1. Did you know Donovan McNabb is returning to Philly this week? Yeah, sort of a big deal. There must have been a dozen out of town media in town to cover this story. McNabb continues to downplay his return, though nobody actually believes him when he tries to call it just another game. However, if he’s tense, he doesn’t show it. Part of his press conference was devoted to subtle jokes about Andy Reid liking to eat a lot and not working out.
2. Heard McNabb does a mean Reid impression, too. Used to crack up the Eagles locker room with it. No, he does not yet do a Mike Shanahan one. At 1-2, it’s not the time to bring that one out.
3. By the way, McNabb remains friendly with Reid, the guy who traded him. “I’m a huge Donovan McNabb fan,” Reid said. “I told him I’m still pulling for him, except for two games. I’m still friends with him.”
4. Reid tried to say it didn’t matter to him that they traded McNabb within the division. He just wanted fair compensation for him. Not buying that, either. What coach wants to help out a division rival? Would you rather face a Shanahan team quarterbacked by Jason Campbell or McNabb?
5. McNabb said he expects to be cheered (that’s been a big topic this week; what, do the Eagles fans have a reputation or something? Yes, I’m joking). “A lot of times people focus on talk radio and their opinions or judgments,” McNabb said. “But there are a lot of people who truly were accepting of the things I was able to do. I do feel like I was appreciated there.”
6. This sort of sums it up for McNabb. “It’s hard to tell if this is a bigger week for him,” center Casey Rabach said. “I’m not going to bring it up to him. But I think any player that did so much for an organization, it obviously will mean a little more. It’s got to.”
7. It’s great that Brandon Banks was playing Michael Vick in practice. And DeSean Jackson. Cute story, but, really, there’s no way to prepare for what Vick brings.
8. CB Carlos Rogers said what everyone already knows: You can’t shadow Vick with a linebacker or lineman. Safeties and corners have the only chance to stop him. Of course, you could do it with two linebackers. Maybe.
9. As for the receivers, the key is jamming them at the line. Rogers said, “We know what they can do. If you don’t know that them boys are down-the-field, explosive-plays guys, there’s much more you could see. DeSean gives you so many things. He kind of freelances. [Jeremy] Maclin is a straight route-runner. He’ll run the route. They both don’t want no physical contact, so that’s one of the key things we’re gonna have to do.”
10. These weren’t exactly shocking or revealing, but how much has Shanahan changed things is evident in some of the reaction to Rogers’ comments. It’s as if he spilled some secret report. But it’s only because few guys say much anymore; don’t want to incur Shanahan’s wrath. However, they clam up more when talking about injuries and who’s starting.
11. Speaking of injuries, left tackle Trent Williams (knee/toe) was limited in practice. But he once again limped slightly afterward. Just have a hunch that he’ll be listed as questionable, along with maybe 20 other guys this week. Also, corner DeAngelo Hall (back) was limited. Shanahan said it’s not serious, but enough to keep him out for Thursday. Thinks he might have hurt it lifting weights. I’m sure someone has a punchline to that one.
12. Guard Kory Lichtensteiger (knee) was limited as was nose tackle Anthony Bryant (head). But receiver Anthony Armstrong (groin) and safety Chris Horton (ankle) were able to practice in full.
13. How badly do the Redskins need Williams this week? The Eagles have Trent Cole at right end and he’s obviously a good pass rusher (he has three sacks already). But, worse for Washington is how he’s playing the run. Doing a good job with that. The Redskins need strong tackle play.
14. On the Eagles injury report, only starting guard Nick Cole (knee) is listed not participating. He might not be able to play, but he’s better as a reserve anyway. The Eagles eventual starter at this spot is Reggie Wells, but since he was acquired just before the season they’ve stuck with Cole. Wells has started 79 career games. But, still, the Eagles line is not terrific. And their defense is spotty. So this could be a much closer game than imagined.
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