Eagles Approach End of Training Camp with High Energy and Competitiveness
As the Philadelphia Eagles enter their final week of training camp at the NovaCare Complex, the intensity and stakes are ramping up. With only three consecutive practices left before the final preseason game and next Tuesday's roster cuts, every snap and drill could prove pivotal for players on the bubble.
The Eagles practiced in shells and shorts for precisely 1-hour and 47-minutes on Tuesday, a session marked by high competition and individual standout performances.
Several players were notably absent from the practice field, including OL Matt Hennessy, TE Albert Okwuegbunam, S Caden Sterns, WR John Ross, OL Tyler Steen, and WR Johnny Wilson. However, there was some positive news as DT Gabe Hall, TE E.J. Jenkins, WR Joseph Ngata, and DT Moro Ojomo made their returns to practice, potentially indicating recovery and readiness as the preseason winds down.
Guard Mekhi Becton, who had left Sunday’s practice due to a leg injury, took first-team reps at right guard without missing a beat. His resilience was echoed by Guard Landon Dickerson, who returned to practice without missing any time after appearing to favor his knee on Sunday.
Running back Saquon Barkley missed the final period of team drills, getting his lower back worked on. Nevertheless, he was later seen signing autographs, suggesting his absence was precautionary rather than serious.
Key Individual Performances
Tight end Dallas Goedert participated in the individual period but sat out the team portion. Meanwhile, the offense saw dynamic plays from key wide receivers. A.J. Brown succeeded in beating cornerback Darius Slay on a go route and later caught a long touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts. "That's a route right there," remarked Quinyon Mitchell, highlighting the crispness of Brown's play.
Wide receiver Ainias Smith showcased his skills by besting both safety Avonte Maddox and cornerback Eli Ricks on consecutive reps, marking his best practice of the summer.
On the defensive side, cornerback Quinyon Mitchell was active, forcing an incompletion against DeVonta Smith but getting beaten by Smith on the subsequent play. He also made a significant play by disrupting a sweep to Barkley, demonstrating his versatile impact on the field.
Cornerback Cooper DeJean's performance was a mixed bag, with soft coverage leading to an easy completion to Britain Covey, followed by tougher coverage that was still beaten by Covey. Elsewhere, defensive back Parry Nickerson nearly intercepted Jalen Hurts due to a miscommunication with A.J. Brown.
Quarterback Play
Tanner McKee saw action, completing a pass to Jacob Harris in a 1-on-1 drill against Eli Ricks. McKee also connected with E.J. Jenkins on a deep pass, earning praise from Head Coach Nick Sirianni: "Good job, E.J."
Julian Okwara's defensive prowess was on full display, forcing Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett to flush right and lead to an incompletion during 11-on-11s. Okwara also generated another pressure later in practice that resulted in a throwaway.
Offensive Line and Run Game
The offensive line, led by Mekhi Becton taking first-team reps and Fred Johnson having a standout practice, showcased their blocking skills. Johnson's adequacy in both run blocking and pass protection was highlighted by his ability to manhandle Eli Ricks during a run.
With each practice and drill contributing to the final evaluations, both seasoned veterans and ambitious rookies are making their cases to remain with the team. The final practices leading up to the preseason game's culmination will undoubtedly reveal which players seize the moment and secure their spots on the roster.
