The Philadelphia Eagles’ training camp, which just opened this week in Philadelphia, has been a destination for curious fans and eager analysts. As the crew prepares for the new season, Eagles reporter Tim McManus gives us his take on some key players, position battles, and who really stood out in camp. With the roster still in flux, several players are making their case for a spot on the depth chart, while others are solidifying their roles ahead of the regular season.
During the camp, Jalen Hurts, the team’s quarterback, received a warm welcome from the Darby football team, reflecting his growing leadership and community presence. His performance has been a focal point, particularly as he leans on standout players like A.J. Brown and Dallas Goedert. Hurts came into camp with these sorts of expectations. He’s faced adversity, like throwing an interception to Eli Ricks which has raised some alarms over his recent effectiveness.
Notable Performances from Key Players
A.J. Brown has been a highlight of the training camp, showcasing his exceptional skills with a stunning one-handed catch during practice. His ability to come down with the tough catches has not escaped the eyes of his coaches and teammates. Offensive standout Kylen Granson had a great practice today, one that’s being dubbed his best of the summer by most onlookers. He established himself as Hurts’ favorite target.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was the story on defense. He was credited with a “sack” on Hurts and even batted down one of his passes. This performance is a sign of Trotter’s continued emergence in his role, showcasing his talent to consistently generate quarterback pressures. Quinyon Mitchell made a significant impact by securing the first interception of camp, further highlighting the competitive nature of the practices.
“He has tendencies like Micah [Parsons], to be able to cut on a dime like that.” – Jordan Mailata
Position Battles and Depth Chart Movement
Now that training camp is in full swing, position battles are heating up. Cooper DeJean is gaining attention for his versatility, getting looks at safety in base packages alongside his duties as a nickel cornerback. This second-half role could come in extremely useful as Vic Fangio looks to grow DeJean’s plate in Year 2.
Kelee Ringo has had a rough start to camp, surrendering three long touchdowns in camp. This experience can serve to make him more well-rounded as he learns and grows to adapt to this cutthroat landscape. Jihaad Campbell practiced in a limited capacity but participated in some team drills, indicating his ongoing recovery and potential contributions moving forward.
Will Shipley turned some heads as well in practice, as he ran past Campbell for a touchdown on a wheel route. This play was a good reminder of Shipley’s ability to make important plays in the biggest moments. It complicates things further on the depth chart as the team continues to evaluate all options.
Overall Camp Observations
Overall, the Eagles’ training camp has been a showcase of development in players and an overall sense of improvement on the roster. Saquon Barkley shone with two rushing touchdowns during practice, showcasing his skills and reinforcing his role as a key offensive player. Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts continues to develop chemistry with his primary targets, A.J. Brown and Dallas Goedert, who have both made impressive catches throughout the camp.
Hurts had a few efficiency misfortunes, most notably with the Ricks pick. Still, the mood remains upbeat as the squad looks ahead with excitement to implementing these changes for 2020, including additional tweaks and adjustments. The coaching staff is closely monitoring each player’s performance and making necessary adjustments to ensure they are well-prepared for upcoming challenges.
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