Another day, another Training Camp Notebook. This time, it was the Defense who stole the show at the NovaCare Complex...but that doesn't mean there weren't bursts of offensive excellence. Here's everything you need to know after day nine of camp:
Injuries:
While Torrey Smith returned to practice today, there were still some players absent. Alshon Jeffery missed his second straight day due to a shoulder injury, with the Eagles wanting to take it slow and avoid rushing their star receiver into action he doesn't need to be in. LeGarrette Blount missed today for personal reasons and his RB teammate Donnel Pumphrey was also absent due to a hamstring injury. Last year's pre-season hero, Paul Turner, also missed today's action.
Wentz yet to relight weekend fire:
Carson Wentz was on a hot streak over the weekend, ending a near perfect practice at the NovaCare Complex with a strong showing in front of the fans at the Linc. This week however, things haven't gone as smoothly. Matt Lombardo detailed the wobbly day on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/MattLombardoPHL/status/892733842171322369
https://twitter.com/MattLombardoPHL/status/892740945019580416
https://twitter.com/MattLombardoPHL/status/892743006914306048
At this stage during camp, it's to be expected. No quarterback is going to be red hot every single day, and with the team working mostly in the redzone today, it's an interesting area to focus on. It's clear that the Offense need to work out some kinks when inside the 20...but luckily for the coaches, that's what camp and pre-season are there for.
Smith flies under-the-radar no longer:
One cornerback who has consistently been making plays but hasn't been appreciated all that much is C.J Smith. The former North Dakota State DB stuck onto the Eagles roster after being called up from the practice squad in the backend of the 2016 season...but it's clear he's vying for an increased role.
https://twitter.com/TDavenport_NFL/status/892750093111238656
https://twitter.com/MattLombardoPHL/status/892746457526218752
Pre-season is going to be do-or-die for the Eagles cornerbacks, but if Smith continues to shine and gain admiration from the coaching staff, he could well be a dark horse to secure a higher role on the depth chart than many think.
Defense has its day:
So far it's been a story of big plays, big catches, and offensive success for the Eagles. Today, it was the time for the Defense to assert their authority in the redzone.
https://twitter.com/BrandonGowton/status/892741595694587904
https://twitter.com/TDavenport_NFL/status/892746934162796544
https://twitter.com/MattLombardoPHL/status/892743495517175808
It's no surprise that the Eagles Defense held so strongly in the red zone. Jim Schwartz has had quite the history of stopping teams putting running riot when inside the 20.
https://twitter.com/BrandonGowton/status/892801194988580881
Grymes time:
Another cornerback who shined today was Aaron Grymes. Building on his success from last year's camp, Grymes has continued to make big plays when it counts and today was no exception.
https://twitter.com/TDavenport_NFL/status/892738631760310280
An instinctive play to undercut a slant could make all the difference by the time that the Eagles are forced to name their cornerback depth for the upcoming season. Regardless of how it shakes out, it's clear by this point that Grymes should be in the mix.
Agholor's swagger:
We've heard for a while now that Agholor appears to have approached this year with a new mindset. Not only are the mental errors seemingly completely marginalized, but he's now playing with a swagger that was last seen in his days dominating the middle of the field at USC.
https://twitter.com/TDavenport_NFL/status/892738190561378305
https://twitter.com/MattLombardoPHL/status/892748540702863360
It's hard not to get excited. Sure, Training Camp is only a small sample size...but it finally seems as if Agholor is in a position to have the impressive year he's been primed to have since entering the league.
Mills sets himself apart:
The Green Goblin is taking no prisoners this Training Camp. The physicality seems to be there along with the aggressive mindset instilled by Jim Schwartz. Very much a project corner in year one, Mills developed quickly after being thrust into action during the first week of the season. Likely a starter in his second season, it's encouraging to see him embrace that tenacious mindset.
https://twitter.com/BrandonGowton/status/892742092291813376
https://twitter.com/MattLombardoPHL/status/892740279001894913
Schwartz loves aggression in his corners...and Mills may be the perfect embodiment of that as camp rolls on.
Burton shows receiving prowess:
Trey Burton received for 327 yards and his first career touchdown last year, and even though the Offense has been flooded with new receiving talent...it's important not to overlook the former Florida Gator.
https://twitter.com/JimmyKempski/status/892734054667358211
As versatile as they come, Burton has been able to find his niche in Pederson's Offense. The team only signed him to a one-year tender...but it's all Burton needs in order to show just how valuable he is. From 3-TE sets, to fullback reps, and of course a receiving threat in aid of Zach Ertz, Burton still has a large role in this Offense.
Signed, sealed, safety:
The battle at Safety has been well documented throughout Training Camp...but on day 9, the winner of the battle is beginning to emerge at a rapid rate.
https://twitter.com/JohnBarchard/status/892734495799083012
https://twitter.com/BrandonGowton/status/892734667882999808
Terrence Brooks is simply on fire right now. The former Raven is competing for the backup role to Jenkins and McLeod and with his main competition (Jaylen Watkins) simply playing in his shadow at this stage, it's safe to say that Brooks has a strong hold on this spot. There's still a long way to go, but it's definitely looking as if that spot belongs to him.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
