Eagles vs Jaguars Preseason Thoughts

As far as anticipation goes, August sits at the top of my list of months I can't wait to get through. Even though it was only the first preseason game, you could feel the excitement. No other sport lends itself to the same off-season withdrawal. The game was practically sold out to watch the second and third string teams scrimmage for the right to earn practice squad slots. This is the equivalent of watching and caring about the NBA D-League and yet, I (and the rest of America) can't get enough of it.



The tunnel is a defining moment for career reflection. This will be the first time Kevin Kolb steps out as a starter. The first time (future Hall of Famers) Brandon Graham and Nate Allen will get their taste of the unforgiving Philadelphia crowds. They sway back and forth, eyes closed, ruminating about where they came from and where they're going to the background noise of the adulating masses. Everyone is 0-0. Like the inspiring Nike World Cup commercials, there is a common theme that dances around every player's mind: Write the Future.



Sadly, this is the time I most remember Brian Dawkins who used to crawl out of the tunnel like a Wolverine (which earned him the awesome nickname "Weapon X"). Miss you, Dawk.



Where's Waldo? -- (Hint: Andy ate him)



Kolb, in command of the huddle.



Our first team offense played pretty well for two first quarter drives. They broke into the red zone both times, but were unable to convert, settling for two David Akers field goals. Some observations:

• I think Desean Jackson will do okay in this league.


• Jeremy Maclin looks like he added 30 lbs... of muscle.


• We are starting to see the good and bad of Kolb. He is very accurate and consistent, but likes to force it into coverage more than Mcnabb. One thing we can definitely expect this season: more interceptions. Mcnabb holds the NFL record (or close to it) for career avg attempts in between interceptions.


• The offensive line looks solid. This is especially impressive because third-string center Mike McGlynn is starting in place of Jamaal Jackson and Nick Cole.


• Jason Avant might be the most underrated WR in the league.

The first team defense was even more impressive than the offense. They were only on the field for two posessions, but held the Jaguars first team offense to consecutive three and outs and a total of 10 yards.

• Asante Samuel, yes Asante Samuel, delivered the best hit, crunching Jaguars TE Mercedes Lewis on a crucial third down for a minimal gain. I've been as critical as anyone about Asante's ability to tackle, but it's great to see him lay out like this in a preseason game against a bigger guy.


• The linebackers look FAST. Ernie Sims and Stewart Bradley might become the next "Thunder and Lightning" duo. Akeem Jordan looks great as well. On one play he surged into the backfield by himself and took out Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew for a loss of 2 yards.


• Brandon Graham got into the backfield on nearly every play. He seemed overly excited and ran past the quarterback several times, but was always within arms length reach. After the game he admitted that he had a little too much adrenaline and wanted to perform for the crowd.


• My only complaint was that Nate Allen needs more reps. He was on the field for six plays. While Graham played a little with the second team, Allen never stepped onto the field again.