The Dolphins are in town from tomorrow for a series of joint practices with the Eagles, so today saw the Birds run through one last 10/10/10 practice to ease into what promises to be an extremely physical few days.
Injuries:
While Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Wendell Smallwood and Anthony Denham all returned today along with Ron Brooks, the big news was the absence of Derek Barnett. Doug Pederson told the media that Barnett is sidelined with a lower-body injury and is currently listed as day-to-day. Barnett has had a scintillating preseason so far and with a string of intense practices ahead, the Eagles may not see the risk in hurrying Barnett along. Details remain scarce, but his status for week 3 of preseason may now be up in the air. Wide receiver Bryce Treggs also missed practice today.
Second life for Robinson:
The addition of Ronald Darby may have painted a bleak picture for Patrick Robinson, but it may have opened a new door. Even though Ron Brooks was back in action today. it was Robinson who saw action in the slot to begin with. It’s been well documented that Robinson hd his best season working over the middle, so is this his niche to making the Eagles Defense?
Patrick Robinson is inside in nickel package. Ron Brooks is back but Robinson is getting first team reps.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 20, 2017
It could well be. Robinson’s contract means the Eagles can part ways in the blink of an eye, so even though a tough training camp and tricky preseason has left him out of favor with the starters, Robinson is now working in his comfort zone in which he thrived with San Diego back in 2015. He also saw some action there during the preseason win over Buffalo, but can he beat out Ron Brooks?
Wentz to Alshon is back with a bang:
The Wentz to Alshon connection seemed a little less explosive than hoped for in the few series the pairing had against the Bills. But with a few days before the Eagles face Miami, the duo are back at it turning heads and making sure they’re ready to go when week one rolls around.
Alshon with a few "wow" catches today #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 20, 2017
Wentz to Alshon in the red zone has been pretty unstoppable. Lots and lots of tuddies. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) August 20, 2017
Wentz and Alshon heating up. He hit his WR in corner of the end zone on a fade. 3 step and throw to a spot, a Alshon went and got it.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 20, 2017
Alshon Jeffery just made a nice contested catch on a curl route from Wentz.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 20, 2017
Jeffery has been one of the biggest standouts of Training Camp so far and I highly doubt that’s going to change anytime soon. The Wentz and Jeffery connection is as electric as it ever and fans still have every reason to be excited about the tandem.
Celek’s resurgence?
Brent Celek had a career-low when it came to receiving last year but turned heads when he made a catch against the Bills. Celek looked beyond fired up to say the least after being relegated to a blocking role last year and the veteran may not be done just yet.
Wentz hit Celek on a corner route for the TD on the next play. Celek double caught it but made the catch.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 20, 2017
Celek appears to be showing signs of being a dangerous threat from the inside once again and it will certainly be worth keeping an eye on seeing how Pederson uses one of the longest tenured-Eagles in the upcoming season.
RB rotation:
The Eagles running back situation has plenty of promise, potential, and questions to say the least. The return of Wendell Smallwood has presented an interesting predicament for the Birds, but the rotation appears to be setting.
Now Sproles at RB during team. So the order was Blount, Smallwood, Sproles so far.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 20, 2017
Wendell Smallwood showing good burst in practice. Looks like he's past his hamstring injury. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) August 20, 2017
Eagles first team lines up with Smallwood in the backfield on a 3rd and 3 situation. Wentz targets him over middle for first down.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) August 20, 2017
If Smallwood’s hands can continue to improve, it’s clear he has the potential to share the backfield with Blount. The biggest kind of ability is availability however, and with Sproles still appearing to keep his place over Pumphrey, it looks as if things are beginning to settle in the Eagles backfield barring any injury setbacks.
Gibson’s still fighting:
After a defensive pass interference call on Gibson sent the Eagles to the 1-yard line leading to a touchdown against the Bills, showcasing some of the explosive potential he’s flashed during his time at WVU. It’s a late resurgence for Gibson, but it hasn’t all come together just yet.
Shelton Gibson (!) with a nice catch in the end zone for TD. Made the catch with his arms extended over his head. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) August 20, 2017
An impressive touchdown reception today saw the Eagles receiver once again continue his path back in to contention for a spot on the final 53. The next few days of practice and showdown against Miami will be crucial for everyone, but especially Shelton Gibson who has more than a point to prove.
Super Sturgis:
Sturgis has missed two field goals so far during preseason, both from just outside the 45-yard mark. He may have been money today, but it’s clear that the Eagles wanted to ensure their kicker was comfortable and consistent from that range down at the NovaCare today.
Sturgis makes good on all 8 FG attempts in special teams session, the last from 47 yards.
— Nick Fierro (@NickFierro) August 20, 2017
The name Super Sturgis has been earned once again, it’s business as usual for the Eagles.
OL rotation gives Warmack a second chance:
Chance Warmack gave up two big penalties against the Bills, but the Eagles are still willing to give the former Titan some first team reps.
Warmack and Wisniewski with first-team reps at LG and C, respectively on that last series. #EaglesCamp
— Nick Fierro (@NickFierro) August 20, 2017
It’s safe to say he’s in contention for a depth spot on the roster, but a struggle in pass-protection against Buffalo saw his stock diminish. The question is, can Warmack show enough over the next two weeks to earn a spot on the final 53? He will need to make the most of this opportunity along with the rest that come his way if that’s to become a reality.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
