LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles watches his team play against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on September 25, 2022 in Landover, Maryland.
Contributor – Ryan Straub
It was a week ago today on July 23rd that the doors of the NovaCare complex opened up another Philadelphia Eagles season. After an extremely disappointing end to the season, in which it would be fair to call it a downright collapse, a great deal is being expected of the Eagles team this season.
As every training camp goes, fans are following closely along as they try to stay up to date on the position battles, scrimmages, and other bits and pieces that make the NFL season feel much closer than it really is. It is around this time of year where early questions will be answered.
Who will win the WR3 spot behind Brown and Smith? How do the offensive line and secondary look? And of course, how does Jalen Hurts and the new offense under Kellen Moore look? Head Coach Nick Sirianni touched on these concerns after practice on Monday. Here’s what he had to say.
WR3 Spot Up For Grabs
When asked about his assessment of the wide receivers outside of A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith, Sirianni said “Yeah, I’m really excited about this group. I really am. Without going into detail of all the guys, I think that everyone brings a little different skill set to the table that everybody can contribute to.”
“Parris [Campbell] has had success in this league through different things that he’s done. He has toughness. He has speed. John Ross has got excellent speed. Johnny Wilson, big, physical, can bring an element of toughness and blocking to the group.”
(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
A few other guys mentioned include Britain Covey, Ainas Smith, and Joe Ngata. As far as the entire WR room goes, Sirianni has high praise: “It’s a good group, one of the best groups I’ve had 1 through 13 in my time in the NFL, and they all bring different and I’ll be excited to see how that plays out as we go through the rest of camp.”
Different Faces on the Offensive Line, in the Secondary
When the Eagles line up on September 6th in Brazil for their season opener, it will be the first time since 2012 that Jason Kelce will not be under center. The general consensus is that Cam Jurgens, who has played as a Guard so far with the Eagles but was drafted as a Center, will fill that void. Sirianni is showing confidence in Jurgens:
“He played meaningful snaps, and he played some good football. […] We’re really excited about his progression, the things that he’s doing at practice, look forward to when the pads get on.”
Guard Tyler Steen went down with an injury which paved the way for Mekhi Becton to possibly get some time in at right guard next to Lane Johnson. Sirianni stated, “As bummed as we are that Tyler Steen is going to be out for a little bit, it gives other people opportunities to work, and Mekhi is going to be one of those guys.”
(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Lastly, the secondary is an intriguing concept this summer. Top picks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are two guys who will make an immediate impact and contribute, adding crucial depth. James Bradberry, coming off a sluggish season, has started camp practicing with the second team.
Sirainni emphasizes that this is a good thing: “The depth chart, he’s working with the twos right now, but that’s fluid. That can change, and you’re always going to need depth, and there’s always going to be competition. So, I’m excited for this opportunity for him. He’s handled it great, and he just wants to continue to contribute, and he still has the ability to do things at corner. That versatility will play well for us in the secondary.”
Checking In on Hurts & Co.
The Quarterback and skill positions tend to be major talking points during training camp, but only when there are glaring issues. Since the Eagles hold the fortune of having a top-10 quarterback along with two elite Wide Receivers, and a solid Running Back and Tight End, there isn’t a whole lot that needs to be discussed. But people do it anyway and here we are.
Sirianni had this to say about Hurts: “I think he’s had a really good camp so far. I’m really excited for him to continue that. There’s ebbs and flows in camp and he’s been on the high end for the last four days, so really excited about him and how he’s looked so far.”
Another focus point that Sirianni has been trying to implement is utilizing the backfield more in the passing game. However, he doesn’t want this to be exclusively through check-downs: “We know we have the backs capable of being able to get the ball in the pass game. They’re going to get their touches in the run game. They’ll get their touches in the screen game but then being part of that pass game, and we’re looking forward to that with the guys that we have. The pass game offense is still going to run through DeVonta [Smith], A.J. [Brown], and Dallas [Goedert].”
“I know this is cliche, but there are only so many plays in a football game, and there is only one ball. But we do think we have the guys here in all those positions to contribute and help make plays.”
There will certainly be many more developments and questions answered over the next week and a half before the Eagles take on the Ravens in their first preseason game on August 9th.
Bob Cooney has been a part of the Philadelphia sports scene for more years than he wants to admit after 25 years in print media, and now in his seventh year at The Fanatic. Throughout the years, he has covered all sports from the World Series, multiple Final Fours and Regional Finals in men’s college basketball, to the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club and the 76ers. He takes his sports media knowledge and background to a new level by joining a conversation with the passionate fans of this great city. He writes about the Sixers, Eagles, Flyers, and Phillies for the Fanatic.
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