The physicality of practices in training camp with full pads and "live" action can take its toll on a team and it has shown for the Eagles. But defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is looking past those things to see the benefits of physical practices and the style that Doug Pederson is looking to bring to camp.
"From a defensive mentality, it's nice to have a head coach that wants to have a physical practice, that wants to thud guys up," Schwartz said. "A lot of offensive coaches shy away from that. I think it's going to pay off for us, not just defensively, it's going to pay off for us offensively. Coach wants to build a tough physical team. That doesn't happen by accident. That doesn't happen with hoping that it happens. Hope isn't a very good strategy. You got to go out and do it and we embrace it."
With the injuries piling up, depth is a big concern for the Eagles at several positions. One of those positions was rumored to be getting an upgrade. And while the Eagles have denied that anything is imminent with former Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch, contrary to reports from Saturday night, Schwartz put more of the focus on the front office looking at ways to improve, no matter how it gets done.
"All the scouts are always looking for ways to improve our team," Schwartz said. "So whoever is out there that can improve our team, whether it's Tully who is unsigned or guys on other teams that they're looking at roster numbers and waiver wire, who might be cap casualties. I trust those guys to explore every option to help us."
There was more focus put on the Eagles rookie players in the secondary, most notably Blake Countess and Jalen Mills. Schwartz focused on how Countess' lack of size hasn't affected his performance, comparing him to new Eagles safety Rodney McLeod.
"He's not the biggest guy in the world, but there's a lot of safeties that aren't that big," Schwartz said. "Rodney's not even that big. But every time he's out here, does Rodney look small when he's out here? No, it's all about your positioning, your leverage, your toughness and I think Blake has those."
Schwartz again focused on inconsistencies, highlighting several from the rookies, but noting that their determination and competitive level have helped make this camp a big learning experience. Schwartz specifically talked about how Mills has embraced playing with a competitive edge and working on matchups.
"He's showed up every day. He's had some ups and downs, but what I like about him is he's very competitive," Schwartz said. "He comes back, he doesn't shy away from contact, he doesn't shy away from matchups. You need that in a corner. If you're on the edge and you don't embrace being on that island, you're in the wrong business. I think Jalen has shown signs that he can do those things."
Another player that got a lot of attention from Schwartz was defensive end Steven Means. Means was signed by the Eagles after Week 13 of the 2015 season from the Houston Texans practice squad. The 2013 fifth-round pick by Tampa Bay has been turning heads of late as he goes through his first camp with the Eagles.
"Pun intended, he means business," Schwartz said. "He comes to work, he's physical, he fits the scheme. You might want to ask the tight ends about him, because he's been giving those guys some tough situations to handle."
As the first preseason game approaches, Schwartz would not go into any specifics about where position battles stood after two weeks of practices. The one thing the defensive coordinator could speak of was that everything is up for grabs, and that results will dictate success.
"We're wide open everywhere, including defensive coordinator," Schwartz said. "It's going to be about the production of the group. Out there, there's nothing set in stone. There's plenty of jobs to be earned."
You can watch Schwartz's press conference below.
Kevin Durso is an editor for Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
