Eagles Training Camp 7/28: Pros and cons

Last Friday, the Philadelphia Eagles took part in the unofficial start of the 2014 NFL season as they reported to Novacare Complex for the start of training camp. Under the direction of second-year head coach Chip Kelly and Pro Bowl quarterback Nick Foles, the Eagles look to continue the success that came in the second half of the 2013 season.

Earlier today, the Eagles took the field at the Linc for their first open practice of the training camp season as well as their first practice in full pads and engaging in semi-contact. Today’s practice saw several pros and cons as the Birds continue to progress and look forward to their preseason opener against Chicago on Aug 8.

PROS:

• Receiving Core: As the team took part in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, the receiving core showed their strengths with impressive catches as they look to fill the void from the release of Desean Jackson. While the returning Jeremy Maclin saw a moderate amount of passes come his way, rookie Jordan Matthews, second year receiver Ifeanyi Momah, and second year player B.J Cunningham showed off some impressive hands as they battle for roster spots.
• The Shady and Sproles Show: We all felt the excitement of gaining one of the most explosive backs in the NFL this off-season. Today’s practice saw plenty of two-back sets, getting the two rushers in the grove of both hitting the holes and going out wide. Sproles also saw most single-back reps with the second team.
• Secondary: While the wide receivers proved to be impressive, their efforts did not come without tough battles from the defensive secondary. Newly-acquired safety Malcom Jenkins and third-year player Brandon Boykin especially got their hands in the mix breaking up a gang of passes.
• Alex Henery: Looking to bounce back from a less-than impressive 2013 season, Henery looks to improve upon field goal accuracy and kicking off into the end zone as he is now being challenged by rookie kicker Casey Spear. Henery’s 60-yard field goal earlier today definitely shows he’s been working on his strength and accuracy.

CONS:

• Pace: While the overall session was the normal non-stop Kelly pace, some offensive plays took a few seconds longer to execute than we remember. Nothing here to worry about however as this was the first practice in pads after all.
• DNP: Wide receiver and emerging star Riley Cooper was not in pads and spent the two-hour practice on the sideline. Cooper was not doing any type of rehab exercises so it is safe to say that he either was given the day off or has a very minor injury. One player who was going through rehab exercises was defensive tackle Bennie Logan who is trying to overcome a hamstring injury. Running back Chris Polk, who is fighting to be the third back, also sat out of today’s practice.
• Maclin vs. Brandon Fletcher Showdown: Another practice, another scuffle. While this is nothing new in training camps, it may not be our best bet to see our number one receiver who is coming off of season-ending knee surgery get involved in such extra-curricular activities.
• Drops: Among the impressive showing of the receivers came a few open drops, especially from the younger receivers and running backs. With fighting to make the 53-man roster, these drops will have players cleaning out their lockers before September hits if they do not shape up.

As the Eagles continue training camp, they will push to make every key move to maintain their playoff status.

[Photo: Philadelphiaeagles.com]