After enduring a soggy start to the weekend, the Philadelphia Eagles were welcomed by a bright and sunny Sunday morning at the NovaCare Complex as they embarked on the final leg of their training camp journey. The practice session, which lasted one hour and 53 minutes, was filled with a mix of team drills and intense 1-on-1 battles, showcasing both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Defensive Dominance
The Eagles' defensive line was particularly impressive. Jalen Carter, Thomas Booker IV, and Milton Williams all demonstrated their prowess. Carter got the better of right tackle Darian Kinnard, Booker blew past Anim Dankwah, and Williams bulldozed over Gottlieb Ayedze. Booker went a perfect 3-for-3 in his 1-on-1 matchups. Veteran Brandon Graham also took down guard Trevor Keegan off the edge.
Center Cam Jurgens had a notable moment, managing to stave off a bull rush from the imposing Jordan Davis. However, it wasn't just the big guys who shone. Linebacker Nakobe Dean delivered a powerful hit on DeVonta Smith during a pass in the flat, announcing, "I'm not back. I'm better." This sentiment seemed to encapsulate the fire and confidence permeating through the Eagles' defense.
Offensive Struggles
The Eagles' offense, however, faced some challenges. Quarterback Tanner McKee struggled, throwing two interceptions during practice. Ben VanSumeren picked off McKee during the 11-on-11 team period, while Parry Nickerson intercepted another of McKee's passes and returned it 95 yards for a touchdown. To make matters worse, Mekhi Becton left practice with an apparent right leg injury, and Tyler Steen remained sidelined with an ankle injury. As a result, Brett Toth took over the first-team right guard responsibilities in Steen's absence.
Breakout Performances
Despite the offensive woes, there were notable individual performances. Guard Landon Dickerson, despite favoring his knee and limping through much of the practice, managed to hold off Milton Williams in one rep and did not miss any team drill snaps. In the secondary, Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. each had pass breakups, with Trotter Jr. achieving consecutive breakups. Zech McPhearson, Brandon Smith, and Terrell Lewis also contributed with breakups, showcasing the depth of the Eagles' defensive unit.
Sack Attack
Josh Sweat made his presence felt with an impressive sequence, recording sacks on three consecutive plays. This relentless pressure from Sweat provided a glimpse into the potential challenges opposing quarterbacks might face when going up against the Eagles' defensive front.
Offensive Silver Linings
While the offense had a tough day, there were moments that offered hope. Saquon Barkley scored a touchdown through the A gap during a red zone period, demonstrating the explosiveness he brings to the Eagles' offense. One player optimistically stated, "When the Eagles unleash Barkley, this offense should be dangerous on Sundays." Moreover, amidst all the setbacks, starting quarterback Jalen Hurts has remained interception-free through 14 practices, a testament to his growth and consistency.
Injuries and Absences
The practice session was not without its absences. Besides Becton and Steen, several key players did not participate, including Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, and Lane Johnson. These absences gave others the opportunity to step up and demonstrate their skills, contributing to the dynamic and competitive nature of the session.
As the Eagles wrapped up practice with a mix of hope and trepidation, both offense and defense will look to sharpen their skills heading into a week filled with preparations for their preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings. With the regular season just around the corner, the focus remains on refining their strategies and addressing any lingering issues.
The Philadelphia Eagles appear poised to make significant strides this season, driven by strong individual performances and a collective determination to succeed.