PHILADELPHIA — On the primary full-padded apply of coaching camp, the warmth took over the NovaCare Complicated. The Eagles moved apply up an hour resulting from temperatures that reached as much as 96 levels, one of many hottest days of the summer season.
Not essentially the most superb circumstances for the primary full-padded apply, however the Eagles did not appear to care. With September video games in opposition to the Chiefs in Kansas Metropolis and the Buccaneers in Tampa, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and quarterback Jalen Hurts had their very own methods to fight the scorching climate.
“It isn’t sizzling right this moment. That is a mindset,” Fangio mentioned as he wore a full sweatshirt. “We’ll play some sizzling video games in September, and in the event you cave to a sizzling day in coaching camp, we’re in hassle.”
Hurts had certainly one of his memorable quotes that stood out relating to the warmth, one thing that actually will go down in his top-10 quotes since getting drafted by the Eagles.
“Fatigue makes cowards of us all.”
Because the Eagles braved the warmth for a apply that lasted an hour and 55 minutes, listed below are the 5 greatest takeaways from the Tuesday apply.
LB competitors heats up
Each Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Jihaad Campbell made a thundering first impression in full pads, actually. With Zack Baun out (again contusion) and Nakobe Dean nonetheless rehabbing (patella tendon), Campbell obtained first-team reps on the weak aspect whereas Trotter performed within the center.
In regular circumstances with each linebacker wholesome, Trotter and Campbell can be on the second staff. It was additionally simple to inform each have been in the identical room collectively finding out their craft, making spotlight performs when the ball got here their means.
Trotter had a tough hit on Eagles operating again Will Shipley, ending the sort out as Shipley was able to run out of bounds on a fast reception. Absolutely the 2 collided like that from their days at Clemson, however Trotter confirmed nice instincts in opposition to his faculty — and now professional — teammate. He additionally broke up a landing cross meant for Eagles tight finish Dallas Goedert, however there was a flag on the play.
Campbell hit Goedert laborious within the flat and despatched him to the bottom, showcasing his aggression for the second straight day. On Monday, Campbell knocked the ball out of Tanner McKee’s palms on a crimson zone play — which is frowned upon going close to the quarterback like that.
The competitors between Campbell and Trotter can be a enjoyable one. One among them can be beginning subsequent to Baun.
Padded banter
With the pads on, the selection phrases had been popping out because the temperature acquired hotter. The primary incidence was when Jahan Dotson appeared to have a powerful catch on a Hurts rollout cross with Cooper DeJean protecting him. Dotson appeared to get each toes in whereas the ball was bobbling within the air and snagged the catch, however the cross was dominated incomplete.
Dotson appeared to say one thing to DeJean after the play, which led to a pleasant shove from DeJean. Later within the apply, the Eagles had been going for a two-point conversion to win the sport — a situational drill from head coach Nick Sirianni.
Saquon Barkley took the handoff and was capable of get into the tip zone with DeJean set to drag a pop on him. Barkley additionally lowered his shoulder to ensure he scored, wherein offensive sort out Lane Johnson yelled “That is in, motherf—er”
The warmth actually introduced out the aggressive aspect of the Eagles.
Jahan Dotson making most of second chance with Eagles, growing up and embracing new role in loaded WR room
Jeff Kerr
Josh Uche continues to shine
Uche has had a robust begin to camp, which continued in Tuesday’s apply. The padded apply showcased how briskly Uche can get to the quarterback, because the cross rusher pressured Hurts to roll to his proper on a cross that resulted in a throw away. In an precise sport, Uche arguably might have gotten to Hurts. His quickness on the sting is clear.
Later within the apply, Uche beat Eagles proper sort out Darian Kinnard for a sack when he was on the second staff. Uche has earned some first-team reps and seems to be the highest choice behind Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt at cross rusher.
Offense is shaky
Protection actually gained this apply for the second consecutive day, getting the higher of the offense. That is going to occur within the warmth of battle, particularly with how regularly Fangio disguises protection and line stunts.
The irritating half for the offense wasn’t getting beat on the line of scrimmage, however the variety of pre-snap penalties that occurred (my rely was six). The official at apply even mentioned his arm was getting sore from throwing so many flags.
There have been some low snaps in shotgun from middle Brett Toth as properly, because the veteran is filling in with the primary staff whereas Cam Jurgens is proscribed (again). Maybe rookie Drew Kendall might earn extra of a glance with the primary staff within the coming practices.
The protection has been profitable practices just lately, an enormous victory for a unit that had its questions heading into camp.
Biggest position battles of Eagles training camp: Several defensive starter spots up for grab
Jeff Kerr
Camp darling
Yearly, there seems to be a participant who’s unheralded however reveals up in apply and will get on the radar. This 12 months’s model is Elijah Cooks, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound huge receiver getting into his third season out of San Jose State. Cooks spent his first two seasons with the Jaguars, taking part in 11 video games and having three catches for a complete of 38 yards.
In what has turn into routine through the coaching camp practices, Cooks has made a powerful catch every day. Second-team quarterback Tanner McKee threw a cross at its highest level in the midst of the tip zone, a cross he appeared to sail away.
There was Cooks, making a highlight-reel catch with two defensive backs tailing him for the landing within the situational crimson zone drill. Cooks is getting extra alternatives with the second staff due to the catches he is making, making the most of a thinned depth chart with DeVonta Smith out (again tightness) and Terrace Marshall Jr. leaving apply early Tuesday with an obvious decrease physique harm.
“It is good when a man his dimension is aware of methods to use his physique and has nice palms,” McKee mentioned. “I believe Elijah is having an incredible camp up to now. Actually excited to throw with him within the preseason and see what he can do in a sport.
“He is making nice connections and is a superb receiver.”
Two huge receiver spots are up for grabs on the Eagles roster. Cooks is taking part in his means into the competitors with Marshall, Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson, and Avery Williams. He’ll be enjoyable to observe within the preseason.