There’s no rest for the wicked, and there’s no rest for the Eagles either as they continue to hammer away at a grueling Training Camp. Here’s everything you need to know from today’s action at the NovaCare Complex.
Injuries:
The Eagles are still missing a lot of players due to lingering camp injuries. Here’s an update on those still sidelined:
WR Bryce Treggs- leg soreness, day-to-day
OL Halapoulivaati Vaitai- Knee, day-to-day
QB Nick Foles- Elbow soreness, day-to-day
CB Ron Brooks- hamstring, day-to-day
RB Wendell Smallwood- hamstring, day-to-day
OL Brandon Brooks, ankle, week-to-week
TE Anthony Denham, calf, day-to-day
WR Paul Turner, shoulder, day-to-day
Simba rules the land:
The prowess of Jordan Hicks has long been documented since he first took to an NFL field, but his development has done anything but stagnate under Jim Schwartz.
Jordan Hicks continuing to show major development. Twice beat Sproles badly in a blitz pickup drill, and Sproles is excellent at pass pro.
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffPMosher) August 13, 2017
This isn’t the first time that Hicks has been noted as a standout at camp recently. An interception yesterday was followed up with another strong showing today, with Simba not only ruling over the land, but continuing to earn a reputation as one of the finest coverage linebackers in the NFL and defenders with the highest potential.
Burton steals the show:
Trey Burton was one player who was consistently impressive during last year’s training camp…and that big play waiting to happen may have finally exploded back into the NovaCare Complex.
Pretty nice play: McGloin throws over middle and Kendricks tips it. Burton tracks ball, still makes catch, starts running. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) August 13, 2017
Awesome twisting catch by Trey Burton over the middle in traffic.
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffPMosher) August 13, 2017
By all accounts, Burton’s big catch was one of the most impressive of camp so far. After a preseason game which saw Burton showcase his YAC ability but also endure an unfortunate fumble, it’s safe to say the pressure is on to really up the ante in the weeks to come.
Alshon’s back
While not a full participant just yet, Alshon Jeffery is still making plays in 7-on-7 drills. Jeffery’s shoulder-injury has been nursed by the Eagles so far, but Jeffery isn’t wasting any time in getting back into the groove.
Wentz goes deep to a Alshon with Darby on him. Jeffrey went up to get it for a long completion.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 13, 2017
It’s unclear yet whether or not Jeffery will see any preseason action (not that he needs it), but this is an encouraging sign for sure.
Steven Means business
After blowing up the Packers Defense earlier this week, Steven Means hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down.
Steven Means just hit someone with a spin move. Wow, he killed that RT. That put an exclamation mark on that last team period.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 13, 2017
There’s only so many times we can use the pun about “meaning business”, but Means just continues to explode onto the scene at every opportunity possible. After some flashes of potential last year, Means was able to stick around…but while a depth role seems nearly certain at this point, there’s every chance Means can compete for an even bigger role with the rotation at the position being crucial.
Darby’s here:
The Eagles newest cornerback has officially arrived and has spent no time getting stuck in and mixing it in with the Eagles wide receivers. It’s interesting to note off the bat just how much of an impact he’s already made. According to Turron Davenport, Darby was the first cornerback to bump-and-run against Torrey Smith this camp. One of Darby’s greatest assets is his speed, and if the Eagles need a number one corner who can defer attention of the rapid number one wideouts lingering in the NFC East, Darby could well be the answer.
Just saw something I haven't seen all camp, an Eagles CB lined up in bump and run vs Torrey Smith with no help. Match speed with speed.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 13, 2017
Darby was with the first team again, gave up one catch in 5 snaps #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 13, 2017
Alshon with a long catch over Darby, who tripped #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 13, 2017
Agholor beat Darby on a dig route. Good move at the top to create separation. Made the catch from Wentz.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 13, 2017
For a first day of practice, it’s safe to say Darby made a positive impression and was dropped straight into the deep end as a starter, somewhat relegating Patrick Robinson down the depth chart…but we’ll get to that later.
Pump up the jam
It’s been a tough week for Donnel Pumphrey. After some hard hits against the Packers, Pumphrey had a fumble in practice in the first session back. Today however, it was a different story.
Donnel Pumphrey is hitting the holes well and popping out on these LBs. Hard to track him behind the big OL.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 13, 2017
It’s encouraging to see Pumphrey hitting holes assertively and able to sneak through the gaps opened up by the men in front…something that really didn’t present itself for Pumphrey against the Packers.
Robinson’s running out of time?
The arrival of Darby may have left the writing on the wall for Patrick Robinson, but it was enlarged today and covered in Neon lights. Robinson was dropped straight to the third team to begin with and rotated back up to the first team and then experienced some nickel looks.
Second team CBs Rasul Douglas and CJ Smith. NOT Patrick Robinson.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 13, 2017
Eagles lining up Patrick Robinson in the slot with first team. Darby and Mills on outside. Robinson has played his best football in slot.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) August 13, 2017
Robinson absolutely played his best football in the slot, allowing just a 55% completion rate during his time with the Chargers. The fact Robinson has rarely been used inside has honestly confused me since the start of camp, with Brooks and Grymes taking those reins. Maybe he was simply in limbo and the addition of Darby has now opened a new avenue…or maybe this is a last chance saloon for a cornerback on a prove-it deal who has been stripped of his starting role. Only time will tell.
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
