The Philadelphia Eagles fine-tuned their game during a brief but intensive session at the NovaCare Complex on Sunday, clocking in just shy of 90 minutes. The focus of the practice was clear: competitive drills and player evaluations as they gear up for a joint practice with the New England Patriots in Foxborough later this week.
An early highlight saw Quinyon Mitchell and Devonta Smith engage in three spirited one-on-one battles. Smith took the early lead, catching a pass in the first round, but Mitchell bounced back to force incompletions in the next two rounds, showcasing the depth and competitive spirit within the team.
Star Performances on the Field
Not to be outdone, veteran wide receiver A.J. Brown made a commanding statement by catching a touchdown pass over two defenders in the red zone. He celebrated exuberantly by kicking or punting the ball onto a neighboring practice field, punctuating the moment with a spirited "Hell no!" to any objections, characterizing the intensity and enthusiasm of the squad.
Safety Andre Sam also demonstrated his prowess, outperforming wide receiver Ainias Smith in a one-on-one drill. Meanwhile, Johnny Wilson emerged as a reliable option in the WR3 position, notably catching a Jalen Hurts pass in the back corner of the end zone over Mitchell.
As Head Coach Nick Sirianni and Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio surveyed the field, it was clear that the defense was in fine form. Jalyx Hunt had an impressive outing, batting down a Hurts pass during 11-on-11 drills and participating in blocking a punt during the special teams segment. Fangio noted, "Jalyx Hunt might have had his best practice of the camp." Additionally, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. consistently disrupted the offense, blitzing Kenny Pickett to force an incompletion and maintaining solid coverage on Saquon Barkley.
Health and Absences
However, the day was not without its absences. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a critical piece of the Eagles' secondary, missed his third straight practice due to a shoulder injury. Linebacker Oren Burks marked his 10th consecutive absence, while wide receiver Parris Campbell and tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam and Grant Calcaterra also sat out due to injuries. Limited participation came from safety Mekhi Garner and linebacker Brandon Smith, with pass rusher Patrick Johnson dealing with a lower leg contusion.
Mekhi Becton assumed the spotlight for a moment, solidifying his position as the front-runner for the starting right guard spot. Despite a mid-practice bout of illness, Becton displayed resilience, not missing a single play.
Position Battles and Team Composition
The competition for starting roles remains fierce, particularly in the secondary and linebacker units. Avonte Maddox lined up alongside Reed Blankenship in Gardner-Johnson’s absence, with James Bradberry taking first-team reps at safety. Linebackers Zack Baun and Devin White held down the starting spots, while Nakobe Dean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. worked with the second team, with Dean seeing some action with the first team.
The cornerback positions saw Isaiah Rodgers starting opposite Darius Slay, with Kelee Ringo and Quinyon Mitchell also getting first-team reps. Mitchell’s versatility allowed him to showcase his skills both in the slot and against top receivers like Smith and Wilson.
As the Eagles continue to build momentum for the upcoming season, the performances in practice reflect a team poised for success. With the joint practice with the Patriots on the horizon, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this competitive spirit translates into game-time performance.