Eagles Lose Meaningless Game to Steelers

Yes Birds fans. Football season is officially here for your 2008 Philadelphia Eagles. And what better way to celebrate it is with a loss to in-state rival Pittsburgh Steelers, 16-10.

Donovan McNabb looked very sharp under center as he went 10-13 and throwing 97 yards for a TD in a little over a quarter of play. His TD hit FB Jason Davis, a 3 yard score in the 2nd. Running back Brian Westbrook did not play, despite getting his new 3 year, $21 million deal.

Filling in at half back were Correll Buckhalter, Lorenzo Booker, Ryan Moats, and Tony Hunt. All 4 of those backs are fighting for roster spots. None of them did anything spectacular except maybe Buck, who had 3 catches.

Desean Jackson did the best of the receivers. He looked very good as he reeled in 5 passes for 51 yards. His longest reception came on a 19 yard pass. He showed great speed and good ability to get open up the middle.

On the other side of the ball, rookie Trevor Laws from Notre Dame had the teams only sack. The defense didn't look too great on the first drive, getting no pressure on Ben Rothlisberger and had a lot of trouble containing Willie Parker and even back up Rashard Mendenhall.

Lito Sheppard didn't look terrible but he did nothing to prove he is "deserving" of a new contract. He did, however, play tighter on the receivers, not giving them any cushion. He drew a personal foul for face masking on the first drive though, and obvious poor decision after allowing Parker to bounce outside.

The Eagles continue their preseason as they play the Panthers on Thursday, August 14.

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Klecko's, Davis is the Most Interesting Position Battle this Offseason

Even though Dan Klecko has been in the NFL for 5 years, his experience at full back is enough to land him in rookie camp. There he is learning what it takes to be a full time NFL full back. He is also competing with 3rd year Jason Davis, a pure full back.

While Davis' advantages are his experience at the position, his lack of NFL experience is huge. After spending his rookie season on the IR, he was in the practice squad all year last year. Klecko has the experience part down. He has been a situational FB for New England and Indianapolis, winning 3 rings with both teams. His only problem is that he is converting from defensive tackle.

I was kind of sick of struggling at D-line, so I figured this would be a good transition,” Klecko said Thursday after practice. “I don’t have the luxury to take days off and not do stuff right now.”

Both Klecko and Davis are the frontrunners to replace Thomas Tapeh, the first-team fullback for the last two seasons. “Jason’s a great player. I’ve just got to come out, watch him and learn from him,” Klecko said. “From the jump, [we] have gotten along great, which is great because sometimes that causes tension. He’s a great guy. It’s going to be fun in camp between me and him.”

This should be an interesting outcome to who gets the job. After signing with the Eagles, it looks like Andy Reid favors Klecko. But if he isn't ready to go, Davis will be the guy to start. But Klecko seems confident.

It’s actually not as unnatural as I thought it was going to be. Every once in a while we’ll be doing something that doesn’t feel right yet. So far, everything has gone OK. I’ve got a long way to go, I know that, but everything is going OK so far.”

[Comcast Sportsnet]

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