10 lessons learned at Eagles camp

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Eagles training camp 2011 was all about learning.

Defensive players learned a new, simplified scheme from first-time coordinator Juan Castillo, who in turn had to learn a new coaching position.

Offensive linemen had to adapt to new offensive line coach Howard Mudd's more instinctive, primal blocking methods.

With new defensive line coach Jim Washburn bringing his "wide-nines" approach to the pass rush, the defensive ends had to grasp a new way to get after quarterbacks.

Rookies, without the benefit of spring minicamps because of the NFL lockout, had lots of learning to do - on the field, in team meetings, and with the playbook.

And with live hitting limited at camp and afternoon practices about as strenuous as lying on the couch, coach Andy Reid and his assistants essentially took the chalkboard out of the classroom and onto the field.

But what did we - after camp broke Tuesday - learn about an Eagles team that departed Lehigh University with sky-high aspirations?

Here are 10 answers:

Vick was the right choice at quarterback. There still are legitimate concerns about Vick's ability to pick up the blitz and become less reliant on his legs. But he came into camp in great shape, devoted to improving his blitz pickup, and willingly has shouldered the role of leader. The Eagles are committed to signing Vick to a long-term contract. Getting a deal done before the start of the season would be a wise good-faith gesture.

This roster is as deep as any under Reid. Plenty can happen before the season opener Sept. 11 in St. Louis, but the team that heads to Pittsburgh on Thursday for its second preseason game and then relocates its operations to the NovaCare Complex on Saturday is loaded at several key positions. There are seven legitimate cornerbacks competing for five roster spots, six defensive ends vying for five places, seven receivers challenging each other for five spots, and on and on.

Relying on a pair of rookie kickers could create growing pains. It would be near paranoia to suggest that kicker Alex Henery's inconsistency in camp and punter Chas Henry's shanked punt in the first preseason game mean they will fail this season. The Lehigh fields were a soggy mess on many days, and Henry's 28-yard boot against the Ravens was nowhere near as bad as Sav Rocca's worst. But when has a team with valid Super Bowl hopes ever gone into the season with rookie kickers?