With running back Ryan Mathews and guard Brandon Brooks back on the NovaCare Complex practice field on Friday, the Eagles continued their most physical week of training camp with the first preseason game against Tampa Bay just six days away.
Safeties Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) and Rodney McLeod (personal) were absent from practice this morning, as were tackle Jason Peters and running back Wendell Smallwood, who are both recovering from quad injuries. Cornerback Nolan Carroll (ankle) was also held out of Friday’s practice as a precaution.
Before the Philadelphia Eagles practiced in full pads for the third consecutive day, they announced that injured defensive tackle Connor Wujciak has been waived by the team. Even with Mathews back at practice, the team could look to add a running back to reduce the strain of Mathews and aging Darren Sproles with four preseason games approaching.
Without starting safeties Jenkins and McLeod at practice, backups Ed Reynolds and Jaylen Watkins filled the voids on the first-team defense. Yesterday, Jim Schwartz was abundantly clear that he needs to see more out of his backup safeties.
"We need those guys behind them to step up," Schwartz said. "The opportunity only exists if you take advantage of it. Those guys need to do a better job taking advantage of it."
On Friday, Watkins had the kind of breakthrough practice that Schwartz was looking for. Early on, the rangy safety found a seam on a blitz and provided quick pressure on the quarterback. Later, the versatile defensive back anticipated a Carson Wentz pass and intercepted the rookie in one-on-ones.
Trey Burton has come on very strong in week two of camp. The former Florida Gator all-purpose weapon has made several spectacular plays since reporting to camp eight days ago. Today, Burton fully extended to make a diving catch across the middle of the field on a pass from Chase Daniel.
Another Eagle who has made requisite progress since the start of training camp is prized No. 2 overall draft pick Carson Wentz. In the past, Eagles quarterbacks have struggled against A-gap blitzing, but Wentz looks unshaken by the pressure in his face.
One thing I really like about Carson Wentz is he does a really nice job anticipating and beating a pass rush, particularly A-gap pressure.
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardo975) August 5, 2016
Today, the two-time FCS national champion hooked up with Cayleb Jones, who made an acrobatic touchdown catch on a deep pass with Jalen Mills in coverage. Wentz would go on to throw two interceptions on the day, including an ugly, deep pass which came off his back foot.
The Eagles defense has been getting the better of the offense more often than not this week, and the trend continued during a blitz pickup drill on Friday. First, linebacker Myke Tavares bull rushed through fellow Oregon Duck Kenjon Barner, then rookie Joe Walker obliterated halfback Byron Marshall in the one-on-one session. The lack of success from his running backs seemed to get under the skin of animated coach Duce Staley.
Duce Staley talking trash to Kendricks. "I'll give you work. You keep the pads on I don't need them."
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 5, 2016
Duce Staley talking to Kendricks, "You didn't cover anybody all year. You ain't have a sack in like 12 yrs."
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 5, 2016
Staley’s criticism seemed to motivate the Eagles linebacker, who got his hand on an out route pass from Sam Bradford to cause an incompletion. Afterwards, Kendricks made sure coach Staley was aware of the play.
Defensive end Brandon Graham showed great strength on the line of scrimmage during practice. On one play, the veteran from Michigan blew through Lane Johnson and corralled Darren Sproles behind the line of scrimmage.
Projected No. 1 cornerback Leodis McKelvin plays the cornerback spot with aggressiveness, much like former Eagle Asante Samuel. Today, McKelvin jumped a curl route intended for Nelson Agholor and returned the Chase Daniel pass for a touchdown.
Zach Ertz was applauded by teammates and fans alike when he made the catch of the day on Friday, laying out to pull in a one-handed reception with a linebacker in tight coverage. Before practice ended, Ertz would walk to the locker room after taking a hit below the knees by Blake Countess. The injury didn’t appear to be too serious.
Similarly, Mills went low with a hit on Jordan Matthews to force a fumble today. Matthews would stay down for a short while before gingerly making his way to the locker room.
The Eagles will practice in helmets and shells on Saturday morning.
Patrick Del Gaone is a staff writer for Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Del_Gaone.
