Philly Leader

On August 5, 2024, individual periods commenced across the three practice fields at the NovaCare Complex. Key observations included Landon Dickerson, Lane Johnson, Mekhi Becton, and Tyler Steen participating in drills. Dickerson took all first-team reps at left guard. Becton, recovering from an illness, worked with the first team alongside Johnson. Steen was limited due to an ankle injury and participated with the second team.

During 1-on-1 drills, A.J. Brown made a catch on a slant route while DeVonta Smith displayed sharp route-running skills. Britain Covey executed a crisp out-breaking route for a clean grab. Kelee Ringo forced an incompletion against Brown on a go ball. Johnny Wilson also caught a slant pass.

In the first team period focusing on backed-up situations, Jordan Davis tackled Saquon Barkley for a safety following offensive pre-snap penalties. Avonte Maddox broke up a pass against Kenneth Gainwell during second-team play. Defensive tackle Thomas Booker knocked down a Tanner McKee pass. Devin White stopped another Barkley inside run as Davis chased Jalen Hurts on a scramble.

The session concluded with rookie Shon Stephens returning an interception for a touchdown after weaving through traffic.

The next 1-on-1 action featured offensive and defensive lines competing head-to-head. Josh Sweat won on the edge while Jalen Carter succeeded inside. Jordan Davis and Cam Jurgens stalemated after Davis's bull rush. Milton Williams ripped past his opponent, and Bryce Huff secured an inside move victory.

Thomas Booker demonstrated power with an impressive bull rush; Brett Toth showcased strength; Moro Ojomo overwhelmed his opponent; Matt Hennessy utilized technique to stop an inside rush; Dylan McMahon had one of his best summer reps stopping a rush; Jalyx Hunt exploded into the backfield on a bull rush; Zack Baun got to the quarterback before another Booker win ended the drill.

Another team period saw Moro Ojomo pressuring Hurts into scrambling after getting home cleanly on a stunt. The offense responded with Barkley's long run along the left edge and Hurts hitting Wilson for significant gains on crossing routes.

Linebackers Baun and Nakobe Dean had good reps sniffing out runs and blitzing successfully against Kenny Pickett, respectively. Carter achieved another sack while McKee found Grant Calcaterra for a big gain following Booker's tipped ball in traffic.

Injury updates revealed LB Oren Burks sidelined with a knee injury while WR Parris Campbell missed practice due to groin issues. CB Mekhi Garner did not practice owing to hamstring problems, LB Brandon Smith was out with concussion symptoms, and CB Josh Jobe continued recovering from concussion effects alongside CB Eli Ricks who dealt with illness-related limitations like G Tyler Steen.

Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio addressed the media for the first time since August 1's public practice at Lincoln Financial Field, emphasizing his preference for viewing games from above: "It's the best view... I need to have the best view."

Fangio highlighted ongoing defensive competition: "We have not come to any conclusions anywhere... It's good healthy competition."

Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo rotated through first-team defense positions throughout Training Camp: "It really comes down to the coaching staff," Rodgers noted about their performances.

LB Zack Baun stressed mental toughness as crucial: "Once you master the mental side... your game can really develop." He credited continuous work and coach feedback for fostering this trait.

Reed Blankenship discussed Fangio's teaching methods focused on proper tackling techniques while maintaining player safety: "He wants everybody going out there playing... but also establishing dominance."

Tight Ends Coach Jason Michael praised Dallas Goedert's versatility: "He's trying to master every bit of that [run game, pass game, protection]... all he cares about is winning."

RB Saquon Barkley appreciated fan support during public practice: "For a practice to have 50,000 fans is truly insane... It kind of gave like a college feel again."

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