Eagles Notes: First team will see a lot of playing time vs. Patriots

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (right) tackling the Steelers' Jonathan Dwyer on Aug. 9. His later hit on QB Byron Leftwich drew a fine from the NFL. RON CORTES / Staff Photographer
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (right) tackling the Steelers' Jonathan Dwyer on Aug. 9. His later hit on QB Byron Leftwich drew a fine from the NFL. RON CORTES / Staff Photographer
Posted: August 20, 2012

The second preseason game will be the best chance to watch the core players on the Eagles, because the starters will play from a half to three quarters against the New England Patriots on Monday.

The starters are scheduled to play all three quarters, but coach Andy Reid said he would adjust based on what he sees.

"I'll just get a feel," Reid said. "We'll just see how it all rolls and go from there."

Once starting quarterback Michael Vick is removed, rookie Nick Foles will play the rest of the game. Protecting Vick's front side will be King Dunlap, who will start and most likely play with the first-team offense in place of Demetress Bell.

"Right now, that's what I'm looking at," Reid said.

The only players who will not play are wide receiver Riley Cooper (collarbone), defensive end Jason Babin (calf), quarterback Mike Kafka (hand), and linebacker Casey Matthews (ankle).

That list does not include cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who will play Monday after suffering a lacerated lip and whiplash earlier in the week. Asomugha practiced the last two days and is healthy enough to play.

Maclin eager for action

Jeremy Maclin has not played in a preseason game since Aug. 27, 2010. He missed all of last year's preseason because of an unidentified virus and did not play in this year's preseason opener against the Steelers because of a hamstring injury suffered during warm-ups.

"It's definitely valuable," Maclin said of the preseason. "To go out there, get the work in, and see where you are individually and as a team."

Still, for established players such as Maclin, the preseason's top priority is staying healthy. Considering Maclin's history, he sees validity to that point.

"I understand what that means a lot more," Maclin said. "But that's playing football. You can get hurt in practice, as well."

Vick expects to improve

The first-team offense only played six snaps against the Steelers. Vick will get more work against the Patriots, but he also must lead a better performance from the offense.

The Eagles want to find a rhythm after two three-and-outs against the Steelers, but Vick would not say whether the Eagles will focus on short, high-percentage passes to try to gain more precision.

"We'll just see how it goes," Vick said. "You can never say how it's all going to turn out. You can't dictate what the defense is going to do. So you got to just react."


Contact Zach Berman at zberman@phillynews.com, or follow on Twitter @ZBerm.

 

|
|
|
|
|