What They’re Saying About the Eagles

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Here’s this week’s roundup of national media coverage on the Eagles:

SI.com’s Peter King writes that even the Detroit Lions paid their respects to Garrett Reid:

I think this is how well-liked and respected Andy Reid is around the NFL. In Detroit, not a team Reid has particularly close ties to, the Lions had a Sunday evening practice, open to the public, at Ford Field. Before the workout, the Lions had a moment of silence for Garrett Reid, and showed his picture on the stadium video board. Classy.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin started off his media session Monday by offering condolences to Andy Reid and his family:

“I will start out today by acknowledging the fact that yesterday was a very sad day for all of us in the NFL family,” a somber Coughlin said. “Our condolences, our deepest sympathies, go out to Andy and (his wife) Tammy Reid and their family at the terrible, terrible loss of their son.”

Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said he contacted Reid to offer his condolences, according to The Washington Post.

Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com offers his take on the tragedy:

There is another duality all coaches at this level must navigate, a prickly balance between work and home, knowing the insane hours and round-the-clock culture of the NFL will force them to miss family events. They won’t see their children grow up the way other Dads do, and must make peace with that. More to the point, the moms and children must somehow do the same.

NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal was impressed with how Reid handled this morning’s press conference:

Strength was the word that came to mind watching Reid. It was hard to watch him and not come away feeling empathy, feeling like I learned a lot about the man just by watching how he handled a news conference when there are no right answers.

Meanwhile, sources tell ESPNCleveland.com that the league is reviewing a failed drug test by Browns cornerback Joe Haden, which could result in a four-game suspension. Remember, the Eagles play the Browns in Week 1.

One source said that Haden tested positive for the prescription drug Adderall during a routine, off-season test administered in accordance with the NFL’s policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com provides his Eagles season preview:

This is what you hear from sources inside the Eagles organization: Michael Vick has been working harder than he ever has before. You hear his grasp of the offense is 100 percent. He’s studied non-stop, worked out non-stop, and has reached a point where some with the Eagles believe he will have his best season ever. This is what you hear around the league about DeSean Jackson: If there was any player who might take a major step backward this season, it’s him. There are concerns that he isn’t working non-stop and that he doesn’t care as much.

Not sure how I missed this, but former Eagles linebacker Stewart Bradley broke out the Carlton dance during Sunday night’s preseason game.

NFL.com’s Rosenthal has defensive power rankings up. The Eagles are in his Next Level category:

Philadelphia’s talent remains elite. Their continuity should serve them well in year two under defensive coordinator Juan Castillo.

Brandon Boykin is one of 10 unheralded rookies to watch, according to SI.com’s Chris Burke:

Boykin looked like a steal in April and nothing has happened to change that since. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha have Philly’s top two corner spots locked down, but Boykin has a shot to inherit the nickel spot. He also figures to return kicks, something he did with great success at Georgia.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.