Taking Stock

We have seen three days of Eagles practices. Things are still way early as Nick Sirianni and his staff get their first time working with the players on grass, but we are starting to see some trends. Let’s talk about them, both the good and the bad.

JALEN HURTS

Hurts has been up and down so far. He’s gotten better each day, which is a good sign. Some people think Hurts should be shining since he’s in a practice setting, can’t get hit and has improved weapons. You have to remember that he’s only in Year 2 in the NFL and this is his first time running this offense. Very few QBs are going to thrive under those conditions.

The key is for him to show talent and continue to improve. As he gets a better feel for the offense and his teammates, Hurts should play better. He’ll know where his checkdown options are. He’ll know where to go with the ball against specific looks. Timing will get better. All of these things take time, especially for someone who is more of a gamer than a practice player.

A.J. Feeley almost got cut by Andy Reid early on because of his practice struggles. Once in a game, he came alive. Sam Bradford was a better practice player. That setting brought out the best in him.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t be critical of Hurts. I have serious concerns about whether he can actually be the long term starter for the Eagles. I do think it is important to be patient with him and keep expectations realistic.

BACKUP QB

It sounds like Nick Mullens has outplayed Joe Flacco so far. Neither one of them has done enough to make Hurts nervous about losing the starting role. With Flacco having a guaranteed deal, Mullens will have to really outplay him to win a roster spot, assuming the team wants to go with just two QBs.

DEVONTA SMITH

Smith had a couple of drops on the first day, but he’s also shown his talent. His highlight play was beating Steven Nelson for a 70-yard TD a couple of days ago. Smith doesn’t have elite speed, but he can get deep.

LT BATTLE

Andre Dillard really struggled on Day 2, but bounced back the next day. Still, he’s been outplayed by Jordan Mailata. The coaches want the two of them to battle it out. Chances are that injuries will dictate that they both play at some point so you want them both to be ready. Mailata is on track to be the starting LT as of now. He came into camp in the best shape of his pro career. There were ups and downs last year and it seems like he learned that in order to be a good LT you better be in great shape and ready to face elite athletes each and every week.

OL DEPTH

The Eagles have a very talented OL, but they also have some age and have had injury issues the past couple of years. It is important that the backups look good. Jack Driscoll had a solid rookie year and looks ready to play RT if needed. Luke Juriga is developing nicely and should provide depth on the inside. Matt Pryor is still struggling. Ugh. Still looking forward to seeing rookie Landon Dickerson in action.

JOSH SWEAT

Derek Barnett was projected to be the RDE. Sweat has out-performed him so far this summer and has gotten work with the 1’s. Sweat was highly productive when he played last year. The question is whether he can be even more productive with more time. Some guys excel in a limited role, but aren’t meant to start. It will be interesting to see if Sweat is the starter and how he plays.

FLETCHER COX

Water is wet. The sun is hot. Fletcher Cox is a dominant DT. Yawn. Defensive Coordinator Jonathan Gannon noted how productive Cox had been when talking to the media. It can be easy to take Cox for granted, but the new staff has to be excited to see him in action. And Cox might be fired up to show them what he can do. When he’s on his A-game, Cox is as good as anyone outside of Aaron Donald. A big year from Cox would help the Eagles defense play at a high level and keep the team competitive.

DAVION TAYLOR

What a difference a year makes. Taylor basically had a wasted rookie season. The previous staff didn’t think much of him and Taylor didn’t do much to change their minds. The new staff has embraced him, looking to take advantage of Taylor’s speed and athleticism. Taylor played with the 1’s for the first couple of days and looked good. He’s still got a ton to learn, but his raw ability is legit. Taylor has a real chance to succeed in this scheme and working for this staff.

QUICK HITS

Genard Avery is playing LB and has looked pretty good.

WR Michael Walker has flashed at times.

WR John Hightower had some good moments on Friday.

DT T.Y. McGill can explode off the ball.

We are waiting for someone to emerge in the Kerryon Johnson vs Jordan Howard battle. Both have flashed a bit. Most likely only one of them makes the roster.

Rookie DE Tarron Jackson had some really strong moments on Friday.

*****

Nick Sirianni on Jalen Reagor failing the conditioning test, limited at practice and mental state after death of friend:

We’re here to support him. Would obviously prefer to have him on the field. Should do some team stuff today. #Eagles

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) July 31, 2021

Rough start for Reagor. Hopefully getting back with his teammates and on the field will bring out the best in him.

*****

As a reminder, the pads haven’t gone on yet. Still very early.

*****

With QB Carson Wentz’s situation in flux — though he’s likely out for the preseason — the #Colts have signed QB Brett Hundley.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 31, 2021

Wentz got hurt. Absolutely no one is shocked.

It would be easy to find some sense of satisfaction at this after he forced his way out of Philly, but the Eagles need him to play 75 percent of the snaps this year to get a first round pick.

No one likes injuries of course, but this does feel like a version of football karma for Wentz.

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