As the Eagles prepare for Week 1 of the NFL season, Mekhi Becton's emergence as the frontrunner for the starting right guard position has captured significant attention. Initially faced with challenges during training camp, particularly in his matchups with Jalen Carter, Becton's journey of steady improvement and adaptability is a promising development for Philadelphia's offensive line.
### Early Struggles and Steady Improvement
Becton's early days of training camp presented a series of tough matchups against defensive lineman Jalen Carter, which revealed areas needing improvement. Yet, as days turned into weeks, Becton demonstrated resilience and notable progress. Describing one of their recent sessions, Becton said, "It's been fun. We had a little back and forth today. We went against each other and you know I'm starting to catch up to him. I'm starting to get his number. We're starting to get each other's numbers. We working. Iron sharpens iron."
### Adapting to the Right Guard Position
Becton's versatility and adaptability have also been critical in his transition to right guard. The preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens marked his first live game experience at this position. Although he was the only first-team starter on offense to take the field, his performance over eight snaps provided a glimpse into his potential in this new role. "It's still O-line at the end of the day. I still gotta get my hands. I still gotta do my footwork. It's just all about attacking my footwork and I did attack it," Becton remarked, highlighting his focused approach.
### Guidance from Coaches and Teammates
Critical to Becton's swift adjustment has been the support and guidance from his coaches and teammates. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland has been an invaluable resource for Becton. The importance of reviewing game film together to identify areas for improvement cannot be overstated. "There's always room for improvement on anything. This was the first time I ever played right guard in a live game. Of course, I'm gonna look at the film with Stout [Jeff Stoutland] and figure out what we need to do. We'll come together and combine it," Becton emphasized.
Meanwhile, teammates Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson have also played significant roles in facilitating Becton's transition. Jurgens provided insight into the nuanced differences Becton needs to master. "A lot of it's talking about angles and where I want him to be and just how different every D-lineman plays. You're going to have two gappers, penetrators, different guys play different techniques, so figuring out how the footwork changes from each defensive guy and where that linebacker is and if we have certain motions where it may change our footwork," Jurgens explained.
### Praise and Recognition
Becton’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. Landon Dickerson, another anchor on the offensive line, praised Becton’s physical attributes and quick adjustment to the new role. "A little bit of an adjustment for him, but the way he's built, the way he can move with his long arms, his reach, his lateral quickness, I think right now he's really excelling at that position. And it is an adjustment, but he's handling it extremely well," Dickerson observed.
Dickerson further lauded Becton's consistent improvement, stating, "For him to make that transition and come inside, and the way he's been able to succeed in doing well in practice, and come out here every day and keep getting better, is impressive."
### Looking Forward
Becton's journey from early struggles to becoming a strong candidate for the starting right guard position is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and dedication. As the Eagles edge closer to the start of the season, Becton's performance and continuous improvement will be pivotal for the team's offensive line dynamics. His footwork, hand placement, and overall technique will be scrutinized, with his role being crucial to the Eagles' success.
The coming weeks will reveal more about Becton's readiness, but his progress thus far paints a promising picture. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance and the impact of collective effort and mentorship in reaching professional excellence. For the Philadelphia Eagles, Mekhi Becton's development is a crucial piece of their game plan, and all eyes will be on him as he steps up to the challenge.