Aug/12/08 05:42 PM Filed in:
Jerome
McDougle
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - You would
pretty much need a calculator and a half page from
the NFL player register to list all the injuries
that have plagued defensive end Jerome McDougle in
his five seasons as an Eagle.
He didn't play a single snap last season because of a
torn triceps. Two years earlier, he missed the entire
season after being shot in a robbery attempt on the eve
of training camp. In all, McDougle has played just 33
of 80 possible games with the Birds since he was
drafted in the first round in 2003.
This training camp figures to be his final go-round. So
far, the Eagles are encouraged, especially after
McDougle played nearly three quarters against the host
Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, his longest action in
years.
"It's been a while," he said. "I can't remember the
last time I played that much. It felt good to get out
there, and banging heads with people and playing with
the guys."
Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson pointed to McDougle
as having been one of a couple of players who stood out
with good pressure on the quarterback. McDougle had two
tackles.
The 6-foot-2, 264-pound Miami product figures to get
another long look Thursday night against the Panthers
at the Linc.
"I've said it before: I think this is a big year for
Mac," Johnson said. "I think he's taken advantage of it
right now."
"We'll just see how he continues to progress," Johnson
said. "At the least, I saw a guy who was getting
upfield and getting after the passer."
McDougle has a chance to make the team, especially if
another defensive end, Victor Abiamiri, who has a
broken wrist, goes on injured reserve. At the same
time, Darren Howard can play both tackle and end, which
seemingly gives him an edge.
"He's kind of climbed the ladder, and then he had a
setback," coach Andy Reid said of McDougle. "That
happens. He's come out and he's played well. He's put
all that behind him, he feels good, and he seems to be
playing productive football.
"We'll just see how he finishes this thing out."
(philly.com)