Winston Justice: Pushing on past all the hype

Eagles right tackle Winston Justice is writing a column for the Daily News this season. His columns appear Wednesdays.

COMING OFF the Indianapolis win, we feel good. Nevertheless, we know we still have a long road ahead, as we are entering Week 10 and have only faced one division rival. As a team, we don't get too ahead of ourselves. The Redskins are on our minds. And even though we already faced them earlier this season, our preparation does not change. There is merely more game footage to watch, and 4 more weeks of their plays to break down.

Since we have a Monday night game this week, coach Reid gave us an extra day off, which the guys were pretty excited about. But, days go by so quickly, and for the most part, during the season, true days off are nonexistent. We still spend time meeting with each other and our coaches and going over the game film from Sunday night. We also have required lifts with the strength coach. I also work out on my own with a trainer outside of the team. There are also media interviews, appearances, charity work, and balancing a family and a demanding (in a good sense) wife. Not to mention writing this article, which for me takes longer than most. Days off just mean I don't have to put on pads, but otherwise are quite full.

One thing that I am thinking about on this day is how I'm amazed at the people who, after the Titans game, said we'd be done after the regular season. But now they are jumping on the playoff bandwagon. It is a good lesson to remember, that I guess it's never as a tragic as it looks, but it's also never as good as people make it out to be. So as players, we try to never get caught up in the negative or positive hype. We just keep pushing on, making our time out there on the field and in the meeting rooms count toward triumph on Sunday.

Winston:

I enjoy your insightfulness and the ability to bring it to us through your column. Question: Many youth teams have surfaced over the last decade. Young kids between 8-12 years old playing a tough contact sport. Their bones have really only begun to strengthen. Do you believe it is too early in their lives to play contact football? If so, what age would you suggest is appropriate to begin contact football? Go . . . Iggles!

Donald Olivett (Ollie)

Don, I appreciate your question. I wouldn't have a problem with my son playing football, at any age. On the other hand, if I were interested in the long-term goal of my son playing in the NFL, I don't believe it is necessary to start playing at such an early age, either. As for myself, I did not play football until I was 16. If it was my son, I would have him work on only speed and agility, up until at least 16, and skip out on any weightlifting, which is also really unnecessary at an early age.

As long as there is a weight limit in place, I don't believe an 8-year-old could do that much damage to another boy/girl in the same size category.

Have a question for Winston? Send your question, along with your name and hometown to

dnsports@phillynews.com. Winston will answer the best questions in upcoming columns.