Celek Finds Two NFC East Role Models

Shapecity · Jun 7, 2009

Brent Celek exhausted plenty of hours during the offseason watching footage of the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins.

Was he looking for defensive flaws? Not exactly.

The Eagles' tight end was more concerned with their offenses, even though he's never on the field when they are. He was was closely studying the moves and techniques of his tight end counterparts, Jason Witten of Dallas and Chris Cooley of Washington.

From Cooley, the Redskin whose body type is similar, Celek took notes on blocking techniques. He admired Witten's deceptive speed and savvy.

"He moves his feet pretty fast. He's in the right place at the right time," Celek said of Witten. "He's not the fastest, he's not the quickest, but he knows where guys are going to be on defense."

If imitation is the highest form of flattery, Celek's play this season will reflect an even deeper appreciation for his rivals.

Recently named the Eagles' No. 1 tight end, the former fifth-round pick from Cincinnati is looking to fend off hyped rookie challenger Cornelius Ingram and break out in 2009.

Celek isn't especially skilled in one area but he's shown that he can produce when given an opportunity. He impressed his coaches with surprising downfield ability his rookie year, then showed further growth last season in place of injured tight end L.J. Smith.

"If you catch the ball when Don (McNabb) throws it to you, he's going to keep coming back to you," Celek said. "That's human nature. I think that's what I did last year, and I've got to do that again."

Around the NFL

Anquan Boldin's switch from agent Drew Rosenhaus to Tom Condon has the Cardinals more optimistic about a new deal. But they have other priorities. They just locked up safety Adrian Wilson to a long-term deal and have linebacker Karlos Dansby targeted next.

Still on the free-agent market is running back Edgerrin James, whom the Cardinals recently cut. But he's not the only one. Deuce McAllister and Rudi Johnson are also seeking takers.

Here's a real shocker: Tight end L.J. Smith could be competing for the Baltimore Ravens' starting job, but he's hurt.

Much to new New York Jets coach Rex Ryan's delight, disgruntled runners Thomas Jones and Leon Washington have put aside their contract beefs and reported to camp. But the guy Ryan gushed about is Iowa rookie Shonn Greene of Winslow Township, whom the coach called the quintessential fourth-quarter back.

Chalk talk

"I was on the field, but I wasn't playing, and I saw the way it ended. It was a team we should have beat and it was a team that, if the opportunity arises again, we will beat," Giants end Osi Umenyiora, referring to his team's playoff loss to the Eagles.
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Source: Delaware Online

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Celek Finds Two NFC East Role Models

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Celek Finds Two NFC East Role Models

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