WOOOOOO! That was the reaction time and time again on Monday as Jevon Kearse put on a show. He put his hand down, the ball was snapped and, wow, he was gone. Almost untouched. At least three times.

At least enough times to get you really excited about what the Eagles have at defensive end.

They've got to have a pass rush this season. There's no other way to look at it. If they have a forceful pass rush and Jim Johnson can mix and match his coverages, the defense can return to a premier level in the NFL.

And for that to happen, Kearse must lead the way. He was incredible on Monday, blowing past offensive tackles, using that length in his arms to create leverage, using that speed to beat anything in his path.

It was the first "real" showing of Kearse, who felt the heat on Sunday and battled through that afternoon practice.

On Monday, the "Freak" was something else.

But he wasn't the only one. The Eagles, shorthanded without Jerome McDougle practicing at the moment, got a boost in the day's practices with Kearse, with another encouraging outing from Derrick Burgess, with N.D. Kalu playing excellent, instinctive football and with Jamaal Green and Ron Johnson battling it out for a roster spot.

The fact of the matter is that the Eagles managed just 38 1/2 sacks last season and their takeaway number was down and Johnson, while his group didn't allow too many points, wanted a more dynamic group than what he had.

Injuries played a large part, of course. The Eagles sat down after the '03 season and decided they wanted to, needed to, had to find a way to add a premier defensive end.

A bunch of Benjamins later, they got Kearse. So far, he's been great. The guy just has a natural talent to win the battle at the line of scrimmage. Reggie White was a combination of speed and power. He was incredible, the best ever.

Hugh Douglas had good speed and good strength and was a high-motor guy and a warrior.

Kearse is something totally different. He's got a unique reach and, while his body is more power forward than power rusher, he's got deceiving strength in his hands and arms.

Should things pan out as planned, Kearse will have a lot of help this year. Burgess looks outstanding and he's challenging Kalu for that starting right end spot. Green looks much improved over last year. Johnson is bigger and stronger and quicker.

The X-factor in this whole thing is McDougle, who is still not participating in full-scale drills because of his recovery from shoulder surgery. He'll be out on the field, hopefully, in a matter of days. Then we'll know just how good the defensive ends will be.

Right now, it's all promising. It's a tease. And what we're seeing is Jevon Kearse show why he's a top-shelf defensive end. He's truly a Freak.

Dave Spadaro Observations From Two Days Of Practices

�  I can't remember a rookie who has made as impressive a showing early in his career as Shawn Andrews is making. The kid is dominating out there, folks. He finishes off plays, he's a pile driver in run blocking and he's got great, great feet. His pass blocking has been very, very solid. Plus, his demeanor is so mature and understanding. He's been signing autographs after every afternoon practice and the fans love it.

�  Jeremiah Trotter played strong, impact football during the team's 9-on-7 run drills on Monday. He was physical and shed blockers well.

�  Brian Westbrook is better than ever. He's one of the quickest backs I've ever seen.

�  Lito Sheppard made the play of the day on Monday afternoon, beating Terrell Owens and making an interception, which the crowd definitly noticed and loved.

�  Nate Wayne was a star in the morning, setting the tone with a big hit to start the 11-on-11 drills. He looks physical and much more confident in the system.

REFS HERE AND EVERYONE KNOWS IT
A group of officials spent Monday at practice throwing flags left and right and making themselves very noticeable. The reason they're here is to make the players aware that the new 5-yard penalty -- there's no contact allowed after that 5-yard cushion -- will be strictly enforced.

"You pretty much can't do anything," said cornerback Lito Sheppard. "Receivers can push you, but you can't take touch them. That's the way it is. The NFL wants to see points on the scoreboard."

PHILLY INQUIRER NOTES
� With Correll Buckhalter (laceration above the eye) still sitting out, Reno Mahe was called upon to try to run inside quite a bit during yesterday morning's "live'' session. Though he has bulked up a bit, Mahe is very generously listed at 5-10, 212. He probably does not have a future as a short-yardage back.

� Linebacker Nate Wayne closed quickly and put a nice hit on Billy McMullen after a short-yardage catch.

� The crowd gasped in disbelief when Terrell Owens flubbed a hard, short Donovan McNabb pass over the middle.

� McNabb and Freddie Mitchell hooked up for a nice bomb down the right side, against Sheldon Brown.

� Jeff Blake completed a similar pass to Carlos Perez, over Dexter Wynn.