Steelers vs. Eagles

Well, at last the preseason period has ended for the starters, so we won't have to endure any more pictures of first-teamers being carted off the field like we did tonight with Nate Wayne. I hope it wasn't serious.

The game vs. the Steelers was just weird. It was weird to see Duce wearing #22 for another team (but I was pleased to see him get a warm welcome and his signature "Duuuuuce" cheer); it was weird to see Pat Summerall doing games on ESPN with the two clowns Paul Maguire and Joe Theismann; but it was truly weird to see the bizarre interview with McNabb and TO. And I don't mean McNabb's Krusty the Klown afro. Was McNabb supposed to be imitating the press with his rhetorical questions? Was he just goofing with funny voices. Very strange indeed.

Having said that, that taped interview was a harbinger of McNabb's mood captured on the sideline in the second half. I know it's only preseason, but he sure looks relaxed out there.

Other thoughts and observations:

* Can Mark Simoneau tackle? Duce Staley must have run over him at least three times. His futility even caused the announcers to comment on how much bigger he looks this year and wondered why he was having such difficulties bringing runners down.

* A more perfect contrast to Simoneau's physical failings couldn't have been scripted than when Michael Lewis stood up Duce for a solo tackle on 3rd and inches.

* How great was it to see TO busting his ass blocking downfied...during an exhibition game!?

* Reno Mahe looked pretty good. So did McCoo and Tapeh against the Pittsburgh backups.

* Shawn Andrews looked pretty good. He even manages to make the mountainesque Runyan look svelte.

* In the discretion is a better part of valor department, Andy Reid gave a slight lie to his standard "injuries happen we have to move on" posture by holding out B. Westbrook from the game. It was a wise move.

* Duce Staley played very well, and he was very well-spoken during the sideline interview after he was finished playing for the evening about his time with the Eagles and why he went with the Steelers .

Please no more injuries before the home opener!!!!