Well, if you do then don't tell linebacker Akeem Jordan.
It was in 2007 when Jordan, then a rookie free agent out of James Madison, wreaked havoc on the field with nine total tackles in the preseason finale against the Jets as he etched his name on the final 53-man roster following the roster cuts. He remembers the advice that defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, then the Eagles linebackers coach, gave him prior to that game.
"He said you can make this team off of the last game. It's a chance to show what you got," Jordan said. "Just go out there and give it all you got. If you don't make this team, you can make another team."
Jordan spent 24 hours on the active roster before he was released among a flurry of transactions. He was signed to the Eagles practice squad and promoted to the active roster for good in late October. Jordan has played in 37 career games and started in 17 of them. He has accumulated 154 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass knockdowns and 55 special teams tackles in three seasons.
This year, Jordan entered training camp as the backup on the strong side, but took the starting job early in camp and has cemented the gig with his preseason performance. It makes you think what if Jordan didn't shine in that final preseason game back in 2007?
"You have to go out there hungry all of the time and just keep playing," Jordan said. "I tell (the young players) give it all you have got on every play. Don't take any play for granted. A lot of people want to play this game. It's always tough, you have young guys coming in trying to take your spot."
The Eagles linebacker situation is very intriguing heading into tonight's final preseason game against the Jets. Jordan, along with Stewart Bradley and Ernie Sims, are locked in as the starters. Omar Gaither is a versatile, valuable reserve player.
Moise Fokou was the starter on the strong side at the beginning of camp. Tracy White is a special teams maven. Keenan Clayton, a fourth-round pick, has been impressive in coverage and made big plays during the preseason. Jamar Chaney was a seventh-round pick this year and has gone through growing pains, but also has the physical talent which can grow in time.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 10:00 a.m., September 2
