CHIRPING BIRDS

As training camp rolls on....

Only a week away from the first pre-season game, a Thursday night clash with the Green Bay Packers. The first team will probably only play a series or two, as usual. The second and third exhibition games are the best, as the starters play more. Still, it will be interesting  to watch the battles of guys trying to make the team, such as...

 The  wide receivers, for instance. Will the Eagles keep as many as six wide-outs? Will Ashon Jeffery play or sit out the first contest because of a strained shoulder? Will back-up quarterback Nick Foles return frona sore throwing arm, and if not, who will get the back-up QB reps? How will the much-beleaguered defensive backs play ? Will players like Vinny Curry and Mychael Kendricks  finally step up and make a contribution this year?

Injuries always play a big part of the success-or lack of- in a season. The Giants are already catching the injury-bug in camp, with receiver  Sterling Shepard going down with a high ankle sprain.

The Eagles have to hope for no, or few injuries this camp and pre-season. Luck is often involved, and the Birds so far are good, other than Jeffery's ailing shoulder.

I fully expect GM Howie Roseman to either trade for a DB before the season begins, or pick up a secondary guy after final cuts are made. I can't see the team going to war with their current  group of defensive backs. After all of the upgrading over the off-season, it would be a shame to see the year go to waste because the secondary can't stop big plays.

The NFC East will be a challenge to these corner backs, with Dez Bryant, Odell Beckham Jr. and Terrell Pryor in the division. The Birds may score tons of points this season with their vamped-up weapons, but unless they address the defensive back situation before camp ends, it will be a wash when it comes down to points allowed via the pass.

I think the key game of the early regular season will be the home opener, the third overall game on the schedule vs. the rival New York Giants.

I don't think the Birds will win or lose both of their two opening road games. Tough to win at Washington, wheer the Eagles have struggled lately, and Kansas City, who will be coming off a week 1 showdown at new England vs. the champion Patriots. So, I don't see a 2-0 start, like last year ( when Philly actually started 3-0), but I don't predict an 0-2 beginning either. a split, 1-1, seems realistic. Winning the division  game against the Redskins would be ideal.

But Washington is in flux, with QB Kirk Cousins unsure of his future, new receivers, and changes all over the squad.

Kansas City should still be strong in AFC West, but they are going through changes too. Yet somehow I do believe they will win their home opener vs. the Eagles.

So, that makes the Giants game key for the Birds to win. Lose and they go 1-2 at least. Win and 2-1 looks good, with another road game vs the LA Chargers looming.

The Giants game is a must-win because the Eagles play in New York on December 16. It could be a crucial contest for the division or playoffs, but it will be  a challenge to win, as the Birds will be coming off two West Coast games prior to flying back east to take on the G-men. Philadelphia has played well in the Meadowlands in recent years, but this promises to be a tough stretch, so it would be nice to pocket yet another division win , a home victory at that, against New York.

The schedule looks tough, but not as tough as last year. Plus the schedule changes from week to week, with injuries and circumstances dictating the outcomes.

I still say the Eagles finish 10-6 and make the playoffs.