Eagles Preseason

It's been awhile since I posted, but Eagles football is back, so it's time to start blogging again. Last week, I was pleased over all with what I saw from the Eagles first team. Kevin Kolb was, as advertised, accurate & able to hit receivers in stride. He doesn't have the big gun McNabb had, but what he lacks in length, he will make up for in his ability to make reads and throw accurately. In many ways, he's the anti-McNabb.

Additionally, the first unit defense looked strong. Rookies Brandon Graham and Nate Allen will bring much needed contributions to a team that needs some playmakers on defense.

The only problem was the Eagles stalled in the red zone & settled for too many field goals. Well that, and they were only playing the Jacksonville Jaguars who aren't exactly a powerhouse. In fact, I expect the Jags to finish near the bottom of the AFC.

That brings me to tonight and their showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals. While all the publicity with the game will surround the TO v Eagles saga, this is a real test for the Birds. Both teams were in the playoffs last year and the Bengals won a tough division that includes perennially strong teams in the Steelers and Ravens. My concern with the Eagles has always been around their defense and this will test them. Note: Their offense has too many weapons not to move the ball even with a relatively inexperienced quarterback. Unless Kolb turns into a complete turnover machine, this team will score points.

Back to the defense: Carson Palmer (when healthy) is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and while TO is aging and isn't near the threat he used to be, I think he will be very productive as a second threat with Chad Ochocinco on the other side. The Eagles secondary will be tested tonight and I'm anxious to see how the safeties, Mickell and the aforementioned rookie, Nate Allen perform. I know defensive coordinators don't like calling elaborate blitz schemes in the preseason because they don't want to "tip their hand," but I hope Sean McDermott dials up some blitzes to see how this defense will work against an offense with legitimate threats.

The starters will play one half according to Andy Reid, so let's see what the score is at halftime. That will be my barometer for how good a game they had. That, and as always with the preseason, whether they finish the game without any major injuries, because, as we all know, you can't win a Superbowl in August, but you sure can lose it if the injury bug bites hard enough.

Karl

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