The first day is about rookies checking in, getting their room keys and other administrative details… maybe an update to the playbook on their iPads… but nonetheless, here we are…
The Eagles’ 2012 season is upon us…
Workers install larger-than-life plywood icons of Eagles players around the training facility at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA… What’s next, the Roman Legion comes to the Linc to perform a halftime show?
Here’s your Cliff Notes primer to get you through Day 1 and Week 1 of Eagles TC:
—The Eagles are one of the few teams who actually do live scrimmages, with complete tackling to the ground. However, that action is typically curtailed as camp wears on. Don’t look for tackling after the first seven days or so with the full team together. So if you’re a hardcore fan, you’d be best advised not to wait until the second week of camp, when the players will still be hitting but not tackling.
—The morning practices are now walk-throughs, where team members walk through plays with guidance from coaches. They begin at 8:15 or 8:45 a.m. and will last no more than 90 minutes.
—There are three practice fields and Coach Reid typically rotates his full-team scrimmage sessions throughout the fields to make sure wear and tear on the surfaces is even.
—You can stand on the sidelines or sit in the stands. Sitting in the stands is always preferable, because of the unobstructed views.
—For more fan comfort, Lehigh has added bleachers to one of the few open spaces remaining — behind one end zone in the far field (furthest from where the players emerge from the Cundey Fieldhouse), creating a horseshoe (stadium) effect. This is expected to increase the seating capacity from 2,600 to around 3,000.
—If you sit in the stands, try to avoid the first row, because the view sometimes is obstructed by the many VIP visitors and media on the sidelines for every practice.
—Food tents open as early as 7 a.m. Breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels, lemonade and more can be purchased. The team says more food options are planned this year, but details are not yet available. Fans also may bring their own food and are welcome to set up for picnics around their vehicles in the parking area before, during or after practice.
—Popular dining spots off site include the Copperhead Grille, off 309 on Route 378, and Starters Pub in Lower Saucon, a sports-themed pub where players often stop in.
You could also head into south Bethlehem where popular dining spots include Deja Brew, a south Bethlehem coffeehouse on Fourth Street that also offers the most scrumptious sandwiches you will find, the Goosey Gander right across the street, and Starters Riverport on West Second Street… Or jump across the river to one of the many restaurants on or around Main Street.
— Newcomers to watch:
1. Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans: The Eagles haven’t had a strong leader at this position since Jeremiah Trotter was in his prime a decade ago… or since Stew Bradley had a big year in 2008. Ryans could fill the void.
2. Left tackle Demetress Bell: Pro Bowler Jason Peters is expected to miss the entire season with a ruptured right Achilles’ tendon. Bell (FA signing from Buffalo) has big cleats to fill.
3. Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox: The Eagles’ first-round draft pick should challenge for a starting job.
4. Rookie OLB Mychal Kendricks will challenge for a starting linebacker position at SAM or possibly WILL…
5. Rookie DE Vinny Curry will challenge for major playing time in the defensive end rotation…
6. A bunch of talented young receivers including Marvin McNutt and Damaris Johnson will be competing for the #5 receiver spot…
7. A group of top-rated collegiate cornerbacks will be competing not only for a defensive back spot but also for a job on the punt and kickoff return teams, including Brandon Boykin and Cliff Harris…
8. Nick Foles will battle it out with Mike Kafka for the #2 QB backup job… Trent Edwards will probably be battling to put enough good tape on the video reel to get picked up by another team.
—5 question marks:
1. Defensive end Brandon Graham: The Eagles’ first-round pick in 2010 barely played last season while recovering from a knee injury suffered as a rookie.
2. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson: The former Pro Bowler lacked focus and motivation last season while embroiled in a contract dispute in 2011. It should be interesting to observe Jackson’s demeanor and team interaction during camp.
3. Defensive tackle Antonio Dixon: He missed the last 12 games of 2011 after suffering a torn left triceps.
4. DT Mike Patterson: Has he fully recovered from offseason surgery to remove genetic arterial obstructions from his brain?
5. LB Jamar Chaney: Can he live up to his full potential after going through successful neck fusion surgery in the offseason?
—3 players on the bubble:
1. Safety Jaiquawn Jarrett: He endured a disappointing rookie season in 2012. The second-round pick from Temple University must show progress if he wants to stay.
2. Wide receiver Riley Cooper: He caught just 16 passes last season. He will be challenged by rookie Marvin McNutt.
3. Running back Dion Lewis: He was used mostly as a kickoff returner as a rookie last season. He will fight with rookies Bryce Brown and Chris Polk for the No. 2 RB spot behind starter LeSean McCoy.
Admittedly that is a Cheat Sheet for Beginners as a guide to Eagles 2012 Training Camp… but you have to start with the premise that some folks may be visiting here for the first time ever. Of course we’ll get into a lot more detail about players and position battles as the next weeks unfold…
Check out PE.com for live podcasting of training camp events as they unfold. Andy Reid gives his “State of the Eagles” address live on PE.com at 4:30 P.M. E.S.T. on this day, Sunday, July 22…
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