After enduring a soggy start to the weekend, the Philadelphia Eagles were welcomed by a radiant Sunday morning at the NovaCare Complex. The team now embarks on the final leg of their training camp journey, eager to fine-tune their skills before the preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings.
An Intense Practice Session
The practice session lasted one hour and 53 minutes, during which players engaged in various team drills and intense 1-on-1 battles. Center Cam Jurgens demonstrated remarkable resilience, managing to hold off a bull rush from Jordan Davis. The defensive line also showcased their prowess; Jalen Carter, Thomas Booker IV, and Milton Williams each delivered standout performances in their respective drills. Carter beat right tackle Darian Kinnard, Booker blew past Anim Dankwah, and Williams bulldozed over Gottlieb Ayedze.
Injuries and Adjustments
Among the offensive linemen, guard Landon Dickerson appeared to favor his knee, limping through much of the practice. However, Dickerson displayed his grit by holding off Milton Williams in one rep and did not miss any team drill snaps. On a more concerning note, Mekhi Becton left practice with what seemed to be a right leg injury, while 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.
Defensive Dominance
The defense's dominance didn't go unnoticed. Thomas Booker went a perfect 3-for-3 in his 1-on-1 matchups, while Brandon Graham beat guard Trevor Keegan off the edge. Linebacker Nakobe Dean delivered a crushing hit on DeVonta Smith during a pass in the flat, further demonstrating his return to form, with Dean confidently stating, "I'm not back. I'm better."
Meanwhile, Tanner McKee faced challenges, throwing two interceptions during practice. Ben VanSumeren intercepted McKee’s pass during the 11-on-11 team period, and Parry Nickerson returned another interception 95 yards for a touchdown. The secondary also proved disruptive, with pass breakups by Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who recorded consecutive breakups.
Offensive Struggles
The offensive unit faced a tough outing. This sentiment was echoed by one player who remarked, "This wasn’t a good day for the offense." However, there were some flashes of brilliance. Josh Sweat recorded sacks on three consecutive plays, while Saquon Barkley found an opening through the A gap to score a touchdown during a red zone period. Barkley's performance has many excited about the potential of the Eagles' offense, with the running back himself hinting at future success by saying, "When the Eagles unleash Barkley, this offense should be dangerous on Sundays."
Looking Ahead
As the Eagles prepare for their preseason finale against the Vikings, there is a blend of optimism and caution within the team. Notably, Jalen Hurts remains steadfast, having not thrown any interceptions through 14 practices. The team will focus on honing both offensive and defensive skills in the lead-up to the game, wrapping up another practice session filled with hope and some trepidation.
Sunday’s practice demonstrates the Eagles' determination and the intensity of their preparation as they approach the new season. Both units have room to improve, and with key players stepping up, the team looks poised to refine their strategies in the coming days.