Sheil Kapadia, online sports editor at philly.com, had some training camp notes:
The Eagles' first-year starting quarterback Kevin Kolb has the job of identifying different looks, making quick decisions and avoiding interceptions.
So far, Kolb has had his ups and downs. One of the biggest unknowns with him in his first season is how Kolb will perform when blitzed or pressured. To simplify it, the process boils down to two factors: knowing where he should go with the ball, and then getting it there.
For the past decade, Donovan McNabb was able to take a different approach. He was able to avoid pressure, fight off defensive linemen and buy time with his legs. That's not going to be how Kolb attacks pressure. Don't get me wrong. He's shown in camp he's more athletic than I thought. But for him, the key will be quick decisions, execution and avoiding turnovers.
I'm not sure we'll be able go judge this in the preseason when defenses often show vanilla looks. But it will certainly be a key early in the season. And the Eagles are doing their best to simulate the different looks Kolb could see.
• CB Dimitri Patterson did a good job of sticking with WR DeSean Jackson for about 8 yards during one-on-one WR vs. CB drills. Then Jackson left him in the dust. That's what happens a lot of times. Perfect throw from Kolb too.
• I'm not sure the Eagles have a cornerback who can stop WR Riley Cooper from getting inside position on a slant.
• Unlike yesterday, WR Jeremy Maclin participated fully in the morning practice. And he looked great. Did a good job of getting open and making plays. No signs of the hyperextended knee or bone bruise or whatever it was affecting him.
• Don't like what I've seen from RB LeSean McCoy as a receiver the past couple of days. Good job of getting open. Linebackers definitely can't keep up with him, but he's dropping too many balls.
• Noticed drops by TE Clay Harbor and WR Chad Hall also.
That will be the biggest question more for Kolb this season, adjusting to defenses. He has a chance to put up great fantasy numbers with the talent around him and his own skills. He may have a lot of garbage time stats, too, as the Eagles figure to be in some games with a lot of points scored. The note about McCoy is a bit troublesome, considering his fantasy value this year really goes up in PPR leagues.
Eagles news
