Practicing at the NovaCare Complex on Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles are ramping up their preparations for a joint practice with the New England Patriots later this week in Foxborough. With the session lasting 89 minutes, the day was packed with competitive drills and updates on player statuses, presenting a clear picture of the team's depth and spirit.
Standout Performances
In the one-on-one drills, wide receiver Devonta Smith and cornerback Quinyon Mitchell were a highlight. Smith caught a pass in their first battle, but Mitchell bounced back to force incompletions in the subsequent two rounds, illustrating the fierce competition within the team.
Johnny Wilson, who secured the majority of WR3 snaps, made an impressive catch over Mitchell in the back corner of the end zone off a pinpoint pass from Jalen Hurts. Wilson's bid for a roster spot appears strong, especially with veteran wide receiver A.J. Brown showcasing his dominance by catching a touchdown pass over two defenders in the red zone, then celebrating exuberantly. Brown's enthusiasm was palpable as he kicked the ball onto a neighboring practice field, punctuating his performance with a spirited “Hell no!” to further celebrations.
Safety Andre Sam also made a mark by outperforming wide receiver Ainias Smith in their one-on-one drill. On the defensive side, Jalyx Hunt demonstrated his prowess by batting down a Jalen Hurts pass during the 11-on-11 sessions and later participating in blocking a punt during special teams drills. Vic Fangio commented that Hunt might have had his best practice of the camp, a noteworthy endorsement from the veteran coach.
Defensive Highlights
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was another standout, blitzing quarterback Kenny Pickett to force an incompletion and maintaining solid pass coverage on running back Saquon Barkley. The defensive front seems poised and ready, with the synergy between the units becoming increasingly evident.
Defensive back Mekhi Becton, who is emerging as the frontrunner for the starting right guard position, threw up during practice but showed resilience by not missing any plays. Becton's tenacity could play a crucial role as the season progresses.
Injury Updates
The Eagles are also managing several injuries. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson missed his third straight practice due to a shoulder injury, while linebacker Oren Burks, wide receiver Parris Campbell, and tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam and Grant Calcaterra were also sidelined. Safety Mekhi Garner and linebacker Brandon Smith had limited participation, and pass rusher Patrick Johnson was restricted by a lower leg contusion.
Position Battles
With Gardner-Johnson out, Avonte Maddox started alongside Reed Blankenship, and James Bradberry took first-team reps at the safety position. At linebacker, Zack Baun and Devin White held the starting spots, while Nakobe Dean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. worked with the second team, though Dean saw some action with the first team. The cornerback unit saw Isaiah Rodgers starting opposite Darius Slay, with Kelee Ringo also receiving first-team reps and Quinyon Mitchell playing in the slot.
On offense, Britain Covey and Johnny Wilson primarily occupied WR3 snaps, with Covey established as a wideout and punt returner. Wilson continues to make his case for a roster spot with each practice session.
Building Momentum
The Eagles' practice reflected the competitive spirit and depth within the squad as they build momentum for the upcoming season. The intensity and camaraderie displayed on the field are promising signs of a team that is not just preparing but is eager to compete at the highest level. The upcoming joint practice with the Patriots will be an essential step in measuring their readiness and further solidifying their strategies as they march towards another challenging season.