Adrian Fedkiw
The Philadelphia Eagles tackled for the first time in a practice in four years Wednesday.
Wide receiver Chris Givens called it an “eye-opening experience.”
The newly-signed deep threat joined the WIP Morning Show Thursday to discuss the practice and what he can bring to the Eagles this season.
Givens claimed that it was the first time he’s been a part of tackling during a practice since college.
“We’ve got a lot of pros and stand-up guys, it wasn’t a bunch of kill shots and things like that,” he said. “I understand what coach is trying to do trying to get everyone ready to play.”
Eagles vice president of football operations Howie Roseman talked about wanting to add a wide receiver with “deep speed” in March and with the limited cap space, Givens was the best he could do.
The 26-year-old Givens was sent to the Baltimore Ravens prior to the trade deadline last season, posting 20 receptions for 353 yards and a touchdown total with both the St. Louis Rams and Ravens. His best year came as a rookie with St. Louis in 2012 when he caught 42 balls for 698 yards and three touchdowns. Givens set a rookie record by hauling in a 50-yard reception in five straight games. He has a career yards-per-reception average of 16.6.
Givens played with Sam Bradford during that rookie season.
“It’s even better this time because we’re both older. We both have a better understanding of the game and what we expect from each other,” he said of playing with Bradford again. “As far as having a mental connection, just being able to see a defense and know what Sam’s going to do, I haven’t had that since I’ve been with him.”
And what is Givens going to bring to the receiving core?
“I think I fit in very well as far as being the guy they can depend on to play any position,” he said. “Just bringing a different element to this group and having that explosiveness and speed.”
Givens compared catching a 75-yard touchdown to Christmas.
“There’s no better feeling than that, just because the excitement it brings to the whole team and the stadium,” he said. “Once it happens it’s like a sparkplug for everybody.”