Taking Stock of Training Camp: Flight Night!

by Bob_Q on Aug 2, 2009 11:01 PM EDT

Inclement weather forced the Eagles to hold practice on the turf field adjacent to the main practice fields, closing the event to the public. Heavy rain then cut the morning practice short. However, the Birds were able to showcase their talent at Eagles Flight Night, which was the first practice held at Lincoln Financial Field this year. It was a fantastic night of football for the over 31,000 assembled fans, culminating in a blood-pumping fireworks display. Here is a brief rundown of who's stock is on the rise and who's stock is falling.

Stock on the Rise:

Jason Avant- Avant continued to show off his skills as a slot receiver, making several catches in traffic throughout the night. He was able to make leaping grabs while still holding onto the ball after being pummeled by multiple defenders.

Charleston Hughes- Displaying some of the ballhawking tendencies of Joe Mays last preseason, Hughes was all over the field during flight night. He made every effort to involve himself in each play, and racked up several tackles during the course of practice, effectively stuffing Eldra Buckley on one play.

Josh Gaines- The rookie free agent made a name for himself towards the end of practice with an impressive pick off of A.J. Feeley, which he then returned for a touchdown. Gaines displayed a tenacity at the line of scrimmage, keeping the o-line on their toes throughout the night, and swatting down another Feeley pass.

Joe Mays- Mays' performance rounded out a stellar defensive showing. He was very effective against the run, stopping the shifty LeSean McCoy with a helmet-ripping tackle.

Kevin Kolb- Donovan McNabb's backup looked calm and collected in the pocket, showing no hesitation as he fired off passes left and right. He didn't allow the pass rush to overwhelm him and was able to complete a very nice pass to Reggie Brown with Akeem Jordan barreling down on him.

Stock Falling:

A.J. Feeley- Feeley looked lost for most of the practice, throwing several balls out of bounds or over his receivers' heads. He also lost two interceptions to Josh Gaines and Trae Williams, rounding out a less-than-impressive showing.

Stewart Bradley: While Bradley's leadership skills were evident throughout the night, the young linebacker had to leave practice early due to a knee injury. An MRI is pending, so let's hope it isn't too serious.

Jeremy Maclin- For those who hoped that Maclin would make his debut during Flight Night, Maclin disappointed yet again. Now, Kenny Britt has just been added to the list of first-round wide receivers who have agreed to a contract. This is getting ridiculous.

Poll

Who do you think impressed the most during Flight Night?

Jason Avant

128 votes

Charleston Hughes

14 votes

Josh Gaines

31 votes

Joe Mays

70 votes

Kevin Kolb

41 votes

Another player

31 votes

315 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 16 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Good analysis of what went down. The only thing I really didn’t notice was Kolb playing with poise. He seemed just as lost as Feely to me. Maybe I missed a good play that he made when I went to get a cheesesteak, but I really didn’t like what I was seeing from him – and for the record I like Kolb.

"THIS IS NOT COLLEGE NO MORE. THIS IS THE BIG MAN SPORT." ~Crazy Lady on BGN forums

by southjersey89 on Aug 2, 2009 11:07 PM EDT reply actions

damn it!

I hope bradley is ok. this would be so stupid if he’s out for long.

RIP Jim Johnson. You will truly be missed.

by Igglesfan13 on Aug 2, 2009 11:49 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

well the fact that he walked off on his own is good. i do want to know how bad the limp was and how he injured it. you can have a good idea of the injury by that.

by eaglemaniac814 on Aug 3, 2009 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions

When I tore my ACL i walked off the field… even suited up to play the next day. No dice as soon as I tried to run, though.

About 10 minutes ago, I was pondering my own existence. Then I decided that it didn't matter.

by IronHank on Aug 3, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

well im 17, I tore it when I was 16

it hurt so bad, I tried getting up but I couldnt and I did make it off the field while using some fellow team mates as crutches…

Yeah, right now im trying to join the military after all that.

by wild_eagle on Aug 3, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Bradley and Hobbs

Both are having MRI’s tomorrow on their knees that were injured tonight. Heard it on 610 on the drive back. Besides all the great stuff at flight night, including Gaines making me PSU proud, my crew went to chickie and pete’s after where we were seated next to Marshall Harris of CSN who happened to be sitting with 6 of the sixer’s dance team. Spadaro even made an appearance. I also need to definitely give props to the move DeSean pulled on one of the DB’s. The quick slant, catch, jab step, 180, seeya later move was so nice. Overall, it was a great night and I look forward to attending again next season. Go Birds.

by Tony4251 on Aug 3, 2009 1:08 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah he embarassed that DB. Hope there’s more where that came from.

