The PhilippinesAfter the Eagles finished the second of their two joint practices with the Cleveland Browns, some intriguing situations played out on the field late Thursday morning.
One day after undergoing knee surgery, Landon Dickerson made an unexpected appearance on the practice field. He didn’t practice, to be sure, but he also didn’t arrive without anything.
He arrived with a few beers, which he had with three Browns offensive lineman, including seven-time Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio, in addition to colleagues Cam Jurgens and Lane Johnson.
For his teammates, Dickerson’s presence was undoubtedly comforting. Five days ago, it seemed as though the three-time Pro Bowl guard would have had a major injury that would need a lengthy absence.
There’s a chance he’ll return for the Dallas Cowboys game on opening night in three weeks.
According to Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata, it was quite frightening. Seeing him enter the changing room this morning made me very happy. The fact that he was walking kind of shocked me. Just seeing his vivacious smile and energy in the building made me happy.
Dickerson’s right knee, which had been surgically repaired, was just sleeved.
Jordan Mailata, a left tackle, remarked, “Dude, I think that guy is made of rubber.” Whatever harm he sustains during a game is irrelevant. He will continue to persevere, which is admirable. You know, he’s out there playing with one leg or one knee while I’m hurting a finger or toe. Okay, I’ve got to get tougher, you tell yourself. He simply thinks differently.
The most intriguing scene after practice Thursday, though, wasn’t Dickerson showing up with cool, refreshing gifts for his fellow offensive lineman.
Bob Lange, the senior vice president of media relations for the Eagles and the pride of St. Joseph’s Prep, was the recipient of that honor.
About five minutes after practice concluded, Lange was spotted pursuing Jim Schwartz, the former defensive coordinator for the Eagles who currently serves in the same capacity with the Browns.
The two had previously crossed paths after an event.
In actuality, the two had a rather tumultuous first encounter. After a game at Ford Field in Detroit in mid-October 2011, Schwartz, who was the head coach of the Lions at the time, went to shake hands with Jim Harbaugh, who was the head coach of San Francisco at the time.
Harbaugh stopped celebrating long enough to shake hands with Schwartz in a quick and combative manner after the 49ers rallied in the fourth quarter to win the game. Disturbed by the incident, Schwartz went after Harbaugh, who was coaching in the NFL for the first time.
As Schwartz began his irate chase, Lange, who was then in charge of the 49ers’ public relations department, was racing off the field with Harbaugh.He made an effort to keep the two apart, but in the midst of a melee amongst players from both teams, he ended up being the smallest and least padded person.
After five seasons as head coach of the Lions and one as defensive coordinator in Buffalo, Schwartz joined Doug Pederson’s staff in Philadelphia in 2016 and led the NFL’s No. 4 defense when the Eagles won their first Super Bowl in 2017.
Lange, who worked in the Eagles’ public relations division from 2001 to 2008, departed the team after the 2020 season and returned to Philadelphia in 2021.
After practice on Thursday, Lange ran up to Schwartz, and the two shook hands in a friendly and humorous manner.
Hey, I do remember you. “Swartz said.”
For the record, Harbaugh accepted responsibility for the events of 2011 years later.
He claimed that I shook hands too forcefully and aggressively. You can’t blame him. I shook hands too forcefully and violently. And you admire him for objecting to that. We spoke, and everything is OK. We’re pals again.
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The email address of Bob Brookover is [email protected].
