July 31, 2017
So far at Eagles training camp, the offense has been the story. Carson Wentz, now unquestionably the team’s starting quarterback, has been dialed in to the point that the ball hasn’t even touched the ground in some drills.
The Eagles receivers have also been impressive. Torrey Smith has shown an ability to find soft spots in zone coverages. Nelson Agholor has impressed in what should be a make-or-break spot. Marcus Johnson looks like he has a legit chance to make the Eagles roster. Alshon Jeffery is Alshon Jeffery.
But the downside is that the receivers are going against their own teammates. And as Tommy Lawlor writes at Iggles Blitz, the Eagles cornerbacks struggled the first week of camp:
The Eagles are looking for a “good enough” solution for 2017. That might be Mills, Robinson and Ron Brooks in the slot. Maybe playing in games will bring out the best in Douglas. C.J. Smith and Aaron Grymes have each had good moments. They will battle for jobs and playing time.
One bright spot is that the Eagles do have some young players they are trying to develop. Previously the team was cycling through veterans who weren’t that good today and didn’t have a lot of potential for the future.
To sum up the first week for the Eagles CBs, recall this play from Jimmy’s practice notes on Friday:
2016 undrafted free agent David Watford smoked a corner on a deep ball down the sideline for a TD after a double move, to the delight of the fans in attendance. The problem? The corner was starter Patrick Robinson. That's not ideal.
In terms of potential additions to the secondary, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that the despite some rumors that the Eagles would be interested in free agent Darrelle Revis, “that seems like a little bit of a stretch from my understanding. I’m not sure how much interest there really is [from the Eagles].”
1. Practice notes: It’s good to see that Carson Wentz has been sharp and both safeties are playing physical in the secondary, but it’s frankly irresponsible #journalizing from Kempski not to include a note about himself getting roasted by a jogging Malcolm Jenkins in the 40-yard dash:
.@JimmyKempski was running a 40-yd dash after @Eagles practice today.
— Matt Mullin (@matt_mullin) July 30, 2017
Then @MalcolmJenkins ran up like Willie Mays Hayes in Major League... pic.twitter.com/85I1dOJ5R4
2. Mixing it up: When you look at the Eagles depth chart at running back, there isn’t necessarily a complete player. So, how do you avoid telegraphing swing passes when Donnel Pumphrey is in and runs up the gut when LeGarrette Blount is on the field?
3. Who's who: The first seven days of training camp are in the books, and after careful consideration, we're pretty sure Carson Wentz is going to make the team. Here's who else we'll project to make the final 53-man roster.
Peyton Manning Had the Best Offensive Teammates Among Top Quarterbacks in 2000's; Donovan McNabb Had the Worst: Jason Lisk, The Big Lead
Wait, you mean James Thrash and Freddie Mitchell weren’t Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne? Before Terrell Owens came, the Eagles receivers were made much better by the presence of Donovan McNabb:
As it turns out, McNabb does come in with the lowest average teammate score, just ahead of Carson Palmer. My examination, unlike Adam’s, included the offensive line. McNabb’s skill position teammates were the drag on his score, and his offensive line teammates were more in line with others.
Nelson Agholor catches on with Eagles fans: Jeff McLane, Philadelphia Inquirer
As well as Agholor has been practicing, I’m going to need to see a major improvement at least in preseason games before I’m a believer. That said, good on the Eagles fans at The Linc on Sunday trying to rally behind him:
“I loved it. It was amazing and I appreciated it,” Agholor said afterward. “I really do because at the end of the day they’re behind me because they’re behind the Eagles. I’m a representation of the Eagles.”
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
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