The first joint practice for the Eagles concluded Tuesday afternoon in Foxborough, MA as they get set to take on the Patriots on Thursday night for their second preseason game. Between individual drills and team practice, three of the Eagles’ leaders in wide receiver AJ Brown, quarterback Jalen Hurts and linebacker Brandon Graham all felt that the practice served the purpose of what Nick Sirianni was looking to achieve, get better and improve.
Brandon Graham
The leader of the defense entering his final year, Graham spoke to the media first about the defense’s performance.
“I’m excited for this year. It’s my last one but I think today was a good day with energy on both sides of the ball. I know defensively we tried to bring the energy. I know we have some stuff to work on, but the guys were focused, energy was great, we see this crowd and it definitely got us into it.”
Graham, embarking on his 15th NFL season and the elder statesman in the linebacking room, will be leaned on by many of the young Eagles’ linebackers that will look to replace his production for years to come. One of those being Nakobe Dean who was a starter but lost his job and trying to retake it.
“Just to keep that edge. In my mind you have to make it up and get some motivated. So, to him, I tell him to stay motivated. Just because you make a good play doesn’t mean the work is done until you’re holding that trophy. You have to put in the work and stay consistent. I know it’s hard to block out the noise being young sometimes but use it as motivation. Nothing will change out here unless you put the work in.”
Some of the young linebackers made their presence felt during the practice according to Eliot Shorr-Parks:
A.J. Brown
Coming off a big season and continuing to climb the franchise record books, Brown spoke to the media and was pleased with how the offense looked during the Eagles’ joint practice session.
When being asked about what he learned about the Eagles’ offense today, Brown said, “We competed at a high level. Going up against another team you want to see how you measure up. We did well, but always can clean things up and get better at, but think we are moving in right direction.”
Brown continued on the offense saying, “As a group, we just need to execute, even though the plays we did well, there’s always a way to find to do them better. Think that’s what it comes down to. We have a lot of talent on this team, but if you don’t execute it doesn’t matter. Have to keep working at it, getting better, execute and working hard.”
A lot has been made on Hurts’ performance so far this preseason, looking very sharp and not throwing an interception to date since the start of camp, but Brown says that it’s more important that the Eagles’ offense is trying new things and seeing what works as opposed to unofficial stats.
“You can’t really worry about that stuff. That doesn’t really matter. Is he coming out here and executing, yes. That’s all that matters. I know you guys keep stats out here, but who cares if you throw an interception? It’s practice. We are trying new things. I try new stuff when I’m doing releases and stuff. Who cares if I lose, this is when you’re supposed to try new things. Don’t think nobody is getting too hyped that he hasn’t thrown an interception. We just got to keep working.”
For what it’s worth, Brown said that this was definitely a touchdown and that “he wasn’t making that tackle,” to close out his press conference.
Jalen Hurts
All eyes have been and will continue to be on the Eagles’ quarterback. His strong start in practices and intrasquad games have been accounted for, but Hurts continues to be his stoic self and is focused on improving each day.
“It’s business every day, every time we step on the field. Have to come in take care of our business continue the dialogue and continue to build.”
The Eagles’ quarterback went about the practice in his typical workman type way, going a reported 24-for-28 with a touchdown.
Hurts continued, “I learned that we are still a work in progress in terms of taking those steps in wanting to go in the right direction. Still a lot of things to learn from. I think it’s been the same process entire time. See different things, test our rules, test our offense and continue to grow.”
One of the biggest differences to be under a microscope is the way Hurts and the Eagles’ offense communicate and dissect what the opposing defenses are doing and changing plays at the line. Hurts said this joint practice was certainly a helpful tool to put that into practice.
“It’s always helpful to see diff looks and see what opposition throws at you. I’m most excited to watch the tape and talk through it. Most important thing during this time is the dialogue we have, communicate it and to be on the same page moving forward. I think there are good examples and great conversations to build from.”
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
