Eagles 2007 Preseason Game 1

Last night the Eagles played in their first exhibition game of the season. Overall, it was a preseason game. It is an opportunity to look at the younger guys. I don't think you should really read into it that much. Here are my impressions :

1. Brent Celek is a player
I was really disappointed when they drafted this guy in the 5th round out of Cincinnati. With Greg Olsen being available in the first round at the Eagles spot (before they traded down) and with LJ Smith's contract running out - I thought the Eagles needed a stud. And why not. But after seeing Celek make his third catch and see how big he is, I was happy. LJ Smith hardly ever has guys bounce off of him. It is early, but this guy could be a tough son-of-a-gun.

2. Jeremy Bloom is fast
Prior to getting "nicked" towards the end of the second quarter, Jeremy Bloom was courageous and fast. He made a lot of good cuts on punt returns and he is fast. I am concerned that he is only 180 pounds. I don't think he will make it through a season. He got an xray towards halftime and afterwards called two fair catches in a row when he should have returned them. This may have been the coaches whispering in his ear because prior to that he was a lot more gutsy.

3. Kevin Kolb is okay
Kolb impressed me with his strength and accuracy. I really have something out for this guy because I think the team drafting him was a rip on McNabb, but from the little bit I got to see of him, he is decent. He seems poised and strong armed. They kind of catered to him with a number of shotgun formations, but he should be okay.

4. Moat's NFL Career is over
Ryan Moats broke his ankle. I don't think he is going to make the team and I dont think anyone is going to look at him next year. It is kind of sad that someone's career can end just like that. On the bright side he must have gotten at least 500k in his short career.

5. Bunkley made plays
I was extremely happy to see Broderick Bunkley making plays. From what I read yesterday, Jim Johnson had it out for Bunkley last year for coming in so late, and he pretty much didn't give him any chance. But now Bunkley looks good. He looks slimmer. I want to see him continue to be a force throughout the preseason in order to get a really good feeling about him. As of now he is on pace.

6. No Competition at punter
I know fans hate how skinny and feeble kickers and punters are. That is why Rocca is a fan favorite (Australian Rugby putner weighing in at over 250), but the fact of the matter is, Rocca may give you 30% punts of 60 yards or more, but he is also going to give you 20% shanks. How often does a punter actually get a chance to make a tackle? If I were the coach, I would take the consistency of Dirk Johnson any maybe allow Rocca to be the water boy so he can keep his green card.