Last season was supposed to be Sean Considine's first full year as the Eagles' starting strong safety.  Unfortunately a shoulder injury once again hindered both Considine's and the Eagles' plans. 

During his rookie season in 2005, Considine dislocated his shoulder and had to have season-ending surgery.

The former fourth-round draft pick came back strong and proved his worth in 2006. He took over for ex-Eagle Michel Lewis at safety next to Brian Dawkins, started in 10 games, made 107 tackles, forced two fumbles, recovered another, added 1.5 sacks and an interception.

The future was looking bright for 2007.

SS Sean Considine

Head coach Andy Reid now thinks the surgery worked better the second time around.

"I think he'll tell you that it feels better than the first surgery," Reid said.  "The first one didn't quite work out, so the doctor went in and repaired it and tightened it up in a little bit of a different way. He says it feels great; much stronger and tighter."

Considine is now in his fourth year out of Iowa and with rehab he is ready to work his way back onto the field.

"This offseason was dedicated to getting healthy, strengthening my shoulder gaining confidence with that."  Considine said.  "Obviously you want to get in shape and put on a little strength too."

Considine believes that the work has paid off.

"I feel great," he said.  "I got out there and ran around, felt real good."

Although the teammates are not the same as when Considine last played - he is upbeat about familiarizing himself with the current players and seeing what they can do.

"As far as the team goes, I have a real positive outlook for this season," he said.  "We have a lot of good guys, some new faces and good players and I'm looking forward to getting in going here in August."

Training camp will separate the starters and standouts from the role players at each position, as well as create an atmosphere where players push each other towards improving. Right now, Quintin Mikell is the starter but Considine embraces the competition to regain his starting job.

"There are a lot of good players at the safety position this year, its kind of a log jam - but that's what you want," he said. "You want competition to make everybody better and we'll see how things pan out in training camp."

The secondary should also be improved because of the improvements along the front line with the signing of defensive end Chris Clemons, the drafting of tackle Trevor Laws and end Bryan Smith and the return of Pro Bowl end Trent Cole.

"It always helps to put pressure on the quarterback for the secondary," Considine said.  "It makes our job a little bit easier.  The Eagles management always does a good job every year addressing our needs and this year was no different.  They did a great job of bringing in playmakers.  I'm looking forward to seeing what these guys can do this season."

Taking into account his personal health, the depth and acquisitions in the secondary and defensive line, Considine said, "Hopefully that allows for a productive season coming up."