Donovan McNabb can’t say with certainty yet, that his new young teammates, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy and Cornelius Ingram are the answer but you can tell that he likes what he sees so far.
“It’s hard to really assess that at this particular point. Everybody looks good in shorts. It’s going to take time. I think one thing that you have to realize is that it took DeSean [Jackson] a while to kind of get his feet up under him. It’s going to take [Jeremy] Maclin some time, it’s going to take LeSean] McCoy some time, Cornelius] Ingram some time, and the same on the defense."
"So, for us, it’s really the veterans, myself, [RB Brian] Westbrook, the guys who have been here, to just make sure that we lead them in the right direction.”
Chances are that these youngsters will play a key role in how long McNabb stays in Philly. If they continue progress and produce the way it’s like they may be capable of, then who knows they may help him win the big one.
Maclin could make the Birds very deadly if he’s able to add his explosiveness to a receiving corps of Jackson and Kevin Curtis.
During the OTA’s they were throwing the ball down the field which is McNabb’s strength. We all know he’s not the most adept short thrower.
He’s at his best when he’s launching the lazers to targets at least 20 and 30 yards downfield.
If McCoy can take some snaps away from Westbrook that could help keep one of the Eagles most deadly weapons fresh for the playoffs. It will also give the Birds insurance in case Westbrook were to go down.
Ingram could wind up being the most important of this year’s draft picks because he’s going to be utilized a great deal in the red zone.
The Birds have had their share of troubles in that area of the field, so Ingram’s 6’5” height and basketball background could be very attractive to McNabb. If he’s able to go up and take the ball away from defenders, he’ll be a dangerous weapon.
Andy Reid and McNabb will be relying on these youngsters to contribute when called upon. They know that these kids my hold their futures in their hands.
The fact that all of the youngsters have good hands may give McNabb and Reid some comfort.
