The Philadelphia Eagles officially wrapped up their final practice session before their preseason opener, marked by an almost balmy 75-minute stint on the cleared-up grounds. After braving through double-digit practice sessions, the Eagles looked ready – except for the notable absences in their lineup, which might influence upcoming performances.
Notably absent for the second consecutive session was safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, sidelined with a shoulder injury. Linebacker Oren Burks also remained AWOL, marking his ninth straight missed session due to a knee condition. Adding to the woes, wide receiver Parris Campbell, safety Mekhi Garner, and linebacker Brandon Smith all missed their fourth straight practice. None of these injured players are anticipated to participate in the opening preseason game.
Defensive Adjustments
Amid these absences, adjustments had to be made in the defensive lineup. Zack Baun and Devin White took charge of the linebacker unit for the first team, filled with a sense of purpose and readiness. James Bradberry and Reed Blankenship were stationed at the safety positions, while Isaiah Rodgers and Darius Slay secured the outside cornerback spots. Quinyon Mitchell stepped up as the first-team slot cornerback, bringing a fresh perspective to the defensive squad.
The session was not short of thrilling plays. Darius Slay etched a highlight moment by breaking up a deep pass from Jalen Hurts that was intended for Joseph Ngata, showcasing Slay's defensive instincts. "Good eyes, Trot! Good eyes!" Zack Baun shouted, commending Jeremiah Trotter Jr. for a pivotal defensive stop that further boosted the team's morale.
Offensive Highlights
On the offensive side, Grant Calcaterra made quite an impression. Calcaterra caught a touchdown from quarterback Jalen Hurts and later followed it up with a crucial 25-yard pass reception. He also demonstrated his versatility by catching a slant pass from Kenny Pickett, adding another layer of depth to the Eagles' receiving corps.
Deservedly drawing attention, Lane Johnson's blocking was impeccable as he neutralized Brandon Graham's rush on three consecutive plays during the 11-on-11 drills, underscoring Johnson's essential role on the offensive line. Mekhi Becton solidified his status by anchoring the first-team right guard spot, filling in seamlessly where needed.
One remarkable moment came from Britain Covey, who executed a solid catch on an out route against Tristin McCollum and Andre' Sam. Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s commendable defensive play earned him enthusiastic approval from teammate Zack Baun, providing glimpses of his potential and synergy within the team.
Emerging Talents
Perhaps one of the most promising developments of these practice sessions has been the performance of defensive tackle Moro Ojomo. Over the past four practices, Ojomo has consistently generated interior pressure, making his case to emerge as the fourth defensive tackle behind stalwarts Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams. This level of depth in the defensive tackle position could be a vital asset for the Eagles throughout the season.
Austin Watkins also made a name for himself with a spectacular diving catch and a major gain against cornerback Josh Jobe, indicating his readiness for more significant challenges.
Looking Ahead
With the preseason opener looming, these practice sessions serve as a critical juncture for evaluating the depth and readiness of the Eagles' squad. Each play, each commendation, and each defensive breakdown is a step toward refining the roster, as head coach Nick Sirianni and his staff assess who can carry the momentum into the season. The absences due to injuries will undoubtedly be a factor, but the performance and adaptability of the remaining players offer a testament to the team's resilience and readiness to pivot as required.
As fans eagerly await the first whistle of the preseason game, the energy and promise seen in these practice sessions provide a glimpse into the potential that this Eagles team holds for the upcoming season.