After a soggy start to the weekend, the Philadelphia Eagles were greeted by a radiant Sunday morning at the NovaCare Complex, as they embark on the final leg of their training camp journey. Sunlight pierced the clouds, highlighting the intensity of a particularly grueling practice session—one of the longest this summer, clocking in at an exhaustive one hour and 53 minutes.
The crisp air seemed to energize the players, who engaged in an array of team drills and 1-on-1 battles. The defensive line, in particular, was relentless. Center Cam Jurgens managed to hold off a bull rush from the formidable Jordan Davis but not without a struggle. Defenders such as Jalen Carter, Thomas Booker IV, and Milton Williams demonstrated notable prowess; Carter beat right tackle Darian Kinnard, Booker blew past Anim Dankwah, and Williams bulldozed over Gottlieb Ayedze.
Offensive Line Struggles
The offensive line had a trying morning. Guard Landon Dickerson, despite favoring his knee and limping through much of the practice, held off Milton Williams in one rep and did not miss any team drill snaps. In contrast, Mekhi Becton left practice with what appeared to be a right leg injury. Second-team guard Tyler Steen remained sidelined with an ankle injury he aggravated in the Eagles' second preseason game. Brett Toth took over the first-team right guard responsibilities in Steen's absence.
The defensive line’s dominance was a theme of the day. Veteran Brandon Graham beat guard Trevor Keegan off the edge in a matchup of Michigan draft picks, and Thomas Booker went an impressive 3-for-3 in 1-on-1 matchups. Players not participating in the practice included Gabe Hall (hamstring), Matt Hennessy (back), E.J. Jenkins (knee), Lane Johnson (vet day), and several others, limiting some depth in key areas.
Defensive Highlights
The Eagles' defense showcased their depth and talent in pass coverage as well. Nakobe Dean made a statement by pummeling DeVonta Smith on a pass in the flat. "I'm not back. I'm better," Dean declared, embodying the spirit and confidence of the defensive unit. Tanner McKee, unfortunately, had a rough day, throwing two interceptions. Ben VanSumeren picked off McKee during the 11-on-11 team period, and Parry Nickerson intercepted another of McKee's passes, returning it 95 yards for a touchdown. "This wasn't a good day for the offense," admitted one player, reflecting the general sentiment on the field.
Pass breakups were frequent, with notable efforts from Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who managed consecutive breakups. Zech McPhearson, Brandon Smith, and Terrell Lewis also contributed with crucial breakups during the session. Edge rusher Josh Sweat had a particularly remarkable showing, recording sacks on three consecutive plays.
Offensive Initiatives
While the offense struggled in some aspects, they still had their moments. Star running back Saquon Barkley showcased his explosive ability by scoring a touchdown through the A gap during a red zone period. Barkley’s performance sparked optimism for the future. "When the Eagles unleash Barkley," he remarked, "this offense should be dangerous on Sundays.”
Quarterback Jalen Hurts, despite heavy pressure from the defense, maintained his composure and continued his streak of not throwing any interceptions through 14 practices. His poise in the pocket could be a key factor as the Eagles approach their preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings.
The practice wrapped up with hope and some trepidation. While the defense shone brightly, the offense has significant strides to make. As they head into a week filled with practices, both units will look to sharpen their skills, aiming to translate this rigor and intensity into success on the field when the real games begin.