Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles Training Camp Notebook: Wide receivers steal the show as positional battle ensues

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The Eagles Training Camp Train has officially left the station. With fans in attendance for the first time this year, it’s safe to say that there is plenty of excitement and suspense with pre-season lying just around the corner. There’s a lot to be decided between now and then however, and we are well on our way to finding the answers. Here’s everything you need to know from today’s practice.

 

 

Swiss Army Knife:
The one position that the Eagles are still yet to really address is fullback. We know that the team have tried the likes of Beau Allen and Trey Burton at the position previously, and it’s Burton who enters Training Camp looking to build on his versatility.

Smith begins to breakout:

With Blount in the backfield, it will be worth keeping an eye on how the Eagles implement fullbacks this season, and if it’s a position that will eventually become one of priority. If it does, then these early reps for Trey Burton could be crucial.

 

 

Torrey Smith flashes former potential:
Even in his down-years with San Francisco, it was clear that Torrey Smith still had the explosiveness to be a dominant deep-threat. As Training Camp roars into life, the former Raven is showing exactly that.

Smith is competing for the WR2 position along with Nelson Agholor, so a quick heat up was exactly what the Doctor ordered considering Agholor’s strong spring.

 

 

With the pressure cooker on, Matthews responds:
After Matthews returned to action yesterday, he was questioned by the media about all things knee and contract related. Matthews responded by showing the world the same mentality he’s had since the day he was drafted by the Eagles.

A day of big plays was what Matthews needed to produce, and he did just that. His long-term future is up in the air, but it’s clear he’s hungry for his short-term future to involve Philadelphia and a playoff berth.

 

 

A big time player when it counts…but time is ticking:
After a scrutinized spring, there has been plenty of pressure on Shelton Gibson from those outside the locker room. We’ve heard for a while that Gibson is one of those players who show up on gameday and when the pads go on. Well, the time is now…and it’s also ticking.

A brief flash won’t save Gibson from yet more criticism as his confidence problems continue. Whether or not his spot is already in danger is widely (and wrongly) up for debate, but sooner or later Gibson has to show some reliability. The bar has been raised, so Gibson has to elevate his game too.

 

 

Pumphrey’s role is becoming clearer by the day:
Every day we seem to see notes about how Donnel Pumphrey is being used, and every day those notes involve lining up as a receiver and catching passes out of the backfield. Today was no exception.

Pumphrey and Sproles may be one of the most electric split backfields in the league, and after an OTA period where Wentz was growing increasingly comfortable targeting the smaller running back, it’s great to see that chemistry strengthen.

 

 

The QB to WR tandem continue to shine:
One day, it’s former University of Houston QB, Greg Ward Jr, stealing the show…and the next, it’s David Watford. Today was the turn of the more experienced Eagle, as Watford made a flurry of big plays.

The Wideouts are stealing the Training Camp spotlight as of right now, with Marcus Johnson being another of the names continuing to make plays against the corners competing for starting roles. It’s worrying that Patrick Robinson appeared to have a bad day, but there’s a long way left to go…and plenty more opportunities for both corner and wideout to shine.

 

 

 

Aggy’s going nowhere:
Since the end of Spring, the excitement swirling around Nelson Agholor is the highest it’s ever been, and it’s easy to see why. But the opening days of camp have seen Jordan Matthews and Torrey Smith steal the spotlight for different reasons. Agholor wanted to make it clear today that he’s going absolutely nowhere.

 

 

Cornerback competition ramping up:
After Randall Goforth went down with an apparent injury, the rest of the Eagles CB’s were left trying to make the most of their reps in his absence. The competition is ripe, and for Aaron Grymes and Mitchell White, it’s a proving ground they want to reap the benefits from.

The duo continue to turn heads, but whether or not Grymes will work his way into a slot battle or instead fight for outside spots is an interesting discussion. Mitchell White has had plenty of breakups and big plays this offseason, but has struggled to come down with picks where if he had, his name would have soared into popularity among media members. It may only be a matter of time, but one thing is for sure…you cannot write ANYBODY off in this battle.

 

 

Foles needs to find his rhythm:
Backup QB Nick Foles hasn’t exactly had the dream return to the team where he made history in 2013. Today was another example where he simply struggled to find his stride.

While he may be entrenched as the backup QB for now, if Matt McGloin (who also had a bad day) was to suddenly pick up the pace, preseason would become extremely fun to watch. Then of course, there’s the wildcard of Dane Evans….never say never!

 

 

Alshon Jeffery continues to shine:
Today to put it simply, was Alshon’s day (as every day seems to be). The new number one option for Carson Wentz continued to showcase his catch radius and athleticism today, causing fans to stand in awe of a legitimate outside threat gracing the NovaCare once again.

This season is going to be really, really, really fun to watch.

 

 

Mills begins to work on his Island:
One player who has seemingly gone under-the-radar so far has been Jalen Mills, but when ever he’s noticed, it’s for a positive reason. AND THE FINGER WAG IS BACK!

Mills is currently one of the starters outside for the Eagles, and if he continues to refine his craft and grow confidence in jumping shorter routes (something he grew increasingly confident with towards the end of last year), then the sky is the limit and the role is more than likely a lock.

 

 

Watkins responds to Safety battle, Brooks encourages appreciation:
In the battle for what may be the final Safety spot on the Eagles roster, it’s been former Raven Terrence Brooks who appears to have jumped out to an early lead. But today, former cornerback Jaylen Watkins got his name on the board with a big play…and his competition for the position was in full support of his teammate.

 

Competition brings the best out of everybody…and even though guys are competing head-to-head, they’re teammates. That’s not forgotten on the Philadelphia Eagles.

 

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

About the Author

Liam Jenkins

Liam is a 29-year old sports journalist from the UK and founder of the Philly Sports Network. Having now ran PSN for a decade, Liam’s focus remains on building a platform containing the most complete coverage of ALL of Philadelphia’s sports teams.

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