Sights and sounds from first half of Eagles matchup vs. Falcons

It wasn’t the most explosive first half, but Philadelphia rode the emotion of Nick Foles’ retirement and a raucous crowd to keep Atlanta out of the end zone late in the first half. The Eagles hold a 7-6 lead heading into the second half. Playing …

It wasn’t the most explosive first half, but Philadelphia rode the emotion of Nick Foles’ retirement and a raucous crowd to keep Atlanta out of the end zone late in the first half. The Eagles hold a 7-6 lead heading into the second half.

Playing without A.J. Brown, Philadelphia used a DeVonta Smith touchdown catch to establish a 7-3 first-half lead before the Falcons pulled within one.

Here are sights and sounds from the first half.

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Sights and sounds from first half of Eagles Week 1 matchup vs. Packers in Brazil

The Eagles started the first half miserable in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but thanks to a stout defense, Philadelphia only ended up down 6-0 and entered the second half down 19-17 after regrouping. Both offenses made explosive plays, and the Packers secured …

The Eagles started the first half miserable in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but thanks to a stout defense, Philadelphia only ended up down 6-0 and entered the second half down 19-17 after regrouping.

Both offenses made explosive plays, and the Packers secured two early turnovers to exit the first half up two points. Packers quarterback Jordan Love was 7-14 passing for 130 yards and one first-half touchdown.

Free agent running back Josh Jacobs had six carries for four yards, Emmanuel Wilson led Green Bay with three carries for 37 yards, and Jayden Reed led all pass catchers with two catches for 79 yards and a score. With the second half set to begin, here are takeaways from the first half.

Philadelphia Eagles’ roster comparison: 2023 vs. 2024 defense

Last summer, the Eagles entered the 2023 NFL season fresh off a Super Bowl loss while maintaining one of the league’s most dominant defensive units. The Birds lost Jonathan Gannon, who accepted the Cardinals’ coaching job. Sean Desai was inserted as …

Last summer, the Eagles entered the 2023 NFL season fresh off a Super Bowl loss while maintaining one of the league’s most dominant defensive units. The Birds lost Jonathan Gannon, who accepted the Cardinals’ coaching job. Sean Desai was inserted as defensive coordinator, and the team jumped out to a 10-1 start before the wheels fell off.

Philadelphia lost six of its final seven games, including a 32-9 blowout loss to the Buccaneers in the wild-card round. Desai was fired as DC and replaced by Vic Fangio, the architect of the scheme. Bryce Huff was signed in free agency, while Haason Reddick was traded away.

With the Eagles just five days away from a much-hyped season-opening matchup against the Packers from Sao Paulo, Brazil, we’re comparing last year’s defensive unit to the 2024 version.

2023: Jalen Carter, Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Kentavius Street, Marlon Tuipulotu, Milton Williams

2024: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, Thomas Booker

Fletcher Cox has retired, while Byron Jones replaces the departed Marlon Tuipulotu. Thomas Booker and Moro Ojomo offer pass-rush potential.

2023: Derek Barnett, Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, Patrick Johnson, Haason Reddick, Nolan Smith

2024: Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, Patrick Johnson, Nolan Smith, Bryce Huff, Jalyx Hunt

Bryce Huff replaces the departed Haason Reddick. Huff is younger than Reddick, and he’s an emerging pass rusher. Jalyx Hunt is an athletic marvel off the edge. Nolan Smith’s progression will be the most scrutinized.

2023: Zach Cunningham, Nakobe Dean, Christian Elliss

2024: Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Ben VanSumeren, Devin White, Oren Burks

Thanks to another standout training camp, Ben VanSumeren made the Eagles’ 53-man roster, outplaying Oren Burks and others. Devin White offers a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker.

2023: James Bradberry, Mario Goodrich, Josh Jobe, Avonte Maddox, Eli Ricks. Kelee Ringo, Darius Slay

2024: Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell, Eli Ricks, Kelee Ringo, Isaiah Rodgers, Darius Slay

After a disappointing finish to 2023, Howie Roseman selected cornerbacks with the first two picks in the 2024 NFL draft. Avonte Maddox is now a safety, along with James Bradberry, while Josh Jobe is with the Seahawks practice squad.

2023: Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Terrell Edmunds, Justin Evans

2024: Reed Blankenship, James Bradberry, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Avonte Maddox, Tristin McCollum

Sydney Brown is on the PUP list and will be a factor in 2024. Reed Blankenship has developed into a solid NFL safety, while C.J. Gardner-Johnson returns the swagger to the Eagles lineup. Tristin McCollum has developed into a solid rotational piece.

Takeaways and observations from Eagles joint practice with Patriots

Philadelphia got their most extensive day of competition this summer after the team joined the Patriots for one joint practice session ahead of Thursday night’s preseason contest at Gillette Stadium. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts looked sharp …

Philadelphia got their most extensive day of competition this summer after the team joined the Patriots for one joint practice session ahead of Thursday night’s preseason contest at Gillette Stadium.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts looked sharp throughout the session, while DeVonta Smith put on a route running clinic. On defense, Nakobe Dean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. stood out, while Cooper DeJean returned to practice for the first time since training camp started.

