The Philadelphia Eagles' training camp is heating up, and with it, the competition for starting roles. Day 12 of camp saw a return to practice for several notable players, including DeVonta Smith, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Cole Wisniewski, and Keyshawn James-Newby, all of whom had been sidelined by various injuries. Makai Lemon, who had been listed as a non-participant, was also seen participating in drills, suggesting a return to the field is imminent.
The defensive battle at safety is particularly intriguing. Michael Carter, listed at a relatively small 5'10 and 184 lbs, has been making a strong case for himself. His speed, evident in his 4.36 40-yard dash time, has been a highlight, as he buzzed around the field, intercepting a pass from Jalen Hurts and even getting a 'sack' on a blitz. This performance, coupled with his size, raises an interesting question: can a smaller safety be an effective player in the NFL?
Saquon Barkley's expanded role in the passing game is another notable development. While he hasn't been a primary target in the past, this year he's running a more extensive route tree, including Texas routes, which are known for their effectiveness around the league. This shift suggests a more balanced approach to Barkley's usage, which could be a significant benefit to the team's offense.
The OL-DL 1-on-1s didn't quite match the intensity of previous days, but the backups, particularly Willie Lampkin, stood out. Lampkin's performance against Byron Young was a clear indication that he's a player to watch. His ability to win against a starter is a strong indicator that he'll make the team.
Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown, who has had a somewhat underwhelming camp so far, showed some promise today. He settled into a zone, caught a pass, and then shook off a defender for additional yards. Brown's ability to make the first guy miss after the catch is a valuable skill, and his long speed, combined with his short-area quickness, makes him a versatile weapon.
The practice also saw some impressive pass breakups, with Quinyon Mitchell and Jihaad Campbell making notable plays. Mitchell's breakup against Dontayvion Wicks and Campbell's against Dallas Goedert were highlights. However, the clip of Eli Stowers hesitating to hit a block and getting pushed back into the hole, where Tank Bigsby was bottled up, serves as a reminder that there's still work to be done in terms of blocking aggressiveness.
As the Eagles prepare for joint practices with the New England Patriots, the level of practice notes is expected to increase. This will provide a more comprehensive insight into the team's progress and the competition for starting roles.
