Post by EagleGene on Dec 10, 2005 10:30:05 GMT -5
Younger Eagles gaining valuable experience
By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer
December 10, 2005
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Philadelphia Eagles are spending the last four games holding auditions instead of preparing for the playoffs.
A series of injuries to several key starters and one highly publicized suspension has left the reigning NFC champions using a lineup filled with players that usually close out preseason games rather than start regular-season ones.
Mike McMahon is making his fourth start for five-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb against the New York Giants on Sunday.
Rookie Ryan Moats and third-year pro Reno Mahe will get extended action because Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook went down for the season this week. Rookie Reggie Brown is starting his sixth game for banished All-Pro wide receiver Terrell Owens.
Second-year pro Jamaal Jackson is starting his fifth game for center Hank Fraley. Rookie Todd Herremans is making his third start for Pro Bowl left tackle Tra Thomas. And, a season-ending injury to wideout Todd Pinkston forced Greg Lewis into the starting lineup in training camp.
Overall, the last-place Eagles (5-7) have just three starters on offense -- right tackle Jon Runyan, fullback Josh Parry, tight end L.J. Smith -- that played in the Super Bowl last February.
"It gives young players an opportunity to play," coach Andy Reid said. "With that, I expect them to step up and play good football. There's no other way. That's what I expect from them. They are going to work their tail off to get it right and that's how we will come out."
The Eagles aren't used to meaningless games in December unless they've already clinched the No. 1 seed in the conference and are resting their starters. Five straight trips to the playoffs and four consecutive appearances in the NFC title game spoiled a city that hasn't celebrated a championship since the NBA's 76ers won it all in 1983.
Now, the die-hard fans are cheering for guys who are hoping to impress someone enough just to earn a job anywhere next season.
"Any time you get on the field, it's an opportunity to build a resume for yourself and get on film," said Mahe, who had five carries in the first 12 games.
Moats, a third-round pick who was inactive for nine of the first 10 games, has a shot to prove he can be more than just a reserve back. The former Louisiana Tech star has 50 yards rushing on 16 carries, including a fumble that was returned for a touchdown in a 42-0 loss to Seattle on Monday night.
"I'm just going to do the best I can," Moats said. "I'm ready. I've been waiting for an opportunity."
Brown, a second-round selection, got his chance when the team sent Owens home for good last month. He's shown flashes of his potential with 23 catches for 332 yards and two TDs.
Jackson could end up pushing Fraley for a starting spot next year, while Herremans could make the higher-priced Thomas or Runyan expendable. At worst, the younger players are gaining valuable experience and giving the Eagles better depth.
"When you go through tough situations, you are either going to fall flat or you are going to get back up," safety Brian Dawkins said. "These young guys are going through this thing and they are going to have to grow up fast. We are dependent on some of these young guys to make plays for us. They need to take it as a challenge, not as a pressure situation. You have done it before, that is why you are here. Just go out and do it."
Updated on Saturday, Dec 10, 2005 2:58 am EST
By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer
December 10, 2005
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Philadelphia Eagles are spending the last four games holding auditions instead of preparing for the playoffs.
A series of injuries to several key starters and one highly publicized suspension has left the reigning NFC champions using a lineup filled with players that usually close out preseason games rather than start regular-season ones.
Mike McMahon is making his fourth start for five-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb against the New York Giants on Sunday.
Rookie Ryan Moats and third-year pro Reno Mahe will get extended action because Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook went down for the season this week. Rookie Reggie Brown is starting his sixth game for banished All-Pro wide receiver Terrell Owens.
Second-year pro Jamaal Jackson is starting his fifth game for center Hank Fraley. Rookie Todd Herremans is making his third start for Pro Bowl left tackle Tra Thomas. And, a season-ending injury to wideout Todd Pinkston forced Greg Lewis into the starting lineup in training camp.
Overall, the last-place Eagles (5-7) have just three starters on offense -- right tackle Jon Runyan, fullback Josh Parry, tight end L.J. Smith -- that played in the Super Bowl last February.
"It gives young players an opportunity to play," coach Andy Reid said. "With that, I expect them to step up and play good football. There's no other way. That's what I expect from them. They are going to work their tail off to get it right and that's how we will come out."
The Eagles aren't used to meaningless games in December unless they've already clinched the No. 1 seed in the conference and are resting their starters. Five straight trips to the playoffs and four consecutive appearances in the NFC title game spoiled a city that hasn't celebrated a championship since the NBA's 76ers won it all in 1983.
Now, the die-hard fans are cheering for guys who are hoping to impress someone enough just to earn a job anywhere next season.
"Any time you get on the field, it's an opportunity to build a resume for yourself and get on film," said Mahe, who had five carries in the first 12 games.
Moats, a third-round pick who was inactive for nine of the first 10 games, has a shot to prove he can be more than just a reserve back. The former Louisiana Tech star has 50 yards rushing on 16 carries, including a fumble that was returned for a touchdown in a 42-0 loss to Seattle on Monday night.
"I'm just going to do the best I can," Moats said. "I'm ready. I've been waiting for an opportunity."
Brown, a second-round selection, got his chance when the team sent Owens home for good last month. He's shown flashes of his potential with 23 catches for 332 yards and two TDs.
Jackson could end up pushing Fraley for a starting spot next year, while Herremans could make the higher-priced Thomas or Runyan expendable. At worst, the younger players are gaining valuable experience and giving the Eagles better depth.
"When you go through tough situations, you are either going to fall flat or you are going to get back up," safety Brian Dawkins said. "These young guys are going through this thing and they are going to have to grow up fast. We are dependent on some of these young guys to make plays for us. They need to take it as a challenge, not as a pressure situation. You have done it before, that is why you are here. Just go out and do it."
Updated on Saturday, Dec 10, 2005 2:58 am EST
