The Eagles kickstarted the week with another OTA practice. While rain may have dampened the mood, it certainly didn’t take away from the intensity of the day. Media members watched on as the Eagles got to work on Tuesday, with many noting their observations on social media. Here’s what we learned from today’s action:
Fletch is back:
Call off the riots, Fletcher Cox has returned to voluntary workouts. It was never a big deal to begin with, but the franchise DT is back at the NovaCare Complex practicing with his teammates. Cox made the initial statement of intent via snapchat, sharing his location with those who viewed the story. The “Man-Dog” fielded questions from the media after practice, who were keen to learn what kept him from participating last week, but Cox was honest and straight to the point.
Fletcher Cox talking about missing OTAs, says he was with family. Not an emergency. Says football is important, but so is family #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) May 30, 2017
Absentees:
For those who were worried about Cox, strap yourselves in for this one. There were several players absent from today’s practice, but some had very valid reasons. For instance, Tim Jernigan’s child was born today, so from everyone here at Philly Sports Network, congratulations to Tim and his family! Elsewhere, the following players were missing:
LeGarrette Blount/Alex McCalister/Darren Sproles/Ron Brooks: Family/Personal reasons
Jordan Matthews: Knee tendinitis
Vinny Curry: Sickness
Marcus Smith: Nobody has any idea.
Donnie Jones/Jason Peters: No definite reasoning that we’re aware of
Mychal Kendricks: Limited due to a hamstring injury
It will be interesting to see where Marcus Smith is actually hiding, as he’s realistically the only player listed whose roster spot could be in immediate jeopardy.
Alshon goes off:
Number 17 is wasting no time making an impression on the Eagles brass. After setting the tone early on during the first day of OTA’s, just over a week later the narrative appears to be the same. From a strong work ethic to a competitive spike in the face of Rasul Douglas, Jeffery isn’t taking OTA’s lightly…which is EXACTLY the message he needs to be sending as a veteran on the roster.
Alshon does a ton of work on the sideline catching passes when he isn't in team drills. #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) May 30, 2017
Alshon just BEASTED Rasul Douglas. Douglas had tight coverage but Jeffery made contested catch. And then spiked it in Douglas' face. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) May 30, 2017
Now his spot may be secure as the starter this year from an outside view, but if he approached OTA’s with a laid back attitude, it would likely brush off on those around him. It’s great to see such fire being displayed early on, hopefully further embedding the competitive environment Pederson envisions.
Aggy’s bounce back carries more weight:
When reporters saw Nelson Agholor for the first time since the end of last season, many praised the crispness of his routes, and new energy so to speak. One week later, and it’s those same impressive catches and strong work ethic that seemed to be just as fluent.
Agholor went up and made a nice catch on a goal line slant route.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 30, 2017
Nelson Agholor burned Jalen Mills deep and Wentz hit the WR for a TD. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) May 30, 2017
There’s still a long way to go, but the apparent fire that has been lit in the belly of Nelson Agholor is still burning brightly.
Rasul Douglas flashes on a dark day:
The Eagles got their first real glimpse of what Rasul Douglas brings to the table today. The rookie cornerback was reportedly draped over everything that came his way (except the Alshon spike). After honing his craft against Shelton Gibson throughout his West Virginia days, Douglas was now starting outside against some premier NFL receiving threats and holding his own to say the least.
Rasul Douglas just broke on a slant and knocked it down. Got a really good jump on the throw from Wentz
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 30, 2017
Rasul Douglas just had a great few plays in a red zone drill #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) May 30, 2017
Pederson named Mills and Robinson the starters heading into OTA’s, but it hasn’t taken Douglas long to throw the Cat amongst the Pigeons.
A rocky day for Wentz:
Just like last year, Carson Wentz has endured a rollercoaster OTA period so far. The Eagles quarterback would be placing balls perfectly one moment on a touchdown pass to Nelson Agholor, before struggling later on. Again, it’s only early and the regular season is still 99 days away…but it is interesting to see just how bright the spotlight is shining on Wentz at this stage.
Wentz turns a broken play into long TD to Agholor, who burned Mills #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) May 30, 2017
Now Wentz with a worm burner to the feet of Trey Burton on a short pass over the middle.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) May 30, 2017
Wentz looks really erratic today. #Eagles
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) May 30, 2017
Grymes is back with a vengeance:
Last year, former Edmonton Eskimo Aaron Grymes turned heads as an undrafted free agent. The Eagles corner would top off his strong offseason, with an impressive interception that would lead to an AC-joint injury, eventually leading to his rookie season ending before it had a chance to start. One year later however, and it’s the same story for Aaron Grymes.
Nick Foles picked off clean by Aaron Grymes. Not the best decision to throw into coverage there. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) May 30, 2017
Nice string of plays for Aaron Grymes in Red Zone. Jumps route, intercepts Foles. 2 plays later has nice pass breakup in the corner. #Eagles
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) May 30, 2017
You can read about just why the Eagles dipped into the CFL for cornerback help here.
Green-Beckham still struggling:
DGB didn’t exactly get off to a hot start last week, and it doesn’t look like he’s been able to take a huge step forward as OTA’s unfold.
DGB still not looking very good. Not exactly running crisp routes. Dropping some passes. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) May 30, 2017
Annnnnnd Dorial Green-Beckham has a ball bounce off his chest on a tunnel screen. #Eagles
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) May 30, 2017
The writing could be on the wall for the former Titan if his form doesn’t begin to change, especially given the intensity of competition surrounding him.
Could Goode displace Mychal Kendricks?
With Mychal Kendricks being limited due to a hamstring injury, it was actually special teams ace, Najee Goode, who stepped up to the starting spot. The Eagles and Kendricks fairytale might already be staring at a bitter end, and if Goode can continue to flash as he did today, it might just prove to be enough for the Eagles to decide that they can survive without the once esteemed linebacker.
Najee Goode almost picks off Carson Wentz in 11 on 11. Dropped it. Short throw was intended for Celek. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) May 30, 2017
Some experimentation at CB:
After declaring Mills and Douglas were the two outside starters, the Eagles decided to move Jalen Mills into the slot, handing an outside role to Rasul Douglas. This could be due to the absence of Ron Brooks, but it’s worth noting that Mills did see a fair amount of time in Nickel formations during his rookie year.
#Eagles defense opens in nickel with Jalen Mills in the slot. Rasul Douglas, Patrick Robinson in outside.
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) May 30, 2017
This is the perfect opportunity for Douglas to prove himself worthy of a starting role, while Mills has yet another chance to express his versatility. The cornerback competition is wide open at this stage, so it’s great to see some minor tweaks this early, enabling players to really push and shine at numerous spots.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
