<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Eagles position battles July 25, 2008 8:30 AM Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley Herremans Jean-Gilles Left guard: Todd Herremans vs. Max Jean-Gilles Herremans has started the past two seasons at left guard after seeing time at offensive tackle during his rookie season. Jean-Gilles is livin' large at 6-foot-3, 358 pounds, which doesn't sound all that healthy. Jean-Gilles played in four games last season and started once in place of an injured Shawn Andrews. If either Tra Thomas or Jon Runyan get hurt, Herremans might have to move back to tackle. In the end, Herremans will win the competition. Intensity index: Mild Backup receivers: DeSean Jackson vs. Jason Avant vs. Hank Baskett vs. Greg Lewis Jackson will probably emerge as the No. 3 wide receiver. He was one of the fastest receivers in the draft and he should make a big impact in the return game. If he starts strong, he could push incumbent starters Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown. Curtis has always seemed more comfortable in a third receiver role. Jason Avant turned a lot of heads in last year's training camp, but he only had 23 catches for 267 yards and two touchdowns from his No. 3 spot. He could be the odd man out if Hank Baskett (16 catches) and Greg Lewis (13 catches, three TDs) claim the fourth and fifth spots. Intensity index: Hot DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett, Eagles, position battles Read comments or leave a comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cowboys position battles July 25, 2008 9:30 AM Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley Henry Jones Cornerback: Anthony Henry vs. Adam Jones Henry wasn't pleased during last month's minicamp when Jones received some reps with the first team. But a Cowboys source told me Wednesday that he can't envision a scenario where Jones overtakes Henry during training camp unless there's an injury. Even though he was banged up last season, Henry still managed a team-leading six interceptions. He's got the best ball skills on the team and coaches think it will be a while before Jones shakes the rust off. Rookie Mike Jenkins will be the fourth cornerback. When the Cowboys go into their nickel package, Terence Newman will move inside and Henry and Jones will play on the outside. Of course, Jones has to get reinstated before you see him in a regular-season game. That's a certainty unless he breaks containment with authorities. Intensity index: Mild Ratliff Johnson Nose tackle: Jay Ratliff vs. Tank Johnson It's a stretch to call this an open competition, but it beats talking about the battle for third receiver, which will be a grudge match between Miles Austin and Sam Hurd if Terry Glenn doesn't agree to an amended contract. Johnson has fit in well with the team, but Ratliff's the guy who just got paid. He's outperformed his seventh-round selection and become one of the defense's emotional leaders. When Johnson rotates in at nose tackle, Ratliff is able to move to right end. Last year, this was a position of concern -- especially after Jason Ferguson went down with an injury. Ratliff played so well, though, that Ferguson became expendable. Intensity index: Just for show Dallas Cowboys, Mike Jenkins, Adam Jones, Anthony Henry, Terence Newman, Terry Glenn, Sam Hurd, Miles Austin, Jay Ratliff, Tank Johnson</div> http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfceast
