The Philadelphia Eagles showcased their readiness and competitive spirit during their 89-minute practice session at the NovaCare Complex on Sunday. The team is primed for a joint practice later this week with the New England Patriots in Foxborough, and the intensity of the drills reflected their commitment to the upcoming season.
Intense One-on-One Battles
One of the highlights of the practice was the fierce one-on-one matchups between Quinyon Mitchell and Devonta Smith. The sessions were a testament to the high level of competitiveness within the squad. Smith managed to catch a pass in the first round, but Mitchell's resilience shone through as he forced incompletions in the subsequent two rounds. Safety Andre Sam also demonstrated his prowess by outperforming wide receiver Ainias Smith in their drill.
Standout Performances
Receiver Johnny Wilson made significant strides, securing the majority of WR3 snaps and making notable plays, including catching a pass from Jalen Hurts in the back corner of the end zone over Quinyon Mitchell. The veteran wide receiver A.J. Brown also had an incredible moment, catching a touchdown pass in the red zone over two defenders. Brown celebrated exuberantly, much to the excitement of his teammates, and punctuated his jubilation with a spirited “Hell no!”
Defensive Dominance
Jalyx Hunt had an impressive outing, batting down a Jalen Hurts pass during the 11-on-11 drills and participating in a punt block during special teams practice. "Jalyx Hunt might have had his best practice of the camp," commented Vic Fangio, underscoring Hunt's impact on the field. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. also stood out by blitzing Kenny Pickett to force an incompletion and maintaining solid pass coverage on Saquon Barkley.
Player Status Updates
As for the injury front, several key players missed the session. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was absent for the third consecutive practice due to a shoulder injury. Linebacker Oren Burks missed his 10th straight practice session, while wide receiver Parris Campbell was absent for the fourth consecutive time. Tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam and Grant Calcaterra were also sidelined due to injuries.
Several players, including safety Mekhi Garner, linebacker Brandon Smith, and pass rusher Patrick Johnson, had limited participation due to various injuries.
Position Battles and Depth
Mekhi Becton seems to be the frontrunner for the starting right guard position. Despite throwing up during practice, Becton’s determination was evident as he did not miss any plays. Both Britain Covey and Johnny Wilson occupied WR3 snaps extensively. Covey, established as a reliable wideout and punt returner, and Wilson, making a strong case for a roster spot, are both key pieces in the Eagles' depth chart.
In Gardner-Johnson’s absence, Avonte Maddox started alongside Reed Blankenship, with James Bradberry receiving first-team reps at the safety position. Zack Baun and Devin White held the starting linebacker spots, while Nakobe Dean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. rotated in with the second team. Dean also saw some action with the first team, highlighting the coaching staff's confidence in his abilities.
Cornerback Depth
The cornerback position featured Isaiah Rodgers starting opposite Darius Slay, with Kelee Ringo also receiving first-team reps. Quinyon Mitchell was positioned in the slot, showcasing his versatility and competitiveness.
Throughout the practice, the Eagles displayed a high level of intensity and depth, indicative of their preparedness and hunger for the upcoming season. Each drill, play, and individual effort seemed to build momentum and anticipation not just for their joint practice with the Patriots, but for the season as a whole.