Browns-Eagles Practice #1

Nick Sirianni doesn’t like playing his starters in the preseason. He prefers to have them in joint practices against another team. There is more control and he can get in the specific work he wants his players to do. The Eagles took on the Browns on Wednesday and will do so again on Thursday. Then the backups will play in Saturday’s preseason game.

If you want to read practice notes, here are the links.

Jimmy Bama

Jeff McLane

BLG

Dave Zangaro

Zach Berman and Brooks Kubena

PHLY Postgame Show

Now let’s talk about what happened.

The search for a starting CB isn’t any closer to being resolved. Kelee Ringo had some struggles. Jakorian Bennett got some work with the first team and he gave up several completions. Adoree Jackson continues to be blah. Mac McWilliams spent most of the day with the 2’s, but played well. He is playing a lot of outside corner, which is interesting since he previously spent a lot of time in the slot. Will McWilliams get more reps with the 1’s on Thursday?

Zach Berman wonders if the team will consider Cooper DeJean outside and someone else in the slot. Very possible. At the same time, he has real value in the slot. Plenty of teams put a top receiver there so you would want a top cover guy. At least on the outside you can have a safety cheat to that side.

There is still time for someone to emerge, but the clock is ticking.

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Remember when depth at receiver was a big concern? Johnny Wilson and Darius Cooper changed that narrative in the preseason opener. Cooper has continued to practice well since then. Wilson had a strong showing against the Browns and just looks like a different player. He’s playing with more confidence. Fran Duffy noted that both guys have been getting extra work on STs, which tells you the coaches are making plans for them to be active on gamedays. Backup receivers must contribute on STs.

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Brett Toth got the starting reps at LG. He had an up and down day. 1-on-1’s aren’t ideal for a guy like Toth. He’s at his best when he knows the play, the snap count and his assignment. He’s better at executing a block than winning on natural ability or athleticism.

Darrian Kinnard got the second team reps at LG. He also got some snaps at LT. Interesting. This may be a sign that the coaches are considering Kinnard as the backup at LG and LT and Matt Pryor as the backup on the right side. This is just speculation for now, but that would make some sense.

Lane Johnson and Cam Jurgens both sat for part of the practice to get some rest. That meant snaps for rookie Drew Kendall at center and Pryor at RT. Every rep Kendall gets helps him get better.

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The Eagles passing game was up and down. Myles Garrett got pressure more than a few times. AJ Brown missed practice and that never helps. Jalen Hurts made some good throws, but didn’t build on the great showing he had on Tuesday.

The run game was very different. Saquon Barkley, AJ Dillon and Will Shipley all had runs where they got to the second level untouched. That is a great job by the OL and supporting blockers.

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Myles Garrett is a freak. He dominated Lane Johnson on one rep, something Eagles reporters hadn’t seen before. Garrett won with a hard inside move and just blew by Johnson. After practice, numerous Eagles wanted to go talk to Garrett. He is a special player.

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Azeez Ojulari had his best day of the summer. He had a sack and was more disruptive than other practices. Ojulari has been a good player in the past and that’s what makes his underwhelming summer so disappointing. Josh Uche and Ogbo Okoronkwo have both looked good at times, but no one has jumped out as a sure thing. It would be good if Ojulari came alive. Better late than never.

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Fran Duffy said Grant Calcaterra had a good day. He needs to take a step forward this year. Chances are that Dallas Goedert, who also had a good showing, is going to get hurt and miss a game or two. It would really help if Calcaterra could replace him and play well. He doesn’t have to be as good as DG, who is one of the better TEs in the league. But Calcaterra has to play better than he did in the past.

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UDFA Brandon Johnson got some reps with the 2’s as the nickelback. He’s got some physical limitations, but Johnson is tough and confident. Those traits can make a bid difference in the slot.

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Zack Baun practiced in 7-on-7 drills and broke up a Kenny Pickett pass. Baun is resting his back and sitting out the 11-o-11 stuff.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr continues to play well. Rookies Jihad Campbell and Smael Mondon have their moments as well.

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