by Jordan Raanan of www.eaglesville.com
8/7/2008 AM Practice
The Eagles have left Lehigh – for now. They are heading to Pittsburgh for the exhibition opener with most of the team healthy and Greg Lewis as a possible starter at wide receiver.
Yes, that is correct. The great G-Lew could be starting opposite Kevin Curtis in Pittsburgh with Reggie Brown questionable due to an Achilles strain. G-Lew somehow always seems to find his way onto the field. So why should 2008 be any different?
Expect the Eagles’ starters to play the first quarter and a half, although that doesn’t mean you should expect Brian Westbrook to play the first quarter and a half. The Eagles’ star running back will be lucky to make it to the second offensive possession.
Last season, Westbrook had a pretty good year. He had just four touches in last year’s preseason opener. Don’t expect anything much different this season.
What will be different is having DeSean Jackson and his blazing speed on the field. The rookie wide receiver/punt returner will get a chance to play with the first team.
“He’ll be in there a little bit,” coach Andy Reid said. “He’ll have an opportunity. He’ll work in on certain plays with the ones. They’re not plays that are designed for him, but he’ll work in with that group of players.”
Friday will also be a big test for guard Max Jean-Gilles. The mammoth Georgia product is starting in the still-missing Shawn Andrews’ spot. This is Jean-Gilles’ opportunity to prove he is capable of doing more than eat up space. If he plays real well, he could possibly push Todd Herremans or Andrews for a starting spot.
Other players to watch include:
· Brent Celek – He’s played real well in training camp and should be able to contribute something for the first team in two tight end sets with L.J. Smith.
· Quintin Demps – The rookie will probably return a punt or two, play safety and maybe even a little corner.
· Lorenzo Booker – The versatile back will be used in a variety of ways (split out wide, in the backfield with Westbrook and as the kick returner) and should provide excitement.
· The linebackers – Everyone at Lehigh is interested to see just how much an impact three young, quick linebackers like Omar Gaither, Stewart Bradley and Chris Gocong can make.
· Kevin Kolb – This is the regular season for the Eagles’ second-year quarterback. Just how much progress has he made in the last year?
