Can you hear that? That’s the sound of pads clashing down at the NovaCare Complex. The third day of Training Camp saw the Eagles put on the pads for the first time. here’s everything you need to know.
Wentz week 1:
There has been plenty of hype surrounding the potential week 1 return of Carson Wentz and that was only amplified when the face of the franchise competed in 11-on-11 drills. With Pads. Yep, Carson Wentz was almost a full participant in today’s practice and even though he threw a couple of interceptions, it’s hard not to be totally amazed.
Wentz fires a pass to Shelton Gibson 25 yards down the sideline. Another strong day for the Eagles’ Week 1 starting QB.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) July 28, 2018
Asked Carson Wentz if he had to be cleared to partake in 11-on-11 full pad drills.
CW: “Did 11-on-11s the other day.”
Me: But those were non-contact in shorts and shells.
CW: Shrugs shoulders.
Me: Looks like you could play tomorrow if need be.
CW: Shrugs shoulders.#Eagles
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) July 28, 2018
Wentz just had two players (lightly) bump into his leg by mistake during an 11-o11. He’s fine and kept running but shows the risk of having him in team #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) July 28, 2018
Pocket collapsed around Wentz, nearly tripped him up but he stayed on his feet. There will be some breath-holding moments along the way.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) July 28, 2018
H O W. Does Wentz have a secret identity as Ironman? We may never know. Either way, to see a man coming off an ACL tear working this intensely so soon is both amazing and a little scary. As the intensity picks up, there will have to be natural caution about his participation in each practice. But for now, he’s doing nothing but wowing everyone in attendance.
Bausby’s rise:
The emergence of De’Vante Bausby has been thrilling to watch and the best part is, we’re just getting started. As the battle for slot reps and even starting roles continue to unfold, Bausby is forcing his hat into the mix at any given opportunity.
De’Vante Bausby leaping pass breakup on Foles throw in 7 on 7. #BigBaus #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) July 28, 2018
If you want a Training Camp sleeper, look no further.
Goedert’s getting to work:
It’s not taking long for Philly’s second-round pick to breakout and show what he’s made of, not long at all.
Goedert looking real good in 7 on 7. The guy gets open and catches the ball. #analysis #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) July 28, 2018
The underdog tight end was a tremendous threat for opposing defenses at the FCS level and with Zach Ertz mentoring him, the ceiling could be even higher than we first thought.
The fairytale:
If there’s ever a true underdog story that has a fairytale ending, it’s one of a USC wideout who struggled mightily during his first two years in the NFL, before enjoying a remarkable breakout and winning a Super Bowl ring. That chapter may be closed, but a fresh one is just being titled and this could be the year in which Agholor completely rips the NFL to shreds.
Nelson Agholor has looked especially fast in camp. Not that he was slow before but just even faster. Not worried about regression. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) July 28, 2018
WR v. DB. One major takeaway.
Agholor looks stellar.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) July 28, 2018
Nelson Agholor has the best hands on the team. Just held onto a ball despite very tough coverage #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) July 28, 2018
If the leap from year one to year two in a new scheme was big, can you imagine the scale of what we could see this year, now that his chemistry with Wentz is flourishing?
Seumalo struggles:
The documented struggles of Isaac Seuamlo aren’t painting a complimentary picture of the former Oregon offensive lineman right now, but on what may be his final lifeline, a transition to center, he’s still struggling to settle down.
Isaac Seumalo doesn’t just snap the ball sometimes. He snaps it WAY high over QBs head. Just got some scolding from Doug Pederson. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) July 28, 2018
It could be a long offseason for the former third round pick.
Green Goblin:
Jalen Mills is quite the enigma. There may be no player on the field who plays as hard or wears his heart on his sleeve as visibly as Mills, but his play has been notably inconsistent. The ultimate underdog seventh-round pick could be out to prove even more people wrong this season and is going the right away about it.
Jalen Mills having a nice camp. Multiple PBUs and just picked off Carson Wentz while covering Mack Hollins. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) July 28, 2018
Mills has started out strong this Summer and is always a reliable face to make those around him better. That should continue deep into camp.
Willing on Shelly:
The story of Nelson Agholor is inspiring and should be to someone like Shelton Gibson, who finds himself in a position somewhat similar to the former first round pick did two years ago. The Eagles have an established WR corps with plenty of leadership and a strong coach in Gunter Brewer, so the support arm is the strongest it’s ever been.
2nd team receivers: Ward, Wheaton, and Gibson. Shelton just got two schemed space plays to him. They want him to become something.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) July 28, 2018
It’s clear that the coaching staff are pushing Gibson to be his absolute best and he could be another big name to watch out for as an underdog.
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The true underdog on the OL:
Mailata may be the draft darling that everyone wants to see make the leap from Rugby to the NFL, but TCU’s Matt Pryor could be the most dangerous rookie that nobody is talking about.
Jordan Mailata gets a lot of attention for his size, and rightfully so. But Matt Pryor is #huge as well #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) July 28, 2018
Not only is Pryor a bruiser at 6’7, 338 lbs, but he’s got an incredible work ethic and an existing relationship with Halapoulivaati Vaitai. Here’s an interview I conducted with him earlier this offseason.
Eagles reunite TCU tandem in drafting Matt Pryor and he’s wasting no time in getting to work
Punting problems:
The Eagles placed faith in Cameron Johnston as their punter when they let Donnie Jones go as a free agent, but after a tough start to the Summer, they may need to give Mr Longball a call.
Can’t see the #Eagles sticking with Cameron Johnston if he keeps punting the way he has since the spring. Had another shaky session. Team may wait to pick up competition. Donnie Jones is still out on the street. #justsayin
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) July 28, 2018
The special teams unit needs depth as it is, without needing to worry about the consistency of their punter. Johnston has proven himself to be worthy of the spot, but can he keep it? We may need to see some extra competition breathing down his neck to truly find out.
Running back picture:
While Josh Adams continues to struggle, Darren Sproles is arguably looking the best he ever has. The running back complexion is changing each and every day and while Ajayi and Clement could be considered the only two ‘locks’ at this stage, nobody outside of Sproles is really making this period their own in the way Clement did one year ago. We’ll need to see much more from the plentiful backfield for confidence to be fully restored in the committee.
Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
