Familiar foes
AMONG THE MORE scrutinized Eagles games this season will be the two against the Redskins and Donovan McNabb. McNabb knows the Eagles' defense, something defensive coordinator Sean McDermott realizes.
AMONG THE MORE scrutinized Eagles games this season will be the two against the Redskins and Donovan McNabb. McNabb knows the Eagles' defense, something defensive coordinator Sean McDermott realizes.
During the recent media chalk talk, McDermott said the goal will be to "work to disguise" what the defense is doing and "camouflage and confuse."
Then, he offered this nugget, "Donovan gets a lot of balls tipped at the line of scrimmage, and I know that . . . We're going to put our hands up."
McDermott also echoed others in the organization who are talking about a "fresh feel" and "a new era" for the Eagles.
"He's got 'it,' " McDermott said of newly crowned Eagles QB Kevin Kolb. "Some people are just born with it. When it's their time to shine, they take the team by the reins and say, 'Follow me.' "
- From the Daily News' blog Eagletarian
Not on the 'hands team'
According to a report this week on the Bay Area website MercuryNews.com, Ginn had a tough time holding onto the ball when utilized as both a receiver and returner. At receiver, Ginn had a 10-yard pass from 49ers QB Alex Smith ricochet off his mitts and into the hands of cornerback Phillip Adams. Later, Ginn made the run on a 50-yard bomb from Smith but dropped that as well.
"Obviously, yeah, he's got speed. No question," Smith said. "It's great he's here every day, learning the system and trying to get his job done."
Hopefully, Ginn won't become reminscent of former Eagles wideout and sprinter John Carlos, who stirred controversy along with Tommie Smith for wearing black gloves in protest at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Carlos ran like the wind, but when it came to turning his abilities into a long-standing NFL career with the Birds . . . well, let's just say he never caught on.
- Kerith Gabriel
It didn't take long for new 49ers receiver Ted Ginn Jr. to pick up where he left off at Miami. Ginn, known for his blazing speed, has been nicknamed "Ted Gazelle Jr." by a few media members. But the former Ohio State stud is becoming better known for his inability to catch the football.