Eagles Finish Second Day Of Workouts
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Eagles went through their second straight day of light workouts, but the practice pace is about to change.
Wednesday was the last day with only rookies and selected veterans on the field. The rest of the veterans arrive on Thursday, and the team's first full squad workout takes place on Friday. Rookies such as Lane Johnson continue to make adjustments to the pro level, but Johnson is also trying to simplify his approach to the workouts.
"There's only so much you can do in football," said Johnson. "Just moving forward, this is what I do for my job and you have to go against the best of the best. You have to be at the top of your game, so I'm spending more time in the film room."
One player who has been impressed with Johnson is fellow lineman Jason Kelce. The center was one of the veterans who joined the rookies on the field during Wednesday's workout. Kelce also understands the competition will intensify as the training camp continues and the pace begins to pick up over the next few weeks.
"You can run it as much as you want right now," Kelce said. "But really, the time when you learn the most is when you're under the fire. Once we start putting pads on and have live situations and once you play in the preseason games, that's really when you learn the best."
Johnson has been learning from Kelce ever since the team held its off-season workouts during the spring. Johnson says Kelce and the rest of the veterans have helped him settle in as he competes for the starting right tackle spot.
"He's done a great job," said Johnson. "I can speak for him and Evan Mathis and Todd Herremans. They've really helped me develop ever since I was here in the spring. They've made me feel more comfortable while I'm out there."
Kelce has been impressed with Johnson, and he offered the rookie some simple advice.
"The biggest thing I've told him since he's gotten here is don't be afraid to make mistakes," Kelce said. "I told him they drafted you here because you're a big, fast, strong guy. Don't ever hold back."
Kelce has recovered from a knee injury last season and is expected to be ready to go when contract drills start this weekend.
