Eagles Q and A With Thomas Tapeh Back from injury, fullback proves worth

December 16, 2006|By Marc Narducci INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Eagles starting fullback Thomas Tapeh often does the grunt work that goes unnoticed by many, but not by his teammates.

After missing last season with a dislocated hip that he suffered late in the 2004 season, Tapeh has come back strong this year. He has proved to be an adept lead blocker for Brian Westbrook, who is just 5 yards shy of his first 1,000-yard rushing season.

Last week Tapeh had the biggest 4-yard catch of his career, on a third-and-1 play from the Eagles' 32-yard line. The catch came on the game's final drive when the Eagles ran out the last 4 minutes and 52 seconds in their 21-19 win over Washington.

Story continues below.

Earlier this week, he talked about returning to the NFL and his progress this season.

Question: When you made that 4-yard reception last week, were you the primary receiver?

Answer: No, I wasn't. Jeff [Garcia] had a first, second and third read and then dumped it off to me.

Q: Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg joked that you will be asking for the ball more after making that catch. Any chance of that?

A: No. I will accept my role and do anything that they ask of me.

Q: Could you talk about what it's like blocking for Westbrook?

A: It's great being back there with him because we are constantly communicating on every play. Some things I see he doesn't, and some things he sees that I don't. It's fun working hand in hand with him. All I do is put a body on somebody and he does the rest.

Q: How difficult was it for you to come back from your hip injury?

A: Coming back from any injury is difficult, but coming back from a hip is different. I thank God I am still able to go out there and play the game. A lot of guys don't come back from a hip injury. I am very blessed to do so.

Q: Are you surprised how well you've done coming off the injury?

A: I'm not surprised. I believe things happen for a reason, and I believe God prepared me for this so you have to take a step back to go forward, and that is what happened.

Q: What were your initial thoughts when you found out that the Eagles were keeping you over last year's starter, Josh Parry?

A: I didn't think much about it. When it came cut day I didn't even watch it. I had no clue what was going on. My whole thing was that I was ready for whatever happened.

Q: How much more comfortable are you now compared to the beginning of the season?

1 | 2 | Next »
|
|
|
|
|