The Dolphins are in town and the joint practices have begun. The last leg of Training Camp is upon us as the Eagles prepare themselves for a clash with Miami later this week. As the Phins adjust to the Eagles way of practicing, some familiar faces returned to the NovaCare Complex sparking some intriguing scenarios. Here are the biggest takeaways from the day.
Two Eagles leave practice early:
The Birds had two minor scares during their first practice with the Dolphins. DE Brandon Graham left the session early with a strained tricep, while linebacker Jordan Hicks also suffered a setback…with his status still unclear.
Eagles' DE Brandon Graham left practice today with a strained tricep, per source. Injury not considered serious at this time.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2017
Jordan Hicks was at practice but left early. No update yet on why #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 21, 2017
That’s two starters suffering minor injuries in practice and while they could be just that, it’s still not what any coach or fan wants to see…especially at this stage in the season.
Fipp gets sassy:
The Eagles special teams unit has long been revered as one of the best in the league and it didn’t take coordinator Dave Fipp long to assert his presence on the Dolphins unit.
Dave Fipp the savage just practiced a fake FG against the Dolphins. Donnie Jones completed it to Celek for the conversion #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 21, 2017
Oh Dave, you so sassy!
Darby’s day:
Since arriving in Philadelphia, there has naturally been a lot of attention placed on Ronald Darby. Regarded as the team’s top cornerback, today saw no exception to the spotlight rule as he lined up against the likes of Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry.
Darby just picked off Cutler. Was covering Julius Thomas but he out faught him for the ball.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 21, 2017
#Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry on #Eagles CB Ronald Darby: "He's a great corner. We faced him twice a year. He's scrappy, makes plays, great CB"
— Matt Lombardo ? (@MattLombardoNFL) August 21, 2017
Ronald Darby picks off Jay Cutler. First turnover forced by the #Eagles defense all morning. #Dolphins
— Matt Lombardo ? (@MattLombardoNFL) August 21, 2017
It’s safe to say Darby had his day against the Dolphins wide receivers and was able to make quite the impression on one of Cutler’s top targets.
Receivers dominate Maxwell:
Long before Ronald Darby however, there was a cornerback named Byron Maxwell. You may or may not remember Chip Kelly signing him as a free agent before he was cast to Miami just one season later. Maxwell himself opened up on how he wants to do better than the Eagles this season, after a poor taste was left in his mouth…but the Eagles only added to that sour attitude today.
Torrey Smith beat Byron Maxwell on the next play for a TD. Caught it in corner of the end zone. Ran a pivot route and lost Maxwell.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 21, 2017
Torrey Smith just roasted Byron Maxwell on a fade form Wentz. Three step and let it go. Torrey ran and got it.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 21, 2017
Alshon next to beat Maxwell. Got inside release and ran post route. Beat him immediately. Wentz to Jeffery for the TD.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 21, 2017
There may be nothing more validating for Eagles fans than reading the descriptions of what transpired today.
Barnett sees first-team action:
With Brandon Graham leaving practice early due to injury, it was time for rookie DE Derek Barnett to be called up to the first team to line up against a stout Dolphins Offensive line, preluding their encounter later this week. How did he fare?
Derek Barnett and Timmy Jernigan just got a good push to stop Ajayi in the backfield
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 21, 2017
Barnett comes back and forced Cutler out of the pocket and throw the ball away.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 21, 2017
It’s safe to say that the Tennessee pass-rusher flashed on several occasions against an offensive line that paved the way for a strong rushing offense for Jay Ajayi just one year ago. If Graham does miss the preseason matchup, it means Barnett will once again see reps against a first-team offensive line…something that can only be seen as good for his development.
Burton breaks out:
The chemistry between Wentz and Burton has been long documented, his 327-yard receiving campaign last year backs that up. It was Training Camp last year where Burton really made his mark, and against the Dolphins, the duo struck up that chord once again.
Wentz airmails throw from 25 to Burton being guard by Nate Allen #Eagles
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) August 21, 2017
Wentz with another TD in red zone drills this one to Burton #Eagles
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) August 21, 2017
Now Foles with TD throw in red zone to Burton. Dolphins secondary getting shredded
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) August 21, 2017
Burton has had a rollercoaster preseason so far, with Shepherd product Billy Brown breathing down his neck. A strong performance this week and in a live-game against the team he’s flashing against right now would only bode well for Burton…but by now we all know just how much of a playmaker he can be. These signs are encouraging.
Dolphins Offense has edge in the trenches:
The Dolphins Offensive front may be the perfect unit for the Eagles to sharpen their Iron against. After an abrupt changing of the guard in week 3 (that saw Dallas Thomas cut who is now a Philadelphia Eagle), the Phins opened up the run game to a level beyond everyone’s wildest dreams. Jay Ajayi ran wild and the Phins mounted an impressive playoff charge. This year, with Cutler at the helm, it’s all about pass-protection too. The Eagles Defensive Line is regarded as one of the best in the league, so what happened when fire met ice?
Tim Jernigan gets a coverage sack of Jay Cutler. Quiet morning for #Eagles pass rush. #Dolphins
— Matt Lombardo ? (@MattLombardoNFL) August 21, 2017
#Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi just gashed the #Eagles defense for a big gain running off left tackle.
— Matt Lombardo ? (@MattLombardoNFL) August 21, 2017
#Dolphins are running the ball all over the #Eagles first-team defense
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 21, 2017
The Dolphins appeared to get the upper hand and set the tone early on, although Derek Barnett did flash as aforementioned. This may be one of the most exciting battles to watch heading into the showdown later this week.
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
