Back to fun and games.
The ultimate value of sports is the distraction it can provide from the day-to-day challenges life throws at each of us.
A new football season kicked off last Sunday night with the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio. The crazed personality of Terrell Owens is now teamed with the equally off-beat style of Chad Ocho Cinco for the Cincinnati Bengals. Aside from the presence of this new tandem the game didn’t provide much to talk about.
At least a new season is finally upon us. For the Birds the action tees up this Friday and all eyes will be on cool Kevin Kolb at quarterback. Kolb has done nothing to squash the feeling that he is an accurate, quick-release leader. His presence is a milestone for the Eagles whose offense operated under the prowess and weaknesses of former QB Donovan McNabb for 11 years.
It’ll be interesting to see how Kolb reacts to pressure. The offensive line is in disarray with injuries to center Jamaal Jackson and left guard Todd Herremans. Right guard Stacy Andrews remains a questionable free agent pick up a year ago. Winston Justice, highly touted out of USC four years ago, has found his spot as a steady if not spectacular right tackle. Jason Peters needs to justify his big bucks deal in the all important left tackle position.
Running back LeSean McCoy takes over, officially, for departed star Brian Westbrook. McCoy must block effectively to remain on the field. Andy Reid does not run the football often and since fullback Leonard Weaver can catch and carry, McCoy’s playing time may hinge on his ability to pick up the blitz.
The receiving corps looks strong with Jeremy Maclin and star DeSean Jackson. Jason Avant will work the slot. Rookies Riley Cooper of Florida and Chad Hall of Air Force are interesting additions with Cooper being a big target and Hall a diminutive, sure-handed special teams’ contributor.
Former Gator Cornelius Ingram was thought to be a steal a year ago as a fifth round tight end. He brought size and speed but his troublesome knee buckled again and now he’s fighting for his life with 2010 selection Clay Harbor. Brent Celek is the starter but depth is crucial for the long and grueling season ahead.
The defense is the primary concern as second year coordinator Sean McDermott appears to be on the hot seat. Reid brought a former head coach in Dick Jauron to take over the secondary. McDermott was thrust into the limelight last spring with the sad demise of legendary guru Jim Johnson. McDermott won’t get that pass this season so his defense had better rebound with an effective statistical season.
Early reports indicate Brandon Graham is the real deal. The Michigan man was the team’s top selection and he would add needed pressure opposite hard-working Trent Cole at defensive end. The tackles are set with Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson, two steady, beefy guys in the middle. If they can keep the guards and center off of come-backing Stewart Bradley, the Birds’ big middle linebacker should have a monster season.
This is a huge training camp for former Notre Dame star Trevor Laws, a player selected ahead of wide receiver Jackson in the 2008 draft. A defensive tackle, Laws was projected to join the D-line rotation, but the man with long dreadlocks has not produced and is in danger of being cut.
It’s too early for these projections to be anything but guesses, but it looks as if Ernie Sims was a solid trade decision. The former Lion linebacker brings speed and athleticism to a position, which has haunted the Birds throughout the Reid era. Sims is not a large human but he makes plays in space and is eager to win after leaving Detroit.
The other linebacker spot is up for grabs including candidates such as surprising 2009 seventh round selection Moise Fokou who has played well in spurts, as has former unsigned free agent Akeem Jordan. Someone needs to step up a claim the spot.
The defensive backfield includes Asante Samuel, a ball hawk who tackles like a kitten trying to corral a ball of yarn. The other corner is Ellis Hobbs, a former Patriot. Depth comes from 2009 pick Macho Harris and 2010 selection Trevard Lindley.
The safeties are not an impressive bunch with Quintin Demps fighting it out with rookie second rounder Nate Allen for the right to play alongside veteran Quintin Mikell. If the pass rush is not solid the defensive backfield will be exposed often.
David Akers returns as one of the most solid kickers in team history. The punting duties are questionable as Australian Sav Rocca tries to hold off newcomer Ken Parrish.
Overall, it’s anyone’s guess how the Eagles will fare this season. The glass half full says an effective rhythm offense scores buckets of points and the defense keeps teams outside of the 20-yard-line. The glass half-empty says Kolb tosses costly interceptions while the defense collapses without leadership.
We get a chance to see how it all goes beginning this Friday.
Reach Rossi at joerossi61@comcast.net
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