History tells us the Eagles in the
Andy Reid
era should not expect much from their rookie wide receivers.
The Eagles, however, seem to believe that they can get more than usual from rookie
DeSean Jackson.
"All of them are different," offensive coordinator
Marty Mornhinweg
said when asked what was fair to expect from a rookie receiver in the Eagles' West Coast offense. "Some really good ones can take a year or two to develop in any system. Some other ones, the ones who do it early in the first year or two, are more natural-type players."
And where does Jackson fit in?
"I think he's a natural football player," Mornhinweg said. "But you've got to have a great work ethic to get there as well."
Jackson sat out of yesterday's workout for the second straight day because of a sore hamstring, and Mornhinweg said any time a rookie misses in these off-season camps is vital.
"It's a setback for anybody," Mornhinweg said. "Any time a player is not practicing, then it's a setback."
It seems as if reports of quarterback
Donovan McNabb's
sore shoulder have been greatly exaggerated. The Eagles' starting quarterback practiced again yesterday and looked fine throwing the football.
"He really had a good day," Mornhinweg said. "He really threw the ball well. He was impressive."
Cornerback
Asante Samuel
also did not practice yesterday because of a mild hamstring injury. Running back
Brian Westbrook
was excused from practice for personal reasons. . . . The Eagles will practice today, then have the weekend off. The camp continues with workouts Monday through Thursday next week.