basketball, one man can not win a ring single-handedly. This should be obvious, but the importance of winning titles is so ingrained in hack-writing that it's frequently glossed over.
Ascribing such importance to titles is how you get fans seriously arguing that Terry Bradshaw and Troy Aikman are among the best QBs ever. It's a complete joke, yet it will probably lead to a HOF that includes Eli Manning while excluding McNabb (also a complete joke).
Jimmy note: Brent also puts all of Donny's playoff losses in context. Good read.
Donovan - Tommy Lawlor, IgglesBlitz
McNabb is the greatest Eagles QB I ever saw. I watched Jaws play, but not on a weekly basis. He certainly had his moments, but 1980 was his lone great year and Pro Bowl appearance. I watched a lot of Randall Cunningham. He was a dynamic force at times, but also could disappear in some games. A lot of this had to do with how Buddy Ryan handled him. "Go make me some plays" can win you games in October, but not in January. To sum up Cunningham, he did some things that will be remembered forever, but he was also benched for Bubby Brister.
Dawkins, Westbrook thank Donovan McNabb - Dan Klausner, Eagles Mothership
"It was a pleasure going to war with you," Dawkins said. "It was a pleasure going out and playing the game the way we that we played it because we enjoyed doing it and we did it at a high level for so long. ... I appreciate the way you played, the man that you are and I thank you. It's a pleasure to call you a friend. I love you, brother. Thank you."
The new size of the Eagles - Bob Vetrone, Philly.com
This is great work by Bob. See how much the Eagles have grown height/weight-wise from last year's 90 man camp roster to this year's. It's significant.
Eagles notes: LB Jason Phillips lost for season with knee injury - Zach Berman, Inquirer
Curse of Lehigh...
Training camp notes and quotes, 7/29/2013 - Brandon Lee Gowton, BGN
QB UPDATE: Nick Foles is now a running QB, apparently. OK I'm exaggerating, but he fooled the entire defense on one rep with a keeper on the read-option. 10 easy wide open yards right there for the future track star. Later in the practice, there was a rep where Foles took a long time to throw that ball and it almost got picked off by Boykin.
Running dairy: Eagles practice observations - Sheil Kapadia, Philly Mag
The Eagles are in pads for the second consecutive day. As Chip Kelly explained, he's trying to walk the fine line between making camp physical and not injuring his players. For that reason, there will be no tackling to the ground until the preseason games.
Eagles sign Washington St. OLB Travis Long - Mike Kaye, BGN
Long's name is fitting for his body type. He is lanky and hovers over guys. He is versatile and played everywhere for the Cougars, including inside linebacker, defensive end and outside linebacker. Long is a relentless rusher with a decent motor and is an extremely violent tackler. In general, he is an aggressive player and rarely gives up on plays. A natural pass rusher with good wrap up ability, Long finishes on sacks.
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