On the Birds Beat-Thursday, September 18th - Thursday, September 18, 2008
157 Views :: 0 Comments :: :: Team - Eagles, Brian Seltzer

•    Injuries:
Victor Abiamri did not practice (wrist; out since training camp; will not play)
Kevin Curtis did not practice (hernia; out since 8/21; will not play)
Shawn Andrews did not practice (back spasms; out since 9/15)
Jamaal Jackson did not practice (personal reasons; out since 9/17)
Reggie Brown practiced (hamstring)
Tony Hunt returned to practice (hamstring; out since 9/15)
Trevor Laws returned to practice (quad; out since 9/15)

•    In the absence of Shawn Andrews, Max Jean-Gilles is filling in at RG.  The massive 6’3 358 pounder replaced Andrews in the trenches throughout the entire pre-season when Andrews was missing in action due to depression.

•    Back in training camp ,Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg called Jean-Gilles “a guy you can win with.”  Jean-Gilles played well in the pre-season opener against Pittsburgh, but then regressed versus Carolina w/ a few penalties, particularly his late torpedo tackle that earned him a personal foul and a fine.  Today, Mornhinweg said, “I would expect [Max] to play well if he needs to play.

•    Jean-Gilles’ fellow Georgia product Reggie Brown took the time to talk today.  He said it’s been tough sitting out the first two games of the season, especially Monday night at Dallas when he made the trip, even warmed up before the game, but didn’t play due to his hamstring.

•    Brown feels he’s “good enough to play wherever [the coaching staff] sees fit” for him to play.  He declared himself ready to go, but added it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he didn’t start.

•    Jamaal Jackson has missed the last two days due to personal reasons.  His replacement at center is Nick Cole, who has also served as a guard and goal-line fullback during his tenure with the Eagles.  

•    Another hamstring injury victim, Tony Hunt, returned to practice this afternoon.  If he hadn’t been able to get back in time for Sunday’s match-up with the Steelers, it’s possible RB Correll Buckhalter would have filled in at FB.  He’s been utilized in that role before.  

•    It’s scary what you start to pick up on after attending enough press conferences. Speaking tendencies is one thing.  For example, as well known as Andy Reid is for his trademark throat clear, there's never a time when Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's group can't “get/play better.”  Today, he used the phrase 12 times by my count.  Anyhow, the point is as often as he says that, Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson rarely ever does about his unit.  But this morning, interestingly enough, he did, stating “I didn’t coach as well [against Dallas], but I think we’ll play better [against the Steelers].”  In particular, Johnson was self-critical of his schemes that failed to generate effective pressure on Tony Romo.

•    RDE Trent Cole has failed to sack a QB in his first two outings, after recording 12.5 sacks in 2007.  Johnson attributes Cole's struggles to opposing teams chip blocking him.

•    This week, reserve DE Chris Clemons, whose calf injury prevented him from assuming an active pre-season role, could see increased playing time.  Johnson said the Eagles wanted to get him more involved this past Monday.