The Philadelphia Eagles held the team’s only public practice of 2024 on Thursday night. Despite temperatures approaching the triple-digit mark during the day, nearly 50,000 fans poured into Lincoln Financial Field.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts gave the fans exactly what they came to see, as Philadelphia’s first-team offense looked unstoppable in 11-on-11 team activities.
Before diving into Hurts’ impressive performance, there was plenty more to discuss during the team’s sixth training camp practice.
Philadelphia Eagles Offense Excels as Jalen Hurts and Dallas Goedert Put On a Show
As Eagles fans braved the blazing heat and humidity, the team took the field and began warming up. After stretching for a brief period of time, Philadelphia simulated its game-day warm-up routine.
The offensive and defensive line went through a 1-on-1 drill — and Mekhi Becton caught my eye.
As Becton continues his transition inside to guard, he struggled in both of his reps during this session. In his first rep, he was quickly beaten inside by Jalen Carter. On his second — and final — rep, Becton was pushed back further than you’d like to see by Moro Ojomo.
Although his performance in this 1-on-1 session certainly wasn’t encouraging, Becton did look significantly better in 11-on-11s.
Due to both of Philadelphia’s projected starting guards missing practice, the Eagles’ first-team offense took the field with Brett Toth at left guard and Becton at right guard.
On the other side of the ball, Isaiah Rodgers started the session at CB2 opposite Darius Slay. Meanwhile, Devin White and Zack Baun were once again the starting duo at inside linebacker.
Here’s the entire first-team session of 11-on-11’s, which ended in a Dallas Goedert TD. 👀 pic.twitter.com/iSOsU5CPjx
— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaPFN) August 1, 2024
The most notable takeaway from 11-on-11s involving the first-team offense was the usage of different formations and pre-snap motion. Head coach Nick Sirianni handed the reigns of the offense over to Kellen Moore, and you can clearly see a difference.
Philadelphia’s first-team offense lined up in pistol, shotgun, and empty sets. Hurts even spent time under center.
Speaking of Hurts, he put on an absolute show with the ball rarely touching the ground, as the Eagles’ offense marched right down the field.
During Thursday’s practice, he connected with Dallas Goedert for three touchdowns. A.J. Brown also beat Slay on a deep completion that was just short of being a touchdown. DeVonta Smith, meanwhile, was utilized all over the field, lining up both outside and in the slot.
In a bit of a surprising move, four different wide receivers spent time as WR3 with Philadelphia’s starters. Parris Campbell appeared to be the leader for that role, but he’s no longer alone, with the Eagles also mixing in John Ross, Britain Covey, and Johnny Wilson.
Covey lined up in the slot, was sent out in motion, and immediately hauled in a pass for a first down. Wilson was targeted by Hurts in the end zone on a fade route but couldn’t come down with the pass. Still, it’s encouraging to already see Wilson with the first-team offense.
In the trenches, Becton bounced back in 11-on-11s. Holding his own against Philadelphia’s stout defensive line, he opened up a massive hole for a huge gain on the ground. Becton did get beat on another play, however, where Saquon Barkley was tackled for a loss.
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While Becton continues to work through his transition inside to guard, he’s showing several signs of potential. If Tyler Steen doesn’t return to the field soon, Becton could run away with Philadelphia’s starting RG spot.
Hurts stole the show, but Eagles backup running back Kenneth Gainwell made a few highlight plays as well. Gainwell caught a pass and crossed over Nakobe Dean after the catch to make him look silly for a huge gain. He finished the drive with a rushing touchdown.
Eagles Injury Report
Eagles players who did not participate in practice Thursday night:
- G Landon Dickerson (knee)
- G Tyler Steen (ankle)
- LB Oren Burks (knee)
- CB Josh Jobe (concussion)
- S Mekhi Garner (hamstring)
Dickerson’s injury doesn’t appear to be too serious. He seemed to be in good spirits as he walked around the field in Lane Johnson’s No. 65 jersey. (In an attempt to dupe reporters, Dickerson and Johnson swapped jerseys for Thursday’s practice.)
Rookie tight end McCallan Castles was the only player injured during practice. After making a catch during a third-team 11-on-11 session, Castles limped off the field with trainers and did not return.