The Eagles are hoping to continue the improvement of their special teams which they startted a year ago. it's going to be all about putting pressure on opponents with speed.
They've got a bevy of outstanding returners, whether you're talking about returning punts or kickoffs.
I expect new special teams coordinator Ted Daisher to be aggressive in attacking punters with punt blocks, and being willing to take chances with reverses, fakes and onside kicks.
All I could do was marvel today as I stood and watched DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin catch punts. Both of them could have been outstanding centerfielders because they've got great instincts.
There are no wasted motions. The moment the ball is punted, both of them go to the exact spot where the ball eventually comes down. They cradle the ball in their hands then dart upfield.
You can't teach this. Either you have it or you don't. Other lesser players start circling when the ball is kicked and it becomes an adventure.
The Birds have got two of the league's exceptional athletes on their roster. One is proven the other is not. Maybe I should say, not yet.
I don't know if they'll wind up taking turns running back punts during the season, but to have two game breakers returning punts is a major change from the days of Reno Mahe.
Quintin Demps was impressive last year returning kickoffs, but he might share time with Maclin and LeSean McCoy because he may start at one of the safety positions. Regardless of which guy is back there, it will be all about attacking the opponent.