With the Eagles scheduled for a Wednesday walkthrough, here are takeaways and observations from the joint practice.

Joint practices are essential in Philadelphia. Isaiah Rodgers’s taking first-team reps on Tuesday all but solidifies his starting spot opposite Darius Slay in the opener against Green Bay.

Devin White is a lock to start at inside linebacker, while Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean alternated reps with the first-team defense in various situations.

The Eagles offense won’t be stale in 2024, as Kellen Moore is showing more pre-snap motion and zips in his formations.

Drake Maye didn’t play a lot of snaps in the Patriots’ first preseason game, but the rookie quarterback is getting plenty of work against the Eagles.

Maye and the Patriots hosted a joint practice with the Eagles on Tuesday. Head coach Jerod Mayo said before the workout that Maye and Jacoby Brissett would be getting most of the work because “we’ve got to get ready to play some real football.”

Mayo labeled Maye “steady,” and the former UNC star made some big throws on Tuesday.

The Eagles star quarterback looked sharp on Tuesday morning,

Dean has gone from getting second-team reps behind Zack Baun to having a solid preseason opener, and he’s flashed again during the joint practice.

Trotter Jr. had a sack in the preseason opener and flashed again during the joint practice.

It was only a joint practice against the rebuilding Patriots, but the Eagles’ pass rush was intense and stout all morning.

Updated Eagles’ 53-man roster projection ahead of preseason matchup vs. Patriots

Philadelphia is back at the NovaCare Complex for Week 3 of training camp and is starting to prepare for a joint practice and the second preseason matchup of the summer against New England. The Patriots hosted the Eagles for a joint practice session …

Philadelphia is back at the NovaCare Complex for Week 3 of training camp and is starting to prepare for a joint practice and the second preseason matchup of the summer against New England.

The Patriots hosted the Eagles for a joint practice session on Tuesday, August 13, before their preseason game on Thursday, August 15. Practice will begin at 10:30 AM, and gates will open to fans at 9:30 AM.

Philadelphia has increased the intensity of practice season after the 2023 collapse, and Thursday night’s matchup offers another chance to clarify several high-profile roster battles. Players on the bubble will look to create separation, and we will be watching to see which starters, if any, will play in the first quarter after an intense Tuesday session.

With the Eagles having defeated the Ravens and made three roster moves since last week, we’re unveiling the fourth 53-man roster prediction ahead of cutdown day and the regular season opener.

Hurts will look to reduce the turnovers under first-year OC Kellen Moore.

After being traded to the Eagles, the former Steelers first-round pick has been solid in training camp, but he’ll have to defeat Tanner McKee to maintain the backup job.

McKee would have to fall off the cliff to lose a roster spot to Will Grier, and he could rise up to the backup quarterback spot.

The former Penn State star has yet to play in the preseason.

Gainwell will enter Year 4 looking to lock down the backup running back spot.

The rookie is a jack of all trades and made his mark during his debut against the Ravens.

Smith is firmly entrenched as a ‘Batman’ after signing his 3-year, $75 million contract extension.

A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Johnny Wilson should be locked to make the final roster. Covey makes the roster over John Ross, and he’s still the best punt returner on the roster.

You can’t teach size, and Wilson makes the cut as the Eagles work to utilize his unique skill set.

Goedert will look to record his first 1,000-yard season.

Calcaterra is a capable pass catcher, and provides special teams depth.

Okwuegbunam Jr. had no role under former offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, and he’s done nothing to separate himself, opening things up for E.J. Jenkins as the third tight end. Armani Rogers is another player to watch.

Mailata signed a 3-year, $66 million contract extension and is one of the best left tackles in the NFL.

Dickerson signed a new 4-year, $98 million deal and is the best left guard and highest paid in the NFL.

Entering his third season, Jurgens will face enormous pressure after Jason Kelce announces his retirement.

Steen is under pressure, and it looks like Mekhi Becton will unseat him.

The All-Pro will play his first season without Jason Kelce and be called upon to anchor a retooled offensive line.

The big ticket offers potential, and he could earn the starting right guard spot.

Johnson is Mailata’s primary backup and can play both offensive tackle positions.

Matt Hennessy has done nothing to stand out over the first three weeks.

The rookie offensive guard will compete with Tyler Steen for the right guard spot and bring toughness to the roster.

The rookie from North Carolina State has outplayed Matt Hennessy.

Huff was essentially swapped for Haason Reddick, and he’ll be counted on to produce more than a situational ten sacks.

Sweat will play in the final year of his deal, and he’ll look to secure double-digit sacks.

Smith will see an uptick in snaps and should carve out a rotational pass-rusher role.

