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It is the end of July and that means that football season is on the horizon. With the beginning of preseason quickly approaching today Eagles fans were treated with a glimpse of what is to come in 2016. This week marked the first week of training camp for the Birds and a crowd of 18,000 plus was in attendance. This offseason was full of drama for the Philly faithful and there is no doubt that this sneak peek of this year’s team was highly anticipated. Fans were gathered in the parking lot as early as a 7:00 am hoping to get as close to the action as possible, and give their strong unwavering opinion of the work in process that is the 2016 Philadelphia Eagles.
The capacity crowd didn’t take long voicing there opinion as presumptive starting Quarterback Sam Bradford was met with a smattering of boos from his first introduction. Was he able to quell the ire of the fans? That will be discussed later on. But two players who did not have to concern themselves with any possible jeers from the spectators were high priced defensive lineman Fletcher Cox and number 2 overall pick Carson Wentz. The duo received raucous applause and a standing ovation from the fans on hand. Once the introductions came to an end, and the players began to practice, that’s when fans zeroed in to see if this roster had any legitimate promise.
First were the Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers who took part in three drills and it was clear from the onset that this would not be the former Sooner’s best day. Bradford was not at all crisp with his throws and was assisted by some nifty footwork and leaping ability from his receiving core. Wentz and proposed #2 Chase Daniels were much more accurate. Wentz even managed to hit 6 of 7 targets perfectly in stride. This drill also foreshadowed what would be an intense day for defensive backs and wideouts, as they battled non stop for every ball, including a bit of jawing from cornerback Jalen Mills and receiver Chris Givens of which we will go into more detail later. Free agent pick up Rueben Randall and third year man Jordan Matthews stole the show with several touchdown grabs.
RB did took part in several drills and exercise with the recently resigned Darren Sproles, rookie Wendell Smallwood, and Chip Kelly hold over Kenjon Barner looking very impressive. Sproles showcased that break out speed that made him one of the deadliest returners in the game, and a Pro Bowler last season. Smallwood the Fifth round pick out of West Virginia showed flashes great technique will handling the football and a lack for making the right cut. With probable starter Ryan Matthews on the shelf with an ankle injury it will be important that this trio of backs can shoulder the load if need be.
When the 7 on 7 drills began thats when the real excitement began to fill the stadium. Sam Bradford took his spot with the first team and from the onset looked tentative and unsure of his passes, two of which landed in the hands of his defensive teammates. However the 18,000 plus who filled the Lincoln Financial Field’s lower level were pleasantly surprised by the accuracy of the Eagles 2nd and 3rd string signal callers who shined in both 7 on 7 and 11 on 11 drills. The latter of which received the biggest crowd reaction of the the day, when the North Dakota State standout showed off his legs and scampered threw the defense for 15 yards on designed run. It was like, a porterhouse steak to a fanbase who has been starved for an athletic mobile quarterback since the days Donovan McNabb. The future is starting to come into focus before our eyes and for the time being it looks luminous.
The best match up of the day as I mentioned once before was unquestionably between the wideouts and the defensive backs. Malcolm Jenkins showed why he was a Pro Bowl selection this past season and newly signed cornerback Leodis McKelvin was stride for stride with the Bird top pass catchers, the battle between the secondary and the receiving core had its fair share of fireworks as well. At one point Chris Givens and cornerback Jalen Mills began pushing and shoving after Mills to exception to the former Raven chucking the ball at him after hauling in a 20 yard strike from Wentz. Of course they were separated almost immediately but it was exciting and intriguing to see such passion and bravado on display so early in the year.
Overall the defense especially the secondary look stout, as they made several good plays in the passing game, including a few turnovers. The special teams crew looked sharp as 100% fully health Cody Parkey looked great hitting from beyond 50 with is ease. The star of the day on offense was undoubtedly Carson Wenzt, as he did not disappoint. Every pass was not perfect but proved he can without question make all the throws. The receivers are going to be the enigma on this team as they looked impressive today, but only time will tell. One thing is for sure however, and that is the fact that football is on its way and this town cannot wait.
Finally once practice had come to a close the fans were treated by being able to come on to the field. While the lines were somewhat long it was well worth it for fans of all ages. It is all but a guarantee that we can expect the same amount of enthusiasm and excitement when the Eagles hold their second and final open practice on August 14 at 7pm.
(Images courtesy Robert Whitney)
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