The Dolphins are in town and the joint practices have begun. The last leg of Training Camp is upon us as the Eagles prepare themselves for a clash with Miami later this week. As the Phins adjust to the Eagles way of practicing, some familiar faces returned to the NovaCare Complex sparking some intriguing scenarios. Here are the biggest takeaways from the day.
Two Eagles leave practice early:
The Birds had two minor scares during their first practice with the Dolphins. DE Brandon Graham left the session early with a strained tricep, while linebacker Jordan Hicks also suffered a setback...with his status still unclear.
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That's two starters suffering minor injuries in practice and while they could be just that, it's still not what any coach or fan wants to see...especially at this stage in the season.
Fipp gets sassy:
The Eagles special teams unit has long been revered as one of the best in the league and it didn't take coordinator Dave Fipp long to assert his presence on the Dolphins unit.
https://twitter.com/EliotShorrParks/status/899642243996430337
Oh Dave, you so sassy!
Darby’s day:
Since arriving in Philadelphia, there has naturally been a lot of attention placed on Ronald Darby. Regarded as the team's top cornerback, today saw no exception to the spotlight rule as he lined up against the likes of Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry.
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It's safe to say Darby had his day against the Dolphins wide receivers and was able to make quite the impression on one of Cutler's top targets.
Receivers dominate Maxwell:
Long before Ronald Darby however, there was a cornerback named Byron Maxwell. You may or may not remember Chip Kelly signing him as a free agent before he was cast to Miami just one season later. Maxwell himself opened up on how he wants to do better than the Eagles this season, after a poor taste was left in his mouth...but the Eagles only added to that sour attitude today.
https://twitter.com/TDavenport_NFL/status/899660841318002688
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There may be nothing more validating for Eagles fans than reading the descriptions of what transpired today.
Barnett sees first-team action:
With Brandon Graham leaving practice early due to injury, it was time for rookie DE Derek Barnett to be called up to the first team to line up against a stout Dolphins Offensive line, preluding their encounter later this week. How did he fare?
https://twitter.com/TDavenport_NFL/status/899650520272429056
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It's safe to say that the Tennessee pass-rusher flashed on several occasions against an offensive line that paved the way for a strong rushing offense for Jay Ajayi just one year ago. If Graham does miss the preseason matchup, it means Barnett will once again see reps against a first-team offensive line...something that can only be seen as good for his development.
Burton breaks out:
The chemistry between Wentz and Burton has been long documented, his 327-yard receiving campaign last year backs that up. It was Training Camp last year where Burton really made his mark, and against the Dolphins, the duo struck up that chord once again.
https://twitter.com/kracze/status/899658090680811521
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Burton has had a rollercoaster preseason so far, with Shepherd product Billy Brown breathing down his neck. A strong performance this week and in a live-game against the team he's flashing against right now would only bode well for Burton...but by now we all know just how much of a playmaker he can be. These signs are encouraging.
Dolphins Offense has edge in the trenches:
The Dolphins Offensive front may be the perfect unit for the Eagles to sharpen their Iron against. After an abrupt changing of the guard in week 3 (that saw Dallas Thomas cut who is now a Philadelphia Eagle), the Phins opened up the run game to a level beyond everyone's wildest dreams. Jay Ajayi ran wild and the Phins mounted an impressive playoff charge. This year, with Cutler at the helm, it's all about pass-protection too. The Eagles Defensive Line is regarded as one of the best in the league, so what happened when fire met ice?
https://twitter.com/MattLombardoPHL/status/899655925128208384
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https://twitter.com/EliotShorrParks/status/899640650051850245
The Dolphins appeared to get the upper hand and set the tone early on, although Derek Barnett did flash as aforementioned. This may be one of the most exciting battles to watch heading into the showdown later this week.
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
