Becton's Rise: From Struggles to Success at Eagles Training Camp
Mekhi Becton's journey through the Philadelphia Eagles' training camp has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Initially, the young offensive lineman faced hurdles, particularly in his matchups against Jalen Carter. These early challenges seemed to set the tone for a daunting preseason, but Becton’s tenacity soon began to shine through.
"It's been fun. We had a little back and forth today. We went against each other, and you know I'm starting to catch up to him. I'm starting to get his number," Becton said, reflecting on his improvements against Carter. "Iron sharpens iron."
As training camp progressed, Becton's hard work paid off. He started to balance his matchups more evenly, showcasing an inspiring level of adaptability and skill. This upward trajectory in his performance has not gone unnoticed. Landon Dickerson, an established member of the Eagles' offensive line, highlighted Becton's swift adjustment, stating, "It's an adjustment, but he's handling it extremely well." Dickerson further praised Becton’s ability to succeed, even as he transitioned to a new position on the field.
In fact, Becton's improvement has positioned him as the frontrunner for the starting right guard role as the Eagles gear up for Week 1 of the season. His determination and effort peaked during the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Becton, the only first-team starter on offense to take the field, played eight crucial snaps before making way for Tyler Steen. This game marked his first experience playing right guard in a live scenario, underscoring the progress he had made through his diligent preparation.
Post-game, Becton emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and detailed reviews with Jeff Stoutland, the Eagles' offensive line coach. "This was the first time I ever played right guard in a live game. Of course, I'm gonna look at the film with Stout and figure out what we need to do," Becton shared. He clearly understands that the journey to mastering the right guard position is ongoing and collaborative.
Support from veteran players like Cam Jurgens has also been instrumental in Becton's development. Jurgens provided Becton with valuable insights into the nuances of the right guard position, emphasizing the importance of angles and the varying techniques of defensive linemen. "A lot of it's talking about angles and where I want him to be and just how different every D-lineman plays," Jurgens explained.
Becton's commitment to honing his craft is further evidenced by his focus on fundamental techniques such as footwork and hand usage. "It's still O-line at the end of the day. I still gotta get my hands. I still gotta do my footwork. It's just all about attacking my footwork," Becton remarked, showcasing his dedication to the finer points of his position.
These efforts haven’t gone unnoticed by his teammates or the coaching staff. Landon Dickerson's acknowledgment of Becton's potential—"the way he can move with his long arms, his reach, his lateral quickness"—signals a strong vote of confidence in Becton’s ability to excel as a right guard. According to Dickerson, Becton has not only adjusted well but is excelling at his new role, which bodes well for the stability of the Eagles' offensive line as they advance through the season.
As the team approaches the regular season, Mekhi Becton stands as a testament to perseverance and adaptability. His journey from early struggles to emerging frontrunner is a narrative that underscores the value of hard work and resilience in the face of adversity. For the Eagles, Becton's rise could be a crucial element in building a formidable offensive line capable of powering the team’s ambitions for the upcoming season.