The Eagles had a spirited and physical two and half workout at Lehigh University this morning. They concentrated on short yardage and goalline situations.
The first defense was very impressive on the goalline. Jeremiah Trotter led the way, making a couple of stops in the backfield. The defensive line was outstanding as it won the battle on the line of scrimmage. Trotter who loves to play downhill football, made a couple of stops for losses before the running back could get started. Takeo Spikes made a play on a pass intended for rookie tight end Brent Celek.
The first offense was just as impressive as they pounded the ball over the goalline with Westbrook running behind his big offensive line. Brian hit up the middle and slipped through a gaping hole in the middle of the line and walked into the endzone. McNabb hit Reggie Brown on a corner route with a perfect pass for a score.
Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg put rookie running back Tony Hunt in on the goalline and he didn't disappoint. Hunt lowered his shoulder on backup cornerback Will James and ran right over him for a touchdown. In the process of running over James, Hunt knocked his helmet off. It was impressive and may lead the way for Hunt to be put in place as a short yardage or goalline back.
The Birds did additional live drills in the middle of the field. I have been surprised about how much the Birds have been letting Brian Westbrook carry the ball in this pre-season. Nearly everyone knows how vital Westbrook is to the Birds offense, yet the Eagles take the chance of letting him carry the ball 10 to 15 times a practice in live drills. Personally I wouldn't be so interested in seeing how Westbrook carries the ball now as opposed to during the regular season.
Do you remember last year when burly defensive tackle Mike Patterson picked up the fumble against San Francisco and did the rumbling, stumbling run popularized by ESPN's Chris Berman, for a touchdown. It happened again today only this time it was backup defensive tackle Jeremy Clark doing the act. I know Andy Reid was holding his breath when rookie QB tried to make the tackle. He got blocked and wound up not being much of a factor.
Big Shawn Andrews took an All-Pro day off with what he said was an mild ankle injury.
