Practice #9 of the Eagles Training Camp schedule took place under the lights of Lincoln Financial Field and in front of the Philadelphia faithful. Here is everything you need to know!
The bigger picture
With over 40,000 fans in attendance and the Linc roaring, the Eagles were able to raise $475,000 for autism research, which is just staggering. Some things are bigger football and knowing that this team pushes so hard to make a difference is a very nice feeling.
Injury updates
Training Camp standout Joe Ostman had his hopes of making the final-53 dashed on Sunday night. The defensive end was carted off the field after picking up an injury during a special teams drill. Defensive end depth is already light, so don’t be surprised to see Connor Barwin return to the Eagles if the injury is substantial.
Elsewhere, Shelton Gibson limped to the sideline with the help of trainers and went inside. Again, hopefully this is nothing serious.
Sanders for RB1?
The biggest takeaway from Sunday evening seems to be just how dominant Miles Sanders looked. To the point where the growing consensus is that by the end of 2019, he’ll be the team’s starting running back, providing what we’re seeing now translates into regular season action.
I mean…those jump cuts though. Sanders was electrifying and left fans purring. The rookie is only getting better and even in a shortened offseason, seems to be making the most of every opportunity. But seriously…those jump cuts. LeSean McCoy 2.0 anyone?
Give the people what they want
40,000 Eagles fans in attendance. What could they possibly want to see? Could it start with Wentz and end in Jackson? Maybe. Well, ask and thou shall receive…
The duo were red-hot, as expected, putting on a show for everyone at the Linc. The chemistry between the two is visible and it’s only leading to more excitement surrounding the upcoming season.
Next man up…
With KGH now sidelined and Nigel Bradham still not participating in team drills, it left Zach Brown and Nate Gerry to pick up the pieces and take on first-team reps in front of the die-hards.
Gerry performed well and drew the praise of Jim Schwartz in a presser held just before the practice. It’s nice to see L.J Fort making the occasional play too. I get the feeling every linebacker will need to be on their A-game with preseason rapidly approaching and depth still questionable. If a guy like Fort, Singleton, or Gerry, can really stand out now, it could carry huge implications as the roster cutdown draws closer.
Maddox keeps making plays
Many presume that Avonte Maddox will have a starting role in the Eagles secondary next year and it’s not hard to see why. Taking CB1 reps today, the undersized Pitt product proved to the world yet again that he plays well above his height, punching away a ball intended for DeSean Jackson in the end zone.
Maddox is coming off of a stunning rookie campaign and the stage is set for him to build on it.
Cyprien says hello
He may have only just joined, but that’s two really strong practices for the 29-year old Safety. Cyprien is on a one-year deal, competing for a depth role in the team. But with a lot of starting experience and four really productive years in Jacksonville, who’s to say he can’t punch his way higher up the depth chart?
You only get one shot to make a good first impression, and Cyprien has done exactly that.
Mandatory Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke
