The Linc – What to make of Jalen Hurts’ up and down start to camp
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By: Brandon Lee Gowton
Philadelphia Eagles news and links for 8/1/21.
Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles links …
Taking Stock – Iggles Blitz
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.
Eagles training camp notes, Day 4: Sloppy offense – PhillyVoice
Still, Hurts has neither gotten the ball out quickly, nor accurately, as he has missed plenty of makeable throws and often failed to pull the trigger on quicker throws that have been open. In 2020 camp, Hurts was constantly running with the ball, which doesn’t serve any real purpose in improving. During the regular season, he was also quick to tuck and run if his first option or two wasn’t there. It’s not at all out of the ordinary for quarterbacks who possess the type of running ability that Hurts does to lean on that skill as a young player. I have been looking to see if Hurts would be trying to refine his skills in the pocket in his second camp, since July and August is the time to iron out some of the areas where you’re not quite as comfortable. He has definitely been more willing to operate from the pocket before bailing in Year 2 than he was as a rookie, so that’s good to see. However, if there was any hope that Hurts was going to enter 2021 training camp and his accuracy issues would be substantially fixed from the jump, that has not happened, and frankly, shouldn’t have been expected to happen, because the skills where Hurts is deficient (quick, accurate throws, for example) are developed over time. Ultimately, the result on the field has been that the defense is winning the majority of these practices so far, and the offense has looked sloppy. Obviously, there’s a long way to go before the start of the season.
Eagles Training Camp Practice Notes: Jordan Mailata ahead of Andre Dillard thus far – BGN
LEFT TACKLE BATTLE: Jordan Mailata got the first crack with the starters today. He’s clearly the favorite to win the job at this rate. Mailata, whom Nick Sirianni described as “a big man that can move like a little man” prior to practice, just never struggles as badly as Andre Dillard does. Dillard got cooked by Derek Barnett once again in 1-on-1s. Meanwhile, Mailata was able to stave off Josh Sweat and Tarron Jackson.
Eye On The Enemy #60: Training Camp Updates & one question for every NFC East team heading into 2021 – BGN Radio
John Stolnis tackles the Jalen Reagor’s camp issues, Carson Wentz’ injury and COVID-19 vaccine status, one question for every NFC East team heading into 2021, the NFC East teams’ strength of schedule and some prop bets on Eagles players stats for 2021.
Training Camp Practice Notes: July 31 – PE.com
Late in the final session, cornerback Zech McPhearson nearly had a diving interception. The rookie fourth-round pick from Texas Tech has really impressed me over the last couple of days. He’s been sticky as Velcro in coverage, is shedding blocks on the perimeter, and is working extra with coaches and vets on the sideline during and after practice. The rookie is checking a lot of boxes early on, and I’m excited to watch more of him this summer! – Ben
Ranking the NFL’s top 25 prospects: Young players who could level up in 2021, including Damien Harris, Adam Trautman – ESPN+
Drafted by the Vikings, Marcus Epps was claimed by the Eagles on waivers and used at free safety in December of 2019. Rodney McLeod was ahead of Epps on the depth chart last year, but after a torn ACL in December, Epps grabbed a major share of the snaps yet again by getting at least 56 percent of the snaps in each of Philadelphia’s last four games. Epps picked off two passes and defensed four more. And while we wouldn’t expect this to last at his size, Epps had the best run stop rate of any Eagles secondary player last year, at 64%. The Eagles had themselves a Vikings import offseason on defense. They brought in former Vikings defensive backs coach Jonathan Gannon as defensive coordinator, and they added Anthony Harris to the safety equation on a one-year deal. Epps will be battling a 31-year-old McLeod and 2020 fourth-rounder K’Von Wallace for playing time, but he outplayed Wallace last year and has shown the ability to be a versatile middle-of-the-field defender. Don’t sleep on his chances of yet again bubbling up to the surface in 2021.
Jordan Hicks wishes he had opportunity to compete for starting job – PFT
Hicks said on Saturday that he respects that the Cardinals were up front with their plans and their willingness to honor his trade request, but that “there’s a part that just wishes you had had an opportunity to compete.”
Colts sign QB Brett Hundley to fill the spot created by Wentz injury; Sign DT Joey Ivie – Stampede Blue
Also, don’t be surprised if Colts fans are hesitant to place a great deal of confidence in what the team chooses to share. The history over the last decade of downplaying injuries, resulting in major letdowns, is well documented: Peyton Manning’s neck injury was downplayed in 2011 and he missed the entire season after undergoing surgery; Andrew Luck’s shoulder injury and recovery were downplayed in 2017 and he missed the season, and Luck’s ankle injury was downplayed in 2019 before he announced an early retirement.
‘Things I think’ after Week 1 of Giants training camp – Big Blue View
There have been some folks trying to make a mountain out of the fact that the Giants’ defense has thus far gotten the better of the offense, and that expensive free agent wide receiver Kenny Golladay has not been dominant. It’s a molehill. If that. Yes, the heat is on Daniel Jones and the offense. The Giants have to be far better than 31st in the league in points scored. Yes, it is true the Giants’ offense did not look like it was in sync on Friday. Too many off-target throws, even during the individual portion of practice. Not enough quality plays during 11-on-11. Still, let’s chill. Friday’s 11-on-11 was the first truly competitive action in camp. The Giants’ secondary happens to be really good. Even with newcomer Adoree’ Jackson, it is already a group that knows each and plays cohesively.
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