Graham will play his final season in Philadelphia before retiring.

The rookie linebacker will make the roster and will land a role as a situational pass rusher.

The pass rusher has always been stout on special teams, and his strip-sack in the preseason opener did not sway opinion.

The runner-up for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, Carter will see his snaps and accountability increase as Fletcher Cox retires.

Like Jalen Carter, the expectations will rise for the 3rd year defensive tackle.

Williams is entering the final year of his deal and could have a breakout season at defensive tackle.

The 2023 seventh-round pick will look to carve out a role alongside a stout defensive line.

Dean enters a critical third year and competes with multiple players, including rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

The former Buccaneers linebacker could transform the Eagles’ defense if he can regain his 2020-2021 form.

Baun is already a favorite of DC Vic Fangio and could carve out a role in multiple positions.

Trotter Jr. will enter his rookie system with the perfect support system, and he flashed during the preseason opener.

The second-year linebacker has been consistent this summer. He’s a special teams standout who makes the roster ahead of Oren Burks.

Slay returns as the Eagles top cornerback, but at 33, he could be set for his final chance at winning a Super Bowl.

The rookie has been as good as advertised and should start at cornerback opposite Darius Slay.

The rookie from Iowa is listed as a cornerback and is dealing with a hamstring injury, but he’ll see snaps at every position. He could allow Philadelphia to carry one less safety and move on from Avonte Maddox.

Rodgers has returned to the gridiron after serving a one-year suspension and will compete for a role as cornerback and as the primary kick return specialist.

Ringo appears to be the more impactful player than Eli Ricks and will land a roster spot after impressive rookie development. He’ll battle Quinyon Mitchell for the starting cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay.

Special teams play is essential, and Jobe is one of the best gunners in the NFL.

Blankenship signed a two-year extension, and he’s developed into one of the top young safeties In the NFL.

Gardner-Johnson returns to Philadelphia after spending one season in Detroit, and he’ll bring swagger and big-play potential to Vic Fangio’s secondary.

Brown will start the season on the PUP list while rehabbing his torn ACL.

After not having Bradberry on our initial 53-man roster predictions, the Eagles’ newest safety could make the roster if he’s not traded in late summer. Sydney Brown starting camp on the PUP list could bode well for Bradberry’s future in Philadelphia.

The veteran cornerback can play in the slot and he can play safety, ensuring his role on the roster.

The All-Pro signed a four-year contract extension.

Takeaways and observations from first half of Eagles’ preseason opener vs. the Ravens

The NFL is back, and Philadelphia officially started its march toward another postseason berth with a much anticipated preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Kenny Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown, and the Eagles are tied 6-6 …

The NFL is back, and Philadelphia officially started its march toward another postseason berth with a much anticipated preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Kenny Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown, and the Eagles are tied 6-6 with the Ravens to end the first half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Both teams held out key starters, but Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio ensured key players saw snaps in the first half. Most of the offensive and defensive starters sat out for the Ravens, allowing second-year linebacker Trenton Simpson to shine.

On offense, Josh Johnson was 4-12 passing for 60 yards, while Owen Wright led the Baltimore rushing attack with seven carries for 33 yards.

With the second half set to begin, here are takeaways and observations from the first half in Baltimore.

Trotter is instinctual and has the benefit of sharing dinner and breakfast with one of the greatest linebackers in Eagles franchise history.

Nakobe Dean’s first defensive snaps came with 5:34 remaining in the second quarter. Philadelphia’s starters at linebacker were Zack Baun and Devin White. Dean had one tackle in the first half and one pass defended.

Philadelphia gave us a preview of the future with Quinyon Mitchell and Kelee Ringo getting snaps together. Isaiah Rodgers got snaps on the outside with RIngo, while Mitchell got the initial snaps in the slot. The Eagles surrendered 62 yards passing in the first half.

Wilson got the start for Philadelphia and had one catch for seven yards on two targets and a crucial block on the Will Shipley touchdown.

Mekhi Becton gets the start at right guard, while the rest of the Eagles starting offensive line didn’t dress.

Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown in the first half, and solidified his status as the backup.

The Eagles’ top offensive starters, including Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata, were not uniform.

Highlights from Eagles’ open practice at Lincoln Financial Field

The drive for a return to the Super Bowl has officially started in Philadelphia, as over 50,000+ fans packed Lincoln Financial Field for the Eagles’ one open practice of the summer. Saquon Barkley, Bruce Huff, Quinyon Mitchell, and many others have …

The drive for a return to the Super Bowl has officially started in Philadelphia, as over 50,000+ fans packed Lincoln Financial Field for the Eagles’ one open practice of the summer.

Saquon Barkley, Bruce Huff, Quinyon Mitchell, and many others have made their debut, while Brandon Graham took part in his final open practice as a player after he announced he’d retire at season’s end.

Philadelphia hit the field for an intense but efficient session, and