Quintin Demps entered this year's training camp as the starting free safety. He remained in that spot for all four preseason games. However, Demps told reporters following Monday's 10-10-10 practice that it was Macho Harris who took the first-team reps.
"We're all men. We all could tell that I wasn't being consistent enough," Demps said. "There's no sugarcoating it in the NFL. It is what it is.
"We're still competing. It's still a competition. I just have to go in there and compete everyday. Keep it moving."
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| FS Quintin Demps |
Demps had the benefit of transitioning into the safety role behind two All-Pros in Quintin Mikell and Brian Dawkins. By the end of the season, Demps was integrated into the defense in three-safety sets to bolster the run defense. Harris, a fifth-round pick out of Virginia Tech, will not have that luxury if he starts this Sunday at Carolina. However, Demps is confident in his teammate.
"I don't think it will be too difficult. He's a competitor. He's got guys around him that are going to help him out a lot, be there for him and guide him through," Demps said.
As a rookie in 2008, Demps had nine tackles and a sack. His biggest impact was as a kickoff returner where he averaged 25.3 yards per return and had one touchdown - a 100-yard score against the Ravens. Demps admitted that by entering training camp and the preseason as the starter changed his mindset and opened the door for Harris.
"He just had that hunger. When you first come in, like I came in last year, you come in with nothing to lose. In my second year, I felt like I had a lot to lose," Demps said. "I was playing not to lose instead of to win. He came in with nothing to lose. That's how you have to be."
Even with the late change, Demps has faith that the secondary will flourish like it did last year. The Eagles were ranked third in the NFL against the pass.
"We're good, on our way to being great," Demps said.
