BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- It's the start of a second decade for the Andy Reid-Donovan McNabb duo.
But this Eagles camp and season will focus more on the defense. That is a big switch.
Reid and McNabb and their new tools on offense likely will click. But what about the defense? No Jim Johnson, the rock-solid defensive leader who died of cancer this week. No Brian Dawkins, the proud safety now in Denver.
We saw Sean McDermott work with his group Thursday and found this young but experienced coach lively in his step and in his work. If passion and pace count for something, the Eagles' new defensive leader is on his way.
Observation deck
Remembering Jim Johnson
Vic Carucci reflects on
the profound impact that former Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, who died of cancer Tuesday, had on the game during his career. **More ...**
» McDermott is known for his tireless preparation and for being a close pupil under Johnson. The Eagles wonder how McDermott will perform in big-game situations but know he must experience them to grow. His background is as a secondary coach. He could be found during several Eagles snaps stationed in the middle of the field deep behind the secondary. He wears a white hat that looks more apt for fishing than football. This is what linebacker Stewart Bradley had to say about his old leader and his new leader: "Jim fought the fight for a long time. Football? He loved it. There is no one more qualified that Sean to fill in. Sean is capable and confident. Jim had confidence in Sean. There's no question he's the guy Jim would want to replace him."
» We know that Quintin Mikell will hold down one safety spot for the Eagles. The other slot, where Dawkins used to play, will come down to a competition featuring Quintin Demps and Sean Jones. Demps is a second-year pro whom the Eagles drafted with this role in mind, to become Dawkins' successor. Jones comes from the Cleveland Browns with more size and experience. Mikell thinks Demps will be tough to oust from the spot: "Right now, Quintin has the edge because he has been here longer and he looked good in the offseason camps. He has a lot of ability. He has the speed, size, range, plays the ball, that swagger and attitude. He has a bright future. I think he will work on his tackling. We all can. You get in those one-on-one open-field situations and learn. It's hard to be a great tackler in this league. A good one, yes, but a great one, no, that's hard. That requires work."
» McNabb is in great shape and great spirits. He seems happier, more content and confident. He is practicing that way. He looks healthy. He looks ready for a big season as he meshes with his new weapons. This is easily the best Eagles group to surround McNabb. And rookie wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is not even here as the Eagles attempt to sign him. McNabb looks as if he likes leading this group. It is a younger, fresher offense around him. He looks rejuvenated.
Eagles' top five fantasy players
Surprise, surprise
There is no way you can watch an Eagles practice and not notice rookie tight end Cornelius Ingram. He is 6-foot-4, 245 pounds. He looks taller and bigger than that, but he moves like a smurf. When the Eagles employ third-year tight end Brent Celek and his snazzy hands along with Ingram in two tight end formations, it will be tough for linebackers and safeties to cover them. Look for that set to become a staple of the Eagles' 2009 offense.
Rookie reports
Running back LeSean McCoy is impressing his teammates. They see a player who has a nice juke, dance, direction change. McCoy also is impressing his coaches. They say he is ahead of the learning curve and is showing strong retention. He is impressing himself, too. "There is a lot to learn," McCoy said, "especially because the running backs here are used quite a bit in receiver-like ways and formations. I'm just trying to keep my head down and my game up."
Lasting image
The "JJ" on-field tribute painted on a hill adjacent to the team's practice field. Beautiful, simple, classy, strong -- just like Johnson.
Say what?
"I don't think there is anyone right now as hungry in football as Donovan." -- Eagles wide receiver Kevin Curtis on his quarterback.
Extra points
Cornerback Asante Samuel (hamstring) and offensive tackles Shawn Andrews (back) and Jason Peters (quad) missed practice because of injuries. Running back Brian Westbrook completed running drills but also was held out of practice as his ankle continues to mend from surgery. ... At 8:15 a.m. Friday, the Eagles will hold their first practice in pads. ... Reid led Thursday's practice dressed in all black under the blazing sun. When asked if that means he's a tough coach setting a tough standard, he replied, "You certainly got that right!" ... Once Thursday's practice was complete, McDermott had a close-encounter chat with cornerback Sheldon Brown, who is unhappy about his contract. Once it was over, McDermott shook Brown's hand in a firm, lingering, warm way. It certainly looked like a vote of confidence, an inspiring word from coach to player.
