As training camp comes to a close, the Philadelphia Eagles probably have just as many questions as when camp started if not more.
Losing key veterans this off season was tough, but losing a life was even tougher. When I attended training camp and saw the black circle with “JJ” in the middle, I was saddened knowing than many players and coaches in attendance had just lost a loved one.
The tribute to Jimmy Johnson was a reminder that tomorrow is not promised. It’s also a reminder that while you’re breathing, you must keep moving forward and make to most out of the opportunities presented to you.
This reminder should be what’s going through the Eagles heads going into the preseason opener against the New England Patriots.
This training camp is probably the most injury riddled in recent memory. First Stewart Bradley’s out for the season, then Cornelius Ingram. Throw in Shawn Andrews’ back, Todd Herreman’s foot and Victor Abiamiri weight lifting incident and it looks like the makings of a 4-12 season.
This won’t be the case if other players take advantage of the sudden roles placed in front of them.
Will Joe Mays turn into a well rounded middle linebacker? Will Omar Gaither reclaimed the position he held in 2007? Will Nick Cole and Mike McGlynn hold down the fort until Herremans and Andrews’ return? Is Winston Justice for real?
The answers to these question and more will start being provided tonight at 7:30pm. Probably the most important question of all is: How healthy will this team be come September??
