Despite injuries, Eagles fans still hopeful

It's the first weekend of Eagles training camp and the fans are packing in at Lehigh University in Bethlehem. In spite of some setbacks, the faithful still think the Birds can soar this year.

Head out to camp and you'll hear fans say the same thing.

"I think this is the year," said Amanda Beisel of Conshohocken.

But we've heard that before. Remember last year's so-called "Dream Team" -- the one that didn't even make the playoffs?

"I think last year, with bringing in a whole bunch of new people, and having a short off-season, I think that hurt them a lot," said Mike Josephson of Ambler, Pa.

It wasn't just a short off-season, but also injuries that plagued the Birds -- something once again looming. Saturday, wide receiver Riley Cooper and defensive end Jason Babin both walked off with injuries.

"It's hard because Cooper's like, 6'4" and stuff, and one of the best receivers here," said Sam Lite of Allentown.

For Eagles fans, afternoons are now the only full practice of the day, and that has led to a little confusion for some.

"We thought they were going to start a little bit earlier," said Andy McDonald of Sicklerville, N.J. "I knew the walk-through was this morning, but I didn't know there was going to be a four-hour gap between the walk-through and the practice with the pads."

Other fans like this year's extra seating.

"Parking was easy, so it's a good little site," said Beisel, who attended training camp for the first time Sunday.

One thing some fans, even the die-hards, are losing patience with? Head coach Andy Reid.

"I thought he was going to be gone a couple of times over the last few years," said Josephson. "I think he definitely [has nine lives]. He puts a cat to shame."

Some fans said, if the "cat" can't lead the Birds to the Big Game, this may be his last training camp.