A week into camp, the Eagles continue to fine-tune their game as preseason play draws closer.
By this time next week, they will be preparing for a game. How quickly camp brings about the real action.
In the wake of that first game against the Chicago Bears next Friday, the Eagles have seen progress on all sides of the ball, specifically on offense with many new players.
“Your offense is always personnel driven,” Chip Kelly said. “Our offense has changed every year I’ve been in charge. Whatever their strengths are, you try to cater to their game.”
Kelly also stressed that game action will determine how much they upgraded on defense and in special teams, two areas where the Eagles struggled in 2013.
Here are the rest of the highlights and happenings from Eagles camp on Day 7:
- Jordan Matthews has been one of the leading wide receivers during camp and even drew the praise of Hall-of-Fame receiver Michael Irvin, who attended camp on Thursday, saying that the Eagles can be successful Matthews. But Matthews had some struggles on Friday. Playing against Malcolm Jenkins in one-on-one drills, he had one pass knocked away and was called for pass interference twice as Jenkins defended the rookie well.
- On the other hand, rookie receiver Josh Huff didn’t make any notable plays on Friday but did continue to show skills that could make a formidable NFL receiver. It’s been noted in the past few days that Huff’s size was very deceptive upon his draft selection. Pat Shurmur noted on Thursday that his size and speed are comparable to a running back coupled with strong receiving skills.
- Nolan Carroll had another strong day in the secondary, proving to be one of the more surprising players at camp and proving to be one of the Eagles better signing to this point. Carroll had a diving interception on a pass from G.J. Kinne that was very impressive.
- Injury Report: Riley Cooper sat out practice again with an ankle injury that Kelly described as minor. Jeremy Maclin was also not a participant of practice on Friday. No reason was given for his absence. Jeff Maehl joined the other two receivers, showing that the Eagles are dealing with several injuries on that front at the moment. Julian Vandervelde and Chris Polk missed practice again and added to that list was linebacker Jake Knott.
The Eagles have a day off on Saturday and will practice again on Sunday. Sunday’s practice is at Lincoln Financial Field and is open to the public. Chip Kelly will address the media once again prior to practice, which starts at 12:15 p.m.
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
