Camp Thoughts

We’re only a couple of days in so we don’t know anything definitively yet. It has been encouraging to see some of the young guys flash and offer real hope for the upcoming season.

Nolan Smith is generating a lot of buzz so far.

Eagles observations from Day 2 of camp:

Nolan Smith put together a nice string of plays while running with the first team defense. He generated pressure off the edge on one snap, then dropped into coverage and blanketed Goedert and Boston Scott. Versatility was on display.

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) July 28, 2023

He isn’t doing anything to surprise people. We knew he was a great athlete. We knew he was highly competitive and would go 100 mph in practice. Still, it is fun to see it actually happen. You don’t have to be surprised by something to appreciate it.

If this keeps up, we’re due for a slew of “Why did Smith fall so far?” stories. He is undersized and he had so-so production. Kudos to the Eagles for focusing on what Smith can do and how talented he is. His potential is through the roof. When you have a chance to add someone that good and he’s a scheme fit, go get him.

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Smith’s buddy Jalen Carter is also living up to the hype so far.

Jalen Carter also made his presence felt when he pushed through a double team to disrupt a play. He told reporters afterwards that his goal is to win defensive rookie of the year.

"Jalen Carter is very fast," said Jordan Mailata.

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) July 28, 2023

Eagles Camp:

Jalen Carter – Flashed that elite suddenness on a rep vs Dickerson in Team. Beat LG across face & was instantly into the backfield

Nolan Smith – Consistent hustle/chase/retrace. Will be infectious presence with his effort. I don't expect him to look great in 1on1s

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) July 26, 2023

Carter seems to be a man on a mission. He slid down to the 9th pick and had to deal with some tough situations. Now he is back on the football field and is doing what he does best…wreaking havoc. Carter will make his share of plays, but he’ll disrupt even more. Other guys will make those plays, but Carter will be the reason they didn’t work.

There was legitimate concern that the off-field baggage might get in his head and affect what he does on the field. That hasn’t been the case so far.

Carter says his goal is to be the defensive rookie of the year. That is tough for a DT. Those guys normally need a season or two to adjust to pro football. Carter is good enough that he might be an exception. I like the fact he’s got lofty goals. I am more impressed with his focus and level of play to this point.

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Another player off to a good start is DT Jordan Davis. There is something these guys all have in common. If only I could put my finger on it…

Here is a blurb from Jimmy Bama’s Friday practice notes.

Jordan Davis was active in the middle of the defense. He got free and into the backfield on a number of pass plays. His most impressive pass rush of the day looked like a push-pull move, in which he dominated the lineman opposite him. (I didn’t catch the number of the O-lineman, but it was one of the second-stringers.) Davis dusted himself off in celebration after the play.

We know Davis can play the run. He’s powerful and can eat up blocks. He must be effective as a pass rusher to stay on the field and really impact games. Sounds like he’s in great shape and is learning how to get after the QB. In the NFL, you can’t just rely on size and strength. You need skill.

Davis does have special size and strength.

Sean Desai on Jordan Davis: "Go find another human being that looks like him… There are not many people built like that. He's strong. He's fast. He's quick. He's powerful. It's about putting it all together…and getting the right combination of guys in there."

— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) July 29, 2023

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Not much being said about Nakobe Dean. Is that a concern? Not for me. No off-ball LB is generating much buzz right now. These haven’t been overly physical practices. Dean’s time to shine will be when there is more contact. LBs need to be able to really hit and tackle to stand out.

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Marcus Mariota stunk in the first practice but was better on Friday. Some guys will take a day or two to get going. Mariota is a veteran, but he’s new to the Eagles and new to this offense. He might need some time to get where he needs to be. I still think he’ll be a good backup QB this year.

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CB James Bradberry has been terrific so far. We all wondered if he would peak in 2022 and then decline a bit this year. Maybe Bradberry is locked in and being part of a winning organization has brought out the best in him. The defense needs another strong year from the corners.

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There was some question about bringing in Matt Patricia when there was a known feud with Big Play Slay. It sounds like that feud is a thing of the past.

Darius Slay on Matt Patricia: "Me and him talked as man-to-man and we got a great understanding. We both to win. He's here to help me get better. He wants to get better as a coach. So we're in good hands right now. It took a lot for both us of to talk. So we did a great job."

— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) July 28, 2023

My guess is that Patricia apologized for his comments from their Detroit days. Patricia was probably trying to channel Bill Belichick and motivate Slay by ripping him. Bill can get away with that stuff because of all the success he’s had. It didn’t work for Patricia (not much did in Detroit).

Thankfully the past stayed in Detroit and the two are focused on winning in Philly. That stuff from Detroit is now water under the dam, if I can steal the immortal words of Bruce “Socrates” Smith.

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It is funny to watch Sean Desai talk to the media. He’s not as smooth and polished as Jonathan Gannon, but he’s so much more real. He’s not saying “Good question” over and over. He’s not throwing these strange blanket statements about his players. Desai comes across as genuine. And that matters in coaching.

Defensive Coordinator Sean Desai speaks with the media. #FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/LLFoE8KMcj

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 28, 2023

I think Desai realizes he got a great opportunity when he got the Eagles job. I’m excited to see if he can help this group go to the next level.

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