Philadelphia Today

USA Today profiles the Eagles prior to their training camp start. The opening paragraph is as succinct a summary of the success Donovan McNabb has had as Eagles QB that I’ve ever come across, and a stern rebuke to the #5 naysayers.

“For the last seven years, the Philadelphia Eagles have averaged more than 10 regular-season wins a season and suffered one losing campaign. In that span, the Eagles have played in the NFC Championship Game four times and been to the Super Bowl once,” says McPaper.

Other interesting tidbits in what I think is a pretty accurate summary and analysis of the team (you never know what you are going to get from far-away journalists who just drop in to do the team snapshot):

·         A great quote summarizing Jim Johnson’s defensive philosophy:  "’I like to get as many players involved as possible,’ Johnson says. ‘I like rotating people. I like rotating tackles. If you have good depth, then I like playing six or seven defensive backs sometimes. I like matchups and I like to have as many players involved. They compete harder, they play harder and they're fresher.’"

·         The offensive line started all sixteen games together last year?!

·         Kearse is going to report to camp at 245 lbs! – 20 lbs under his playing weight.

·         Sean Considine has put on 15 lbs!?

Really, the only thing missing would be to note that Morhinweg has taken over the play calling duties, with an expected better balance between run/pass plays.

And I love his wrap up. One of the only national reporters I’ve ever read who correctly notes that the Eagles have endured significant injuries during their playoff runs (TO, McNabb, Buckhalter, Westbrook, Sheppard, Kearse) that have plagued the team during the Reid years. “The Eagles could be a dark-horse Super Bowl choice. Injuries have hit this team hard over the years; if the Eagles can ever stay healthy, watch out. Other than a home-run-hitting deep threat, this team has talent — young and old — everywhere.”

Let’s hope so.