Eagles G Andrews makes first start

Aug 23, 2008 - 5:01 AM FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- Philadelphia Eagles guard Shawn Andrews, who missed most of training camp while battling depression, started Friday's 27-17 preseason win over the New England Patriots.

A two-time Pro Bowler, the 6-4, 331-pounder Andrews only practiced with his teammates for the first time last Saturday.

"I was very pleased, with the exception of a couple of plays," Andrews said. "That's something we're going to work on. We didn't work on it much, but that's not an excuse. We are going to get better. We still have two weeks to go."

Eagles coach Andy Reid, whom Andrews credited with helping make him feel comfortable in returning to the team after his ordeal, said he was happy with what he saw out of his Pro Bowl guard.

"He got some good work in and I am sure he will be a little sore tomorrow," Reid said. "It was good to get him in there and work."

Philadelphia's running game certainly looked strong against the Patriots' first-string defense. Brian Westbrook had several nice runs and finished with 39 yards on nine carries.

"It was an honor and a pleasure for me, for the way my teammates accepted me the way they did," Andrews said. "I think we meshed and I think we picked up everything. I felt stronger after I got my second wind. That is something I never believed in, but I definitely believe in it now. I felt very physical and I felt like my old self again."