After a soggy start to the weekend, the Philadelphia Eagles were greeted by radiant sunshine on Sunday morning at the NovaCare Complex. The team is on the final leg of their training camp journey, and the clear skies seemed to invigorate a squad looking to fine-tune their skills ahead of their preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings.
The practice session, lasting one hour and 53 minutes, featured a variety of team drills and intense 1-on-1 battles. One of the day's highlights was Center Cam Jurgens managing to hold off a bull rush from Jordan Davis, showcasing the competitive spirit that permeates the Eagles' roster.
Defensive Standouts
Several defensive players turned heads with their performances. Jalen Carter, Thomas Booker IV, and Milton Williams each demonstrated notable prowess in their drills. Carter successfully beat right tackle Darian Kinnard, while Booker blew past Anim Dankwah, and Williams bulldozed over Gottlieb Ayedze. Thomas Booker notably went 3-for-3 in his 1-on-1 matchups, further solidifying his place as a key player to watch.
Brandon Graham had a standout moment by beating guard Trevor Keegan off the edge. Meanwhile, linebacker Nakobe Dean made his presence felt by pummelling DeVonta Smith on a pass in the flat. Dean, reflecting on his performance, confidently stated, "I'm not back. I'm better."
Offensive Struggles
On the offensive side, it was a tough day. Guard Landon Dickerson favored his knee and limped through much of the practice but managed to hold off Milton Williams in one rep and did not miss any team drill snaps. Mekhi Becton left practice with a right leg injury, adding to the list of concerns for the Eagles' coaching staff. Tyler Steen remained sidelined with an ankle injury, leading Brett Toth to take over first-team right guard responsibilities.
Quarterbacks also had mixed results. Tanner McKee threw two interceptions during practice. Ben VanSumeren picked off one of McKee's passes during the 11-on-11 team period, and Parry Nickerson intercepted another, returning it 95 yards for a touchdown. Pass breakups were a frequent occurrence, with Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. each contributing. Trotter Jr. had consecutive pass breakups, underscoring a strong defensive performance.
Unyielding Pressure
Josh Sweat recorded sacks on three consecutive plays, a testament to the Eagles' relentless defensive pressure. Despite these defensive triumphs, the team's offense saw some bright spots as well. Saquon Barkley scored a touchdown through the A gap during a red zone period, offering a glimpse of what might be a formidable offensive weapon once the regular season begins. Reflecting on his impact, Barkley remarked, "When the Eagles unleash Barkley, this offense should be dangerous on Sundays."
Injuries and Absences
Several players did not participate in the practice, including Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, and Lane Johnson, making it a challenging day for depth testing. The absence of these players provided an opportunity for others to step up, but it also highlighted areas where the team needs to stay healthy to maintain their competitive edge.
Hope and Trepidation
As the practice wrapped up, there was a mix of hope and trepidation. Jalen Hurts, who has not thrown any interceptions through 14 practices, remains a beacon of consistency for the team. However, the struggles observed on both sides of the ball during this latest session serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done before the season kicks off.
Overall, the Eagles' practice session was a microcosm of their journey through the preseason - filled with standout performances, injury concerns, and the ever-present drive to improve. As they head into a week filled with more practices, both the offense and defense will aim to sharpen their skills and iron out any remaining kinks.