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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The Eagles D-Line is dropping like flies.

First, the Eagles received news that defensive end Victor Abiamiri will likely be out about 4 months and today newly acquire Chris Clemons was carted off the field due to dehydration. He was taken to the hospital and released, but it is unclear on when he will return to the field.

By the end of practice, only four defensive ends remained: Parker, McDougle, Cole, and Howard.

Outside of Cole, it leaves us with an undersized Parker and two busts in McDougle and Darren Howard. This situation only compounds the other defensive injuries with Bunkley, Samuel, and rookies Bryant Smith, and Trevor Laws.

It's early and the only severe injury has been to Abiamiri. If it was the season, just about every starter would be able to play. It seems as if outside the injury bug, this has been a rather slow camp news wise. Of course, we've had the contract issues of Westbrook and Lito Sheppard, but they're moreso letting their agents do the work than doing talking about themselves for themselves. Shawn Andrews is still missing a camp and that is a huge letdown. I understand that the guy is pissed about his deal for next year, but he did sign the contract.

Offensively, Lorenzo Booker has been reported to look like a playmaker that the Eagles looked for and Brian Westbrook approves. [Daily News]

We got a guy they liked in the third round in 2007 for a fourth round pick in 2008. It was definitely a great move.

The Eagles have yet to see much from rookie DeSean Jackson yet who has a sore hamstring. We'll see what happens closer to preseason. Here is a complete injury update from the Eagles.

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