The Eagles were back to work today after a much needed day off, but returned with a quite literal ‘bang’. Here’s everything you need to know from another day at the office.
Hicks-six:
The injury-plagued career of Jordan Hicks has been one of two halves. But as the former Texas Longhorn prepares for his final contracted year with the Eagles, the stakes are higher than ever. It’s good news then, that Hicks is consistently being labelled as one of Camp’s most impressive players.
Observations from Eagles' practice Tuesday: 1) Encouraging signs from Jordan Hicks. Stuck on Goedert downfield and broke up the pass. Popped Greg Ward over the middle during live drills. Looks healthy, strong.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) July 31, 2018
When the world was wondering how on earth the Eagles would contain Gronkowski, that debate was unfortunately missing one of the league’s best middle linebackers, who has recently started taking reps outside too. If healthy, this could be a career year for Jordan Hicks.
The future is bright:
The Eagles love using their tight ends creatively. Doug Pederson and his offense thrive when there are multiple tight end threats to worry about and although they lost Trey Burton to free agency, there’s a very exciting rookie waiting in line to replace him.
Dallas Goedert joins starters in 2TE sets, which Eagles like to use. Goedert chips Derek Barnett, runs crossing pattern, Eagles plan to use Ertz/Goedert together as big threats in middle of field.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) July 31, 2018
Goedert was a collegiate monster and if that strength and athleticism translate to the NFL, the rest of the league will be put on notice.
Wentz update:
No summary would feel complete without a Carson Wentz update, so here’s the star quarterback working through some footwork drills.
Daily Carson Wentz update. pic.twitter.com/PkKysjWt7S
— Sheil Kapadia (@SheilKapadia) July 31, 2018
Although he was kept out of 11-on-11s, Wentz was present in 7-on-7s. His workload is being managed, but this is still a huge step in the right direction.
Callahan’s climbing:
The battle over a presumed future QB2 role is well underway and Sudfeld has a well cemented lead at this stage, or so it seems. Former Packers QB Joe Callahan doesn’t seem to be going down without a fight.
Wow. Joe Callahan with a ramblin, scramblin, 20 yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Carter to end practice.
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffPMosher) July 31, 2018
The duo will duke it out during the preseason and if Callahan can strike a chord with a few of the underdog wideouts he’s working with, we could see a few fireworks at the very least.
Nickel battle:
Sidney Jones and De’Vante Bausby continue to duel away over the starting nickel spot, with both players shining again. Bausby plucked a pass off in the red zone and Jones looked as consistent as ever. This is going to be one fight that stands the test of time and runs throughout the summer. Who knows, it may even peel off into the regular season too.
Sidney Jones first team nickel CB reps today. 3 days of him, 2 of De’Vante Bausby in first five days of practice. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) July 31, 2018
Sidney Jones with a nice pass deflection and a good team session overall in the last sett of drills #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) July 31, 2018
Thumping:
Today was the first day of live-hitting for the Philadelphia Eagles and it’s safe to say that the players were more than just a little pumped up.
Jason Kelce is so psyched there's contact. He's running around barking at everybody. High intensity right now.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) July 31, 2018
It won’t be long before tensions run high and the inevitable summer scraps take center stage. Football is well and truly back.
Pump up the jam:
Talking of ‘pump’, there’s one second-year running back looking to make up for lost time.
2) Today was the best I've seen Donnel Pumphrey look. He had a few chunk runs, showed he could take a hit and stay on his feet. Against reserves mainly, but a positive day for him.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) July 31, 2018
Pumphrey just went off for about 10ish yard run. Was drilled by Ryan Neal at the end and got right up #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) July 31, 2018
Pumphrey caught a pass!
— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) July 31, 2018
One small step at a time. It’s a little too soon to re-light the hype train fires that burned through the City last year, but it’s at least encouraging to see Pumphrey moving in the right direction.
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Mack attack:
The strong offseason for Mack Hollins continues which can only mean good things for Gunter Brewer’s receiving corps.
Mack Hollins with a 15-yard gain on a leaping catch. Pass from Foles. Hollins immediately got hit by two defenders but held on. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) July 31, 2018
Hollins could be eyeing up some more time on the outside this season and if he keeps attracting attention, there’s no reason why he can’t compete for a bigger role in Pederson’s offense.
Mailata’s development:
The Rugby Star’s name hasn’t been mentioned much at all thus far, despite plenty of people eager to see how quickly he develops under Jeff Stoutland. There’s still a long way to go for the Eagles seventh-round pick.
One of the main signs of Mailata's rawness is his lack of body control. His kick slide has so much wasted movement in the hips. He doesn't need lifting but he needs those positional reps to build up strength.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) July 31, 2018
Update: A little better job against Steven Means, but still beaten. https://t.co/P7IH9ie5nD
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffPMosher) July 31, 2018
Will we see him active in the preseason? Only time will tell, but the important thing is that progress is being made.
Punting update
It looked as though the Eagles may have a slight punting problem on their hands just a few days ago, but Johnston reassured the team today that he can be as consistent as they come, kind of.
Cameron Johnston attempting to pin punts inside the 10 with decent results. Good rotation but some kicks landing too short.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) July 31, 2018
It’s not over until the Fat Lady sings as they say…so don’t be surprised if the Eagles decide to spruce up the punting competition a little and add some extra zing to the practice.
Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
