Mekhi Becton's Rise: From Training Camp Struggles to Preseason Standout
As training camp commenced for the Philadelphia Eagles, Mekhi Becton faced immediate challenges, particularly in his matchups against defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Initially, Becton struggled to keep pace with Carter's speed and technique. However, through dedication and hard work, Becton showcased a notable transformation, gradually turning the tide in his favor. Over time, he began to balance his matchups with Carter more evenly, displaying the resilience and adaptability that earned him recognition as the frontrunner for the starting right guard position.
Training camp served as the crucible in which Becton honed his skills. He embraced the competitive environment, stating, "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. We're starting to get each other's numbers. We're working. Iron sharpens iron." This mindset and his incremental improvements on the practice field did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff and his teammates.
First Live Game Experience at Right Guard
Becton's first real test came during the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. This game marked an important milestone; it was Becton's debut at right guard in a live game. The Eagles opted to start him as the lone first-team offensive player on the field, revealing their level of trust in his abilities. Becton played eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen, providing a glimpse of his potential in a new role.
Reflecting on his performance, Becton emphasized the importance of post-game analysis. "There's always room for improvement on anything. 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 [Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland] and figure out what we need to do. We'll come together and combine it," he remarked. His openness to learning and adapting underlines his commitment to mastering the intricacies of the right guard position.
Support from Teammates and Coaches
Becton's journey of transition has been supported by insightful guidance from seasoned teammates and coaches. Cam Jurgens, an experienced offensive lineman, has provided valuable advice to Becton about the nuances of playing guard. "A lot of it's talking about angles and where I want him to be and just how different every D-lineman plays. You're going to have two gappers, penetrators, different guys play different techniques, so figuring out how the footwork changes from each defensive guy and where that linebacker is and if we have certain motions where it may change our footwork," shared Jurgens.
Landon Dickerson also acknowledged Becton's progress, praising his swift adjustment to the position. "A little bit of an adjustment for him, but the way he's built, the way he can move with his long arms, his reach, his lateral quickness, I think right now he's really excelling at that position. And it is an adjustment, but he's handling it extremely well," Dickerson commented. Such commendations reflect the respect and confidence Becton has earned within the team.
For Becton, the learning curve has centered around perfecting his footwork and hand techniques. “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 and I did attack it," he asserted. This focused approach has undeniably contributed to his rapid evolution at right guard.
Outlook for the Season
As the Eagles prepare for the regular season, Becton's development stands as a critical factor for the team's offensive line. His ability to adapt and improve has positioned him as a key asset, ready to take on the starting role at right guard. The collective efforts of the coaching staff, coupled with the support from teammates like Jurgens and Dickerson, have been instrumental in shaping Becton's readiness for the upcoming challenges. With a blend of physical skills and a determined mindset, Becton is poised to contribute significantly to the Eagles' success this season.