Red zone rules the day: Takeaways from another day of Eagles Training Camp

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The Eagles graced the NovaCare Complex for a 10/10/10 practice today. For those unaware, this consists of a rotation of 10 offensive plays, 10 defensive plays, and 10 minutes of special teams drills. It’s difficult to make much away in terms of QB play from these since balls are often tossed up for the defense to make plays, but with that caution in mind, here’s all you need to know!

Attendance report

It was business as usual for the Eagles today, with no new surprises on the injury list. Cre’Von LeBlanc and Paul Worrilow weren’t practicing, as expected, while Jalen Mills remains on the PUP list. Jason Kelce was in attendance but donning a hat, so likely got the day off for some rest. Jason Peters was another who received a rest day.

Eliot Shorr-Parks noted that there are currently ten players not taking part in team drills, but that list has remained largely the same for quite some time, with the players in question all coming back working their way back from injury.

Because of the lighter nature of the practice and the absences, other players received some first-team reps. Andre Dillard stepped up at left tackle for Jason Peters, and interestingly it was Stefen Wisniewski took left guard reps while Seumalo shifted inside and took center reps.

This is a little surprising, given that it seemed as though Wisniewski was being groomed as the backup center. However, that was a role being contested for by Isaac Seumalo last season, so perhaps the Eagles are just seeing what they have in both players in terms of versatility. Wisniewski should still be the backup center, but it has to be noted that the transition hasn’t exactly been smooth.

Special teams count

There were a couple of underdogs who have recently been receiving notable special teams reps, with one of those being Josh Perkins. Brandon Lee Gowton cited that keeping four tight ends makes sense due to the increased focus on 12 personnel, but the fact that Richard Rogers is returning, to me hints that there should also be an increase in 13 personnel next season, bringing back the days of 2017 where the Eagles can field two receiving tight ends without compensating extra bulk up front.

Shareef Miller update

Rookie defensive end Shareef Miller was seen working with the third-team at defensive end, with ESP estimating that Miller currently sits about 6th on the depth chart…which kind of makes sense. Behind Graham, Barnett, Curry, Sweat, and maybe a slightly more experienced Ostman? There’s plenty of growing room in Miller’s game, as mentioned many times before, with the Penn State product needing to add some pass-rush moves to his arsenal as soon as possible.

Red zone focus

We finally got to see some designated red zone action in today’s 10/10/10 practice, and it carried much of what we expected. Two-tight end formations, big wide receivers, and saucy completions.

While the Alshon TD may not have been a red zone play, there’s a chance that those kind of intermediate routes will obviously become a staple of packages inside the 20. It’s time to get the popcorn out!

Also, shoutout to the human Konami code (if you know, you know) for staying after practice along with Nate Gerry to put in some extra work.

A new role for Rasul?

One of the bigger training camp standouts so far has been Rasul Douglas and today was no different, with the WVU ballhawk batting away a Nate Sudfeld pass that landed safely into the hands of Tre Sullivan. But we also saw him take nickel reps with the third unit.

I don’t think a move inside would be permanent for Douglas, but getting some experience under his belt doesn’t hurt…as Schwartz alluded to yesterday.

“All our guys need to be multi-dimensional. He’s not going to take any safety reps in training camp and he only did last year because it was all-hands-on-deck-emergency-type situation, where he had to go in and play safety. He has played a little bit of nickel, which is something he hasn’t done in the past but our nickels, when Cre [CB Cre’von LeBlanc] got hurt, our nickels numbers went down and he stepped in.

The more stuff like that you can do, it helps your total understanding of the defense. I don’t know if he’s any bigger right now, but he’s well-conditioned and he’s playing with confidence and I think that you see that from guys that are in their third year and have a little bit of experience and that’s him.”

– Jim Schwartz after yesterday’s practice

Now if we’re talking about a move to safety…..don’t get me started on that because we’ll be here for hours.

Mandatory Photo credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke