After a rain-drenched start to the weekend, the Philadelphia Eagles were welcomed by a brilliant Sunday morning at the NovaCare Complex, as they commenced the final phase of their training camp. The session, which lasted one hour and 53 minutes, was rigorous, with players participating in a variety of team drills and 1-on-1 battles.
Standout Performances
Several players managed to shine during the drills. Center Cam Jurgens showcased resilience by staving off a bull rush from Jordan Davis. Jalen Carter, Thomas Booker IV, and Milton Williams demonstrated remarkable prowess, causing trouble for their opposing linemen. Carter defeated right tackle Darian Kinnard, Booker blew past Anim Dankwah, and Williams bulldozed over Gottlieb Ayedze. These individual matchups highlighted the intensity and competitiveness of the session.
Despite favoring his knee, guard Landon Dickerson held his ground, managing to fend off Milton Williams in one rep without missing any team drill snaps. However, injury concerns loomed over the practice, as Mekhi Becton exited with what appeared to be a right leg injury. Tyler Steen remained sidelined with an ankle injury, prompting Brett Toth to step in as the first-team right guard.
Defensive Dominance
The defense made a significant impact, with standout performances across the board. Brandon Graham managed to beat guard Trevor Keegan off the edge, demonstrating his veteran savvy. Thomas Booker went 3-for-3 in his 1-on-1 matchups, further solidifying his impressive form.
Nakobe Dean put on a show by pummeling DeVonta Smith on a pass in the flat, while Tanner McKee struggled, throwing two interceptions during practice. Ben VanSumeren picked off one of McKee's passes during the 11-on-11 team period. Parry Nickerson intercepted another pass from McKee and returned it 95 yards for a touchdown, showcasing the defense's opportunistic nature.
Various players contributed to pass breakups, including Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who had consecutive breakups. Zech McPhearson, Brandon Smith, and Terrell Lewis also played pivotal roles in disrupting the offense. Josh Sweat recorded sacks on three consecutive plays, making his presence felt throughout the scrimmage.
Injuries and Concerns
Injuries remained a critical point of concern for the Eagles. Landon Dickerson's visible struggle with his knee didn't deter his participation, but it certainly raised questions about his condition moving forward. Mekhi Becton’s departure due to a right leg injury and Tyler Steen's continued absence due to an ankle injury added to the team's worries.
Several players did not participate in the practice, including Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, Lane Johnson, among others, which led to adjustments and provided opportunities for others to step up.
Offensive Challenges
Despite some bright spots, the offense appeared to have a tough day. "This wasn't a good day for the offense," remarked one player, encapsulating the sentiment. With Jalen Hurts maintaining his streak of zero interceptions through 14 practices, there's a sense of optimism around his performance. However, the inconsistency in other areas is something the coaching staff will need to address.
One notable moment came during a red zone period, where Saquon Barkley scored a touchdown through the A gap, reminding everyone of his potential impact on the offense. Barkley's presence promises to add another layer of complexity for opposing defenses. "When the Eagles unleash Barkley, this offense should be dangerous on Sundays," Barkley noted confidently.
Looking Ahead
As the Eagles gear up for their preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings, the final practice wrapped up with a mixture of hope and apprehension. Both the offense and defense will be keen on refining their skills and ironing out any kinks during the upcoming week of practices.
Nakobe Dean perhaps summed up the collective mindset best: "I'm not back. I'm better." His words resonate throughout the team as they prepare for a season filled with aspirations and expectations. With a balance of impressive defensive showcases and lingering questions on offense, the Eagles look to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses as the regular season approaches.