After a wet, dreary start to the weekend, the Philadelphia Eagles were welcomed by sunshine on Sunday morning as they returned to the NovaCare Complex. This day's practice session, which stretched for just shy of two hours, marked a pivotal moment as the team embarked on the final leg of their training camp journey.
Standout Performances
The Eagles' practice was rich with spirited competition and standout performances. Defensive tackles Jalen Carter, Thomas Booker IV, and Milton Williams showcased their formidable skills in a series of drills. Carter managed to best right tackle Darian Kinnard, while Booker effortlessly blew past Anim Dankwah, and Williams bulldozed over Gottlieb Ayedze.
On the offensive line, center Cam Jurgens successfully thwarted a bull rush from Jordan Davis. Guard Landon Dickerson, despite favoring his knee, managed to hold off Milton Williams in one rep and did not miss any team drill snaps. Standing in as right guard in the absence of Tyler Steen, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, Brett Toth took on first-team responsibilities.
Injuries and Absences
The practice wasn't without its setbacks. Left tackle Mekhi Becton left the field with an apparent right leg injury. Alongside Steen, the Eagles were also missing the presence of Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, and Lane Johnson, each dealing with their own setbacks and injuries.
Defensive Dominance
The Eagles' defense exhibited remarkable resilience and skill throughout the session. Linebacker Nakobe Dean made an emphatic statement, "I'm not back. I'm better," after pummelling DeVonta Smith on a pass in the flat. On a less positive note for the offense, rookie quarterback Tanner McKee struggled, throwing two interceptions during practice. Ben VanSumeren intercepted one pass during the 11-on-11 team period, and Parry Nickerson picked off another, returning it 95 yards for a touchdown.
Among those defending the pass, Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. were especially impactful. Trotter Jr. managed consecutive breakups, while Zech McPhearson, Brandon Smith, and Terrell Lewis also made valuable contributions. Defensive end Josh Sweat was unstoppable, recording sacks on three consecutive plays.
Offensive Highlights
Despite the defensive dominance, there were moments of brilliance from the offense. Saquon Barkley found the end zone, scoring a touchdown through the A gap during a red zone period. Reflecting on his return, Barkley expressed optimism: "When the Eagles unleash Barkley, this offense should be dangerous on Sundays."
Quarterback Jalen Hurts provided a steadying presence, maintaining his streak of not throwing any interceptions through 14 practices—a promising sign for the Eagles as they edge closer to their preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings.
Concluding the Day
As the practice wrapped up, the team faced both hope and apprehension. There were notable performances on both sides of the ball, but injuries and the uneven performance from some players underscored the work that remains. According to one player, "This wasn't a good day for the offense," a sentiment that will surely fuel a renewed focus as the Eagles continue their preparations.
The coming days will be crucial as both the offense and defense seek to hone their skills and find a cohesive groove. With the preseason finale on the horizon, the team has its sights set on sharpening their dynamics and entering the next phase of their journey with confidence and precision.