OTA's are in the books for the Philadelphia Eagles and before we turn our heads to the upcoming mandatory minicamp, it's time to take a look at ten things we've learned about the team over the last two weeks.
Carson Wentz is not human:
Okay, so we knew this already. Carson Wentz is defying all expectations yet again and spent the last portion of OTA's working with the team during 7-on-7 drills. When full 11-on-11 activity began, Wentz took off his Knee Brace and began doing sprints away from the action. The progress that Wentz is making during the recovery from his torn ACL is just remarkable. The likelihood of a week one return is increasing by the day, with reports constantly refreshing, full of optimism surrounding the franchise quarterback.
There will be plenty of rotation at Nickel:
OTA's are often a time to see what everybody can do. A level playing field that gives players lower down on the depth chart a chance to shine, these sessions are designed to allow coaches to rotate heavily and try out new concepts. The nickel corner spot is no exception to that rule. Whether it's Sidney Jones, DeVante Bausby or even Ronald Darby, there have been a flurry of corners trying their hand in the slot and with the starting position vacated, it's something we can expect to see much more of as the offseason goes on.
A storm is brewing:
I was heavily intrigued by new Eagles WR Coach Gunter Brewer as OTA's dawned. How would his style differ from Mike Groh? We soon found the answer, with the former UNC coach implementing the same mentality he used when coaching the likes of Randy Moss and Dez Bryant. A relatable character who players are already rallying around, Brewer has already started using some new drills, including this one that is designed to help receivers stay low and shield the ball.
https://twitter.com/TDavenport_NFL/status/1004389655222071296
A change of heart:
Isaac Seumalo has transitioned to the center position, where he will compete to backup Jason Kelce. The move comes as a slight surprise, but it isn't totally shocking. Seumalo struggled to break out at left guard in his second year and as the battle between himself and Warmack ran over into the regular season, Pederson decided to hand those reins to Stefen Wisniewski. The drafting of versatile lineman, Matt Pryor only darkened the skies for the former third round pick, who will seek a new lease of life at a more natural position and one with less competition.
https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2018/06/04/centoseu/
Bigger, better, faster, stronger:
Donnell Pumphrey, one of the forgotten talents of last year's draft class has come out swinging in a bid to make up for lost time. Looking notably bulkier, the running back who had his hopes of making the roster last year rapidly extinguished, appears to be back with a vengeance. There's a wealthy stable of competition this year so it's going to take a big step forward for Pumphrey to make the cut, but this is a step in the right direction after a preseason in which he was manhandled.
The cost of winning:
Trying to avoid a Super Bowl hangover on the field is one thing, but the rigors of such a long season are beginning to take their toll. No Timmy Jernigan due to injury, no Alshon Jeffery, who played the entire year with a shoulder injury. Brandon Graham also reportedly sustained a minor injury last season and he wasn't the only one.
In OTA's Greg Ward (Stretchered off) and Paul Worrilow (torn ACL) both left members of the team with their heart in their mouths after two big incidents. While flurry of ACL stricken players look to be recovering well, the Eagles have some holes elsewhere that are beginning to open up as the cost of such a long and successful season presents itself.
Battling through adversity:
It's been a tough week for the Eagles. Controversy surrounding their cancelled White House visit has shrouded the team and seen them inundated with a flurry of unwanted media attention. But from Doug Pederson to the players themselves, every single one of them has remained focused, calm and carried themselves with the upmost class. No shots, no unnecessary fire-poking comments, no words that could only worsen the situation. Just players who stayed committed to their own message and to the men standing next to them, refusing to listen to the outside noise.
https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2018/06/05/59133ameriteam/
Replacing Mychal Kendricks:
Dave Spadaro made an interesting comment in a recent article for Bleeding Green Nation that positioned Kamu Grugier-Hill, the team's leading special teams tackler, as the front-runner for the starting WILL linebacker spot. A strong OTA period has cemented that claim and after burying myself in Film, I'm all for it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0MSWMOb4tc
Underdogs shine:
Whether it was DeVante Bausby or Nate Sudfeld, there was plenty of underdog talent on show over the last two weeks, with many players stepping up to the plate in order to set an early impression. Last year was very much the same and with Mandatory Minicamp only a few days away, we can expect that theme to transcend the first mandatory practice in which the entire team will be together. They may be Super Bowl champions, but that doesn't mean there aren't underdogs chomping at the bit to break onto the roster and earn some vital preseason opportunities.
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
