Time For Kolb’s ‘First Test’
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The veil will be lifted Friday night on the Kevin Kolb era.
It is just a glimpse, but it is where the judging begins. This is where the arrow gets placed on the bow. Before, Kolb represented a potential elixir to the fans’ lengthy frustrations, admired from a distance. Now they will search for flaws.
“This is the first test,” said Kolb, “and I want to be as sharp as possible.”
The quarterback will not be alone. The truth is, few know what to expect from a team that is full of young – and in some instances unproven – talent. They will be inspected from all angles. All those invested are eager to gather information on a group with such little mileage.
In some circles, the verdict is already in. Many prognosticators have the Eagles finishing in the bottom of the division because of the many question marks brought on by their youth.
“I’m fine with (people overlooking us),” said tight end Brent Celek. “People can doubt us all they want, and we can say what we want, but ultimately it comes down to how we play on the field.
“I think we have guys that are young but they’re experienced. We’re not making the same mistakes twice. That’s what makes me confident about our team.”
Men in the middle
While the focus is likely to be on Kolb and the skill position players, that group may be the strength of this team, not its greatest concern. Along the offensive front is a larger question mark. Jamaal Jackson and Nick Cole will both miss the preseason opener with knee injuries, and Todd Herremans (foot) will also be a spectator.
The Eagles, for now at least, are rolling with their third-string center in Mike McGlynn. The third-year Pitt product has impressed with the first unit at training camp over the last week and has no plans of going back to the reserve role.
“When somebody goes down, that’s an opportunity,” said McGlynn. “A lot of guys in this league have made themselves starters because someone has gotten hurt. You don’t give that position back.
“This is my opportunity.”
Max Jean-Gilles, fresh off offseason lap-band surgery that helped him shed 50 pounds, will be manning the left guard post in Herremans’ absence. With no precedent of an NFL player having that surgery while still in his playing days, Jean-Gillies joins the ranks of the unknowns.
Running back battle
Mike Bell (hamstring) and J.J. Arrington (foot) will not suit up for the Jaguars game, giving a couple fringe backs a chance to shine. The Eagles will most likely carry four running backs, with LeSean McCoy, Bell and Leonard Weaver are all but locks to make the 53-man roster, meaning Arrington, Eldra Buckley, Martell Mallett and Charles Scott are fighting for one spot.
Buckley has the lead right now. Scott has not stood out and Mallett, while solid, has not done enough to move past the rough and tumble Buckley. This is where they can switch that depth chart around.
Linebacker situation
This is a deep corps, and there are reserves trying to push some starters out. The main contest resides at the strong-side position. Stewart Bradley has the middle locked down, same for Ernie Sims at the WILL barring an unforeseen meltdown. Moise Fokou was bumped out of the starting strong-side spot in favor of Akeem Jordan early in training camp, and has been working at defensive end in spurts. Both he and Omar Gaither envision themselves as starters and will try to show Friday night that they deserve consideration.
Teo, Teo Teo Teo
Many questioned the selection of Washington’s Daniel Te’o-Nesheim in the third round of this year’s draft, but the Eagles sure seem big on him. He’s been working with the first unit, alongside fellow rookie Brandon Graham, in nickel package situations. Keep an eye on how many reps he gets in the first quarter, and whether he looks capable or overmatched.
Contact Tim McManus at tmcmanus@phillysportsdaily.com.
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