"THIS IS NOT COLLEGE NO MORE. THIS IS THE BIG MAN SPORT." ~Crazy Lady on BGN forums

by southjersey89 on Aug 3, 2009 1:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Bradley

I could see from my seat that he banged his knee on a helmet, and nothing more. Bruise only, out for a practice or two at most.

by josh639 on Aug 3, 2009 10:32 AM EDT reply actions

I saw it too, I saw when he got up and you could tell he was trying to hide the pain and tried to run off without a limp.

Astra Inclinant, Non Necessitant

by EagleGreeninMD on Aug 3, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions

that’s probably all it’ll be, but bruised knees or knee “contusions” are worse than you think. he’ll be out until at least friday.

by eaglemaniac814 on Aug 3, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Well I've seen a few..

Fanposts saying that Bradley has tore his ACL??

I really hope this is just rumors, that’d be a big loss.

Gonna miss Dawk a WHOLE lot next year..

by xEdge_Camx on Aug 3, 2009 1:10 PM EDT reply actions

Poll

I love how the votes for Joe Mays shot up after reports of Bradley’s season-ending ACL tear. Good showing of support for our young linebacker. Go get ’em, Mays! Our hopes just might be pinned on you now…

by Bob_Q on Aug 3, 2009 1:17 PM EDT reply actions

Ok

Bradleys injury sucks. The good news is that if his ACL was torn completely he first off wouldnt have gotten up and second would not have walked off the field under his own power… Now he could have slightly torn it which is as bad as if it was severed completely because they can do arthroscopic surgery and stitch it up, and he will most likely be out give or take 4-8 weeks. Now the MCL is an easier injury, you can play with that, you wear a light brace and have your knee drained about 2-3 times a week and it heals itself in about 6 weeks or so.. Everything else isnt THAT bad considering what it could be. If you tear your muniskus(sorry for the spelling) then they either shave some of it of and get rid of the trouble area or you get it stitched up… The only other bad thing other than the ACL is if you tear your PCL because they cannot operate on that without cutting your ACL to get to it, but you can play without your PCL… I really hope Bradley isnt hurt to bad, I hope he just twisted it and it hyper extended and filled with fluid… I pray bradley isnt hurt.

It great to see avant doing alot better. He has to know that Maclin will be breathing down his neck soon, out of all our starting WR(including slot) his job is the most in jepordy.

Joe Mays doing well is even better considering Bradley may be hurt… Although I would rather have Omar Gaither play MLB while he is out. Gocong, Gaither and Jordan would be better than Gocong Mays and Jordan… In my opinion b/c Gaither has more expirience.

I love that Kolb is doing alot better, the more he progresses the more I think life after McNabb wont be that bad.

by wild_eagle on Aug 3, 2009 2:03 PM EDT reply actions

The good news is that if his ACL was torn completely he first off wouldnt have gotten up and second would not have walked off the field under his own power

That is absolutely false. I tore my ACL completely and walked off the field. I can tell you from experience, it is entirely possible. I actually suited up to play the next day. The second I tried to run though, I knew it was a huge problem and I needed to get to the orthopedist.

About 10 minutes ago, I was pondering my own existence. Then I decided that it didn't matter.

by IronHank on Aug 3, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions

ok, I meant to include in there

… but everyone is different.. but I just forgot I guess.

by wild_eagle on Aug 3, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I actually read somewhere that walking off is actually a bad omen when it comes to knee injuries

can you confirm that for me. I remember TO walking off the field after Roy horse collared him and I remember numerous knee injuries where the player needed helped off and he was back the next drive or next game.

by eaglemaniac814 on Aug 3, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions