myerstownherald.com

By ERIC FISHER
By all accounts, the Eagles had a good offseason. Some would even say they had a great offseason.
Will we be able to determine how good the offseason was by following Eagles training camp, which opens Sunday at Lehigh University? No.
Does that mean that training camp is useless in determining the progress made in the offseason? No.
There is still plenty we can learn during this highly anticipated training camp, which runs through Aug. 12, and during the exhibition – excuse me – preseason games that follow.
How healthy is the offensive line?
The Eagles revamped their offensive line during the offseason. Gone is the long-time tackle tandem of Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas. Their replacements are Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews, although Andrews will actually line up at right guard so his younger brother, Shawn, can move from guard to right tackle.
We may not be able to tell how good the offensive line can be, but we should be able to tell if they’re healthy. Stacy Andrews is coming off a serious knee injury. Shawn Andrews missed most of last season with back and mental health issues. If either Andrews brother or Peters miss substantial time due to injuries, or even misses time with nagging minor injuries it would be an ominous sign.
Will the Eagles get a better pass rush from their defensive ends?
Trent Cole would benefit greatly from having a strong pass-rushing defensive end on the left side of the line. The unofficial Eagles depth chart on www.philadelphiaeagles.com lists Juqua Parker as the starting left defensive end, but many people believe third-year lineman Victor Abiamiri will be the starter. Another player to watch is Chris Clemons, a free-agent signee last year who makes an awful lot of money to be a third-string defensive end, which is where he’s listed on the unofficial depth chart.
How much will Jeremy Maclin contribute this season?
Only the most astute observers can judge how well receivers run their routes during training camp. But anyone can judge speed and hands. If Maclin gets open a lot and doesn’t drop passes, that would indicate that the Birds’ first-round draft choice will contribute a lot during his rookie season. If he can’t seem to get open or experiences the dropsies, expect his contributions to be relegated to special teams.
How will Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb react to McNabb’s new contract?
I doubt the new and improved contract will make any difference in McNabb’s level of play. What will be interesting is to see how McNabb’s contract affects Kolb. Barring an injury to McNabb, the starter’s new contract almost guarantees that Kolb, a former second-round pick, will sit on the bench for the next two years. Kolb’s patience certainly will be tested.
Will Ellis Hobbs replace Sheldon Brown as the starting right cornerback?
This should not happen. If it does, however, then it’s a clear sign that the Eagles are sending the unhappy Brown a message. Brown wants to renegotiate his contract, but the Eagles haven’t been overly receptive. Acquiring Hobbs could be interpreted as a message. Giving Hobbs repetitions at starting cornerback couldn’t be interpreted as anything but a message.
Can any of the tight ends block?
Brent Celek is expected to be the starter, following the unlamented departure of L.J. Smith. Celek has terrific hands, but his blocking is suspect. The same goes for draft pick Cornelius Ingram. Matt Schoebel also is not known for his blocking. If either of the offensive tackles struggle, the lack of a blocking tight end will be magnified.
How much difference will having a true fullback make?
Watch for short-yardage situations during preseason. If the Eagles hand the ball to Leonard Weaver or have the tailback follow Weaver through a hole, then it could make a huge difference.
Who will replace Brian Dawkins?
Quintin Demps appears to have the inside track, but the Eagles signed Sean Jones and Rashad Baker during the offseason. Keep an eye on this battle, with Jones likely to make a strong case to start.
Will Brian Westbrook return to his old form?
This is one question that won’t be answered. Westbrook is expected to miss the entire preseason after having surgery on his injured foot in June. The thought of an Eagles offense without Westbrook is scary, which leads us to the next question.
How good is LeSean McCoy?
If Westbrook isn’t ready when the season begins or is forced to participate in a diminished capacity, McCoy will become a key to the Eagles’ fortunes. Watch the second-round draft choice during training camp and preseason to see how quickly he finds the hole and how well he makes receptions coming out of the backfield.
How will Jim Johnson’s absence affect the defense?
This is another question for which we won’t have an answer. Interim defensive coordinator Sean McDermott will handle the X’s and O’s just fine. The question is how well he will adjust and how much confidence he will inspire in the players. Please say a prayer for Johnson in his battle with cancer.