The Eagles offensive skill position players are still in town working out at the Nova Care complex. They'll have two weeks until they head to Arizona for workouts with Donovan McNabb.
In Arizona, the players will get the chance to work together without the coaches there looking on.
They'll workout during the day, then go to dinner and hang out with each other in the evening. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused.
I like this idea because even though the coaches are there on the sidelines during games, it's the players who must run the show. The players have to be on the same page and communicate with each other, so they each know what to expect of the other.
This is very important for the team's young rookie talents, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy and Cornelius Ingram. They'll be able learn the nuances of the way the Birds run their version of the west coast offense from McNabb and the other veterans who will be there working out with them.
The true personality of the team is developed by the veterans and leaders of the team. The coaches try to steer it but the players who are the leaders really develop the team.
They'll talk about different plays and what their thinking is with regard to where they're trying to attack the defense. These youngsters will learn some invaluable information about the Eagles NFC East rivals, Giants, Cowboys and Redskins, during this week with their older and more experienced teammates.
It's too bad that Brian Westbrook won't be out there to work with McCoy because they're certain things that he could teach him that would help him immensely.
The other things which will be shared concern the off the field life of an Eagle. They will learn the protocol of where, when and how to do things off the field, so they can be focused on their jobs.
They'll learn what to expect from the Philadelphia fans and the city's sports media.
You also can't express the importance of the bonding that occurs during these times. These bonds will help the team stay togehter when the they lose a big game or are tested during a tough stretch of the season.
