Eagles Notes: Eagles' Bradley says "small stuff" all he needs to fix

Eagles middle linebacker Stewart Bradley has played only two full games since the 2008 season. He says he needs to work on "angles here and there and decisions at the point of attack."

By Jonathan Tamari and Joe Juliano, Inquirer Staff Writers

Posted: October 08, 2010

Stewart Bradley said Thursday that he was physically strong coming back from his knee injury, but that he was still sharpening some of his football instincts.

"It's small stuff," said the Eagles middle linebacker, who struggled making the big stops last Sunday. "It's angles here and there and decisions at the point of attack, which way you're going to go. And that kind of stuff kind of just comes with experience."

Bradley missed all of last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and has played only two full games this season because of a concussion.

"My knee feels good. I feel like I'm playing fast out there," Bradley said. But honing the rapid-fire decision-making that is need at his position, he said, "just comes the more you play."

With the Eagles set to defend against talented 49ers running back Frank Gore on Sunday, Sean McDermott, the Eagles' defensive coordinator, said the Birds were going with Moise Fokou at strong-side linebacker to provide a more stout presence.

Fokou replaces Akeem Jordan.

"Right now I feel like we need a physical presence inside, and Moise brings that to the table," McDermott said.

No change for Kafka

Quarterback Mike Kafka has added responsibility this weekend, but the rookie said he was not changing his routine.

"That's the only way to stay consistent and stay prepared," he said.

Kafka, a fourth-round draft pick from Northwestern, will be Kevin Kolb's backup, and he said he was ready to step in if needed.

"I think about it every day," Kafka said. "I'm thinking about what I would do in those [game] situations."

Running to cover

The Eagles have allowed opponents to average 15.1 yards on punt returns this season and watched as Jacksonville's Mike Thomas and Washington's Brandon Banks brought back punts for 41 and 53 yards, respectively, in the last two weeks.

Special-teams coordinator Bobby April admitted that "we have some issues."

"There's a lot to it," he said. "We just have to get off blocks, make better judgments in space, create a little hang-distance ratio, and that's a lot to do. But that's what we have to do."

Punter Sav Rocca is second in the NFL with a 48.1-yard average, and his net average of 39.7 is seventh.

"We've worked with him on hanging the ball, and he's done a good job," April said. "Our punt coverage has [been good] except for two plays. I'm not dissatisfied with the way he's punted at all. We just have to cover a little bit better."

Injury update

Quarterback Michael Vick (rib), running back LeSean McCoy (rib), cornerback Asante Samuel (concussion), and wide receiver Riley Cooper (concussion) all sat out practice.

Guard Nick Cole (knee) had limited participation in practice. The injured who fully participated in practice were cornerback Jorrick Calvin (shoulder), tight end Brent Celek (wrist), guard Todd Herremans (shoulder), offensive tackle Austin Howard (back), and linebacker Akeem Jordan (abdomen).

Contact staff writer Jonathan Tamari at 215-854-5214 or jtamari@phillynews.com.