Eagles’ Training Camp Notes: Tackling is Back, and so is the Fullback?

By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly Staff

Some things just let you know that it's summer like the smell of fresh cut grass, and the sound of pads cracking against each other at the Nova Care Complex. That was the case on Thursday as the Eagles began tackling to the ground during the live portion of practice. 

Contact was not the only new feature at today's practice, as head coach Doug Pederson installed a couple of new formations involving his offensive lineman.

Doug Pederson's mentor Andy Reid used a fullback often during his tenure as Eagles' head coach. From Jon Ritchie to Leonard Weaver, the successful running games of Duce Staley, Brian Westbrook, and LeSean McCoy all had a partner to clear the way, and it appears as though Pederson is ready to incorporate this gameplan into the Eagles for the 2017 season – but not without a twist.

Dillon Gordon took an ample amount of snaps today at fullback, even scoring a pair of touchdowns off of red zone passes. Gordon is a backup offensive lineman for the team, and a bubble player to make the 53-man roster at that. The 322-pounder from LSU could help a running game that struggled at times last year, especially in the red zone where the team finished 24th in the NFL in scoring percentage last season. Gordon is similar to Jason Peters in the sense that he was tight end in college. That athleticism should help him transition to fullback.

Eagles' offensive coordinator said after practice that "we want [fullback] to be part of our offense…Dillon has been the focus…He's done well, but we'll continue to evaluate several people at that position." It will be interesting to see who else gets reps in the backfield as camp continues.

Halapoulivaati Vaitai also lined up in a new position, as an extra lineman/tight end. Vaitai rolled out to catch a touchdown during this portion of the installation period. Vaitai figures to be the team's third tackle after performing respectably in the weeks following his debacle against the Redskins and Ryan Kerrigan in his NFL debut. Matt Tobin was used as an extra lineman last season but was not ever used as an offensive target the way that Vaitai was today.  

With more blockers on the field, the running backs had a chance to shine on Thursday. With Sproles not a red zone option, And LeGarrette Blount and Donnel Pumphrey missing action again, Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement received the reps in the red zone.

Smallwood ran physically and used his new fullback to plow into the endzone on one play. On another play Smallwood ran through contact at the line of scrimmage to be met by Terrence Brooks who made a lot of noise when he hit Smallwood, but Smallwood kept pushing and was not knocked down on the play. Brooks was active yet again at practice, so much so that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz had to pull out of practice for an especially late hit on one play. Smallwood is beginning to settle as a downhill runner during training camp as Elliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com pointed out.

Smallwood has been consistently punishing the opposing defenders at the end of runs. #Eagles

— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 3, 2017

"I think Wendell has above average instincts and it shows in the live portion," said Reich. Reich also praised Corey Clement's development, but admitted that Clement needs to clean up some of his play recognition without the ball in his hands.

Clement showed some ability as a receiver, something he rarely did at Wisconsin. Clement also managed to score in the red zone. Short-yardage situations figure to be his best chance to make the 53-man roster

Nelson Agholor had another good day, and he has thrived in a reduced role so far in camp. Reich noted that Agholor has impressed him between his knack for making big plays this summer, as well as his improvement and consistency in the overlooked portions of receiving such as route running. Agholor capped off practice by beating Rasul Douglas for a 35-yard touchdown down the field. 

Douglas's draft classmates had an interesting day. 5th round pick Nate Gerry received first team reps in the absence of Mychal Kendricks (quad) at outside linebacker. Gerry is a converted safety, and projects as a hybrid linebacker. The Eagles' first round pick Derek Barnett matched up with Jason Peters today. The more work that Barnett gets across from a player like Peters, the faster we will see Barnett develop. 

The defensive line continues to be a strength for the Eagles, and Turron Davenport of USA Today pointed how new addition Tim Jernigan has looked comfortable next to Fletcher Cox in the middle of the line:

Fletcher Cox and Tim Jernigan are holding it down up front. Not allowing anything past them on inside runs.

— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 3, 2017

It is important to note that Jordan Hicks participated in the live tackling portion of practice as he recovers from a minor hand injury suffered on his honeymoon. Jordan Matthews is also yet to miss a practice despite being monitored with a lingering knee issue. 

Alshon Jeffrey and LeGarrette Blount both missed practice again. Blount is tending to an undisclosed personal matter and Jeffrey's absence is due to a strained shoulder and was referred to as "precautionary" by Reich in his post-practice press conference. Donnel Pumphrey also remains sidelined with a hamstring issue.

 Defensive linemen Elijah Qualls and Alex McCalister both returned after missing practice yesterday with minor injuries.