CT’s Top 3: Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp Storylines
It’s a big day for football fans in Philadelphia, and around the rest of the country. As of today, all NFL Training Camps have opened, including that of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Unsurprisingly, they are once again one of the most interesting teams in football, and there are storylines galore as they kick off their 2024-25 season. With changes to the coaching staff, the roster, and everything in between, there is plenty to break down when it comes to this year’s Eagles team. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter joined us on Kincade And Salciunas this morning and previewed camp with some of his thoughts and expectations:
As you can hear, there are a billion questions, and plenty of answers to be found over the coming weeks as the Eagles attack their task at hand at the NovaCare Complex.
Here are my top 3 storylines to keep an eye on as training camp unfolds:
1.) Are Nick Sirianni And Jalen Hurts Cool?
This has been a budding narrative that has reached a fever pitch as camp starts for the Eagles. Over the offseason, Hurts has not been glowing in his comments about Head Coach Nick Sirianni, but he also has not said anything explicitly negative either. It feels like a cold front exists between two of the most important figures for the Eagles, and some early press conferences could do a lot to quell these concerns… or exacerbate them further. It’s certainly something worth keeping an eye on.
2.) How Are The New Offensive And Defensive Systems Implemented?
With Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio joining the coaching staff ranks as Offensive and Defensive Coordinator respectively, there will be a learning curve for young and senior players alike this year. Rarely are these types of overhauls seamless, even if elements of their systems have existed in Philadelphia in previous years.
If this team is going to be great, though, it has to look pretty close to seamless when the team takes the field in Sao Paolo for their first regular season game. Both of these coordinators have been around the block, though, so my expectations for the implementation of their ideas on both sides of the ball are high.
3.) Who Wins The Two Big Position Battles?
While few positions are guaranteed in the NFL, the Eagles find themselves in a pretty comfortable spot with who will start where. There are, however, two positions that are clearly up for grabs.
The first is at Right Guard, a spot previously occupied by Cam Jurgens, who has since shifted over to Center to replace the retired Jason Kelce. It seems to be a two-man race between Tyler Steen, who has the early edge, and Mekhi Becton, the higher pedigree player.
The other major position battle will be at the starting Corner spot opposite Darius Slay, which could be filled by a bevy of players. Isaiah Rodgers, Kelee Ringo, and Quinyon Mitchell are all in the mix, and we will see if Cooper DeJean finds his way into the conversation once he returns from a hamstring injury that is keeping him off the field for a couple weeks to start camp. Oh, and don’t forget about James Bradberry, who remains on the roster in spite of an unproductive season last year. Let the drama ensue.
Watch Kincade & Salciunas on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page for discussion about the latest breaking sports news in Philadelphia.
Top 5 Things I Am Most Excited To Watch During Eagles Camp
1 – A more “old school” training camp
The running joke continues. I am the oldest 30-year-old you ever met. There are some things in the new era of sports that I agree with, there are some that I can’t disagree more about. I want to see my players work during training camp. I want to see them play during the preseason games. Do you know why? I am tired of hearing how the first four weeks of the season are just an extension of the preseason.
Wins aren’t easy in the NFL. Why make it harder? Why allow yourself to maybe lose a game you shouldn’t because you weren’t fully prepared because you took it easy during camp? Nick Sirianni agreed to a more “old school” approach thanks to Vic Fangio. No, I don’t want Oklahoma drills. I just want a prepared football team.
2 – Quinyon Mitchell
As excited as I am to see Saquon Barkley, how much are you really going to get from camp with a running back? They may as well wear the red jersey like the quarterbacks do during 7 on 7 drills. Do you know who actually has to go one on one? Wide receivers and cornerbacks. I know what I am getting out of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. I can’t wait to see how rookie Quinyon Mitchell matches up with them. One-on-one drills will show us how close he may be to winning a starting job.
3 – Cam Jurgens
I loved the Jurgens selection 3 years ago. I love that he was given the opportunity to play last year. I am excited to see how he takes the reigns following the Jason Kelce era. Remember the video that went viral 3 years ago when Jordan Davis pushed him 50 yards back? I am excited to see how he has gotten stronger, quicker, and more ready to be the starting center of the Philadelphia Eagles.
4 – The new look offenses and defenses
Thanks to Vic Fangio, the Eagles will have more of an “old school” training camp. Thanks to Vic Fangio, I actually have faith in the defense. I can’t wait to see where players are lining up during workouts. Is James Bradberry a corner or a safety? Same with Avonte Maddox. I am excited to see where Fangio moves his players around. The same goes with Kellen Moore. Nick Sirianni scoffed at the idea of motion last season. Be prepared to see a lot of that this season. The offense last year got stale and predictable, don’t expect that this year. We will get glimpses of that during camp.
5 – Hurts and Sirianni squashing the beef
There is no way this continues. Expectations are too high. Standards are too high. I feel like I am typing this as if I am Jalen Hurts. They know what has been said about them and what people are saying about this team. A ton of talent that fell apart last year. Will that happen this season? I don’t think so, and I think it starts with them.
