The Philadelphia Eagles' training camp journey is nearing its conclusion, and a Sunday morning practice at the NovaCare Complex offered a mix of optimism and concern, following a wet start to the weekend.
A Mix of Outcomes in Drills and Battles
The practice lasted one hour and 53 minutes, featuring various team drills and 1-on-1 battles that kept both players and coaches on their toes. Notably, center Cam Jurgens managed to fend off a bull rush from the formidable Jordan Davis, while other linemen such as Jalen Carter and Thomas Booker IV showcased their skills. Carter's agility was on display as he outmaneuvered right tackle Darian Kinnard, and Booker blew past Anim Dankwah, further solidifying their positions on the defensive line.
Milton Williams was another standout, bulldozing over Gottlieb Ayedze as he demonstrated his strength and technique. However, the practice wasn't without its setbacks. Guard Landon Dickerson appeared to favor his knee, limping through much of the session. Despite his discomfort, Dickerson held his ground against Williams in one rep and did not miss any team drill snaps. Meanwhile, Tyler Steen remained sidelined with an ankle injury, leaving Brett Toth to assume first-team right guard responsibilities in Steen's absence.
Mekhi Becton’s early exit due to a right leg injury added to the team's concerns. The list of non-participants included Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, and Lane Johnson, who were all notably absent from the practice.
Defensive Prowess and Offensive Struggles
On the defensive front, Nakobe Dean delivered a statement performance, exemplified by his emphatic tackle on DeVonta Smith in the flat. Dean encapsulated his approach with a confident declaration: "I'm not back. I'm better."
Cornerback Parry Nickerson capitalized on a mistake by quarterback Tanner McKee, intercepting a pass and returning it 95 yards for a touchdown. McKee had a tough practice overall, throwing two interceptions, another of which was picked off by Ben VanSumeren during an 11-on-11 team period.
Pass breakups were frequent, with Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. significantly disrupting the offense's rhythm. Trotter Jr. was particularly impressive, recording consecutive pass breakups, while Zech McPhearson, Brandon Smith, and Terrell Lewis also added to the defensive achievements with breakups of their own.
Defensive end Josh Sweat recorded sacks on three consecutive plays, showcasing the tenacity and effectiveness of the Eagles' defense during this practice session.
Offense Seeking Improvements
On the offensive side, Saquon Barkley was a bright spot, scoring a touchdown through the A gap during a red zone period. Despite his standout play, the sentiment around the offense was less than positive. The struggles were evident, with one player candidly remarking, "This wasn't a good day for the offense."
However, expectations remain high for Barkley and the offense as a whole. Reflecting on the potential impact Barkley could have when fully integrated into the game plan, he confidently noted, "When the Eagles unleash Barkley, this offense should be dangerous on Sundays."
Looking Ahead to the Preseason Finale
As they approach their preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings, the Eagles will be focused on addressing their weaknesses and building on their strengths. One comforting fact for fans is that quarterback Jalen Hurts has not thrown any interceptions through 14 practices, a promising sign for the upcoming season.
The practice wrapped up with a blend of hope and trepidation, as both the offense and defense aim to sharpen their skills heading into a pivotal week of preparations. The Eagles will be looking to iron out any remaining kinks and ensure they're ready to come out strong in their preseason finale and beyond.