The Philadelphia Eagles have intensified their preparation as they enter the final week of training camp at the NovaCare Complex. With just three consecutive practices remaining before the final preseason game and roster cuts looming on the horizon, every moment on the field counts.
On Tuesday, the Eagles held a 1-hour and 47-minute practice session in shells and shorts, setting the stage for a series of critical evaluations. The absence of several players was notable, including OL Matt Hennessy, TE Albert Okwuegbunam, S Caden Sterns, WR John Ross, OL Tyler Steen, and WR Johnny Wilson. However, DT Gabe Hall, TE E.J. Jenkins, WR Joseph Ngata, and DT Moro Ojomo made their returns to practice, bringing a lift to the team’s morale.
Key Performances
One of the standout moments of the day was Guard Mekhi Becton taking first-team reps at right guard. This development came on the heels of Landon Dickerson's swift return to practice after seemingly favoring his knee on Sunday, demonstrating his resilience and commitment.
Running back Saquon Barkley had to leave the final period of team drills to get his lower back worked on—a concerning sign with the roster cuts just around the corner. Tight end Dallas Goedert participated in the individual period but sat out the team portion, indicating that the coaching staff is being cautious with his workload.
Wide Receiver Battles
Wide receiver Ainias Smith shone brightly, besting both safety Avonte Maddox and cornerback Eli Ricks on consecutive reps. His performance undoubtedly caught the eye of the coaching staff, adding to the intrigue of the Eagles' receiving corps. In contrast, cornerback Cooper DeJean had a mixed day, allowing an easy completion to Britain Covey and getting beaten by Covey in another play. This inconsistency will be something to watch as the roster decisions near.
Defensive Highlights
Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell made his presence felt by forcing an incompletion against DeVonta Smith and disrupting a sweep to Barkley. His vocal encouragement, "That's a route right there," resonated on the practice field, reflecting his confidence and leadership.
Defensive back Parry Nickerson almost intercepted Jalen Hurts due to a miscommunication with A.J. Brown—a sequence that could have been a turning moment in a real game scenario. This misstep highlights the continuing need for impeccable communication between the quarterback and his receivers.
Quarterback Watch
Quarterback Tanner McKee had flashes of brilliance, completing a pass to Jacob Harris in a 1-on-1 drill against Eli Ricks and connecting with E.J. Jenkins on a deep pass. These moments of precision are exactly what the coaching staff hopes to see as McKee continues to develop.
Line of Scrimmage Dominance
The offensive line, steered by Mekhi Becton’s first-team reps, showed grit and determination. Fred Johnson in particular had a standout practice, excelling in both run blocking and pass protection. His ability to manhandle Eli Ricks during a run play was a testament to his strength and technique, highlighting why he's been a key figure in the camp. Head Coach Nick Sirianni was heard encouraging, “Good job, E.J.,” a clear indicator of the positive atmosphere and focused effort being fostered within the squad.
Pressuring the Quarterback
Julian Okwara was a disruptive force on the defensive side, forcing Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett to flush right and leading to an incompletion during 11-on-11s. Okwara continued to generate pressure later in practice, leading to a throwaway. His capability to create havoc in the backfield will undoubtedly be crucial as the team prepares for the regular season.
As the Eagles navigate these final days of training camp, the intensity is palpable. Each practice, each rep, and each snap takes on added significance as the roster cuts approach and players vie to prove their worth. With the preseason finale on the horizon, the competition within the squad is fiercer than ever, promising a thrilling conclusion to this year’s training camp.