The sun shined down on the NovaCare Complex for the second day of Eagles Training Camp. As the program begins to pick up traction, the intensity will as well. Here’s everything you need to know from the second day of camp.
A new face:
There’s a new face on the Eagles Defense and a mysterious one at that. 6’4. 280 lbs, defensive tackle Adam Reth out of the University of Northern Iowa. Last season he posted 79 tackles, 10 TFLs and tallied in 3 sacks as a senior. Oh, and he looks like Zach Ertz, so there’s that.
Special teams standout?
As I highlighted in an article earlier this week, the Eagles need to replenish special teams talent is higher than ever. One name who could be set to shine in that area during preseason is Rashard Davis.
Nice deep pass from Sudfeld to Rashard Davis, who hangs on with a defender on him. #Eagles
— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) July 27, 2018
Rashard Davis is one of the players Pederson singled out as standout performers from spring drills. Also boasts return ability. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) July 27, 2018
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Davis set the JMU and CAA single-season record for punt return touchdowns as a senior, returning 15 punts for a school record 426 yards. Alongside this, he recorded 530 receiving yards and 3 scores.
Sudfeld sets the tone:
Much like he did in May, Nate Sudfeld is hitting the ground running…or sprinting. Entering his second year with the Eagles, Sudfeld is well aware of just how important a strong training camp is, both in terms of career progression and retaining his current role.
Nate Sudfeld with terrific over shoulder throw to well-covered Rashard Davis, who make nice catch with DJ Killings tightly covering #Eagles 11/11
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) July 27, 2018
Sudfeld has been sharp today. Just completed a nice pass down the sideline to Davis. Great throw into a small window #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) July 27, 2018
It’s a strong start for Sudfeld and don’t be too surprised if he becomes one of the league’s preseason standouts.
Progress for Wentz:
Wentz was again held out of 11-on-11’s, but it didn’t stop him flashing that MVP ability.
Wentz with another great throw to a tightly covered WR. This time to Markus Wheaton along the sideline. He’s already on fire. #Eagles #Week1
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) July 27, 2018
The comeback season is well on the cards, with both Pederson and Wentz eyeing a week one return.
For Doug Pederson and Carson Wentz, it’s time to ‘Trust the Process’ with a week one return in mind
Slot:
The starting three cornerbacks appeared to remain the same as yesterday, with Darby, Mills and Sidney Jones taking on the nickel role. But during the first-team install and later in the day, Jones was switched out for everyone’s new favorite underdog, DeVante Bausby.
*Bausby (damn autocorrect). Also, Sidney Jones on outside with 2nd team. https://t.co/NpI7uCAuvj
— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) July 27, 2018
Bausby remains one of the most intriguing names to keep an eye on this Training Camp as he has every chance of carving out a defensive role or special teams at the very least. A vote of confidence early on is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Time’s running out:
After missing all of OTA’s due to an injury, Notre Dame’s Josh Adams needed a very strong start to camp considering just how plentiful running depth is on this roster. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case.
Just as I mention Josh Adams, he drops a pass in the flat #Eagles
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) July 27, 2018
Adams hasn’t really stood out in any area, seeming a lot less ‘bullish’ than he appeared in college. Any hopes of sticking to the roster are shrinking by the day and he’s going to need to dig a little deeper to stand out from a large crowd.
Recovering well:
The loss of Jordan Hicks stung the Eagles defense in 2017 and with a storied injury history, it’s safe to say there are reservations about his durability or returning to form. Well, he’s crushing those concerns in the early stages of camp, even if pads aren’t on yet.
Jordan Hicks just blew up what was supposed to be a screen play. Great read #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) July 27, 2018
Destiny’s child…:
It’s the worst pun in the world, I know…but Vaeao and Beau Allen accounted for 60% of defensive snaps last year. With Timmy Jernigan out for a few months, Vaeao seems like the natural heir to the throne…although he will have to fight to keep it.
Year 3 for Destiny Vaeao, continues to be in the mix. Working with the first-team D. DT depth is a question for Eagles. Team has liked Vaeao, invested in his development.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) July 27, 2018
Mack attack:
Hollins grew into a fan favorite last season and there’s a good chance he builds on what was a surprising rookie campaign. With Jeffery on the sideline for camp, it’s safe to say he has a huge opportunity to capitalize on the extra snaps. According to Mr Solak, he’s doing exactly that.
Hollins is getting a lot of reps on the outside currently with Jeffery sideline. Hollins, to me, has clearly increased physicality in his routes, and has run some nifty breaks. I'm cautiously getting jazzed. https://t.co/INPpcGMShE
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) July 27, 2018
Pads tomorrow:
Tomorrow, it all gets very real. The pads go on for the Philadelphia Eagles and the full-contact hitting begins. Roll your sleeves up gentlemen, it’s time to separate the men from the boys.
Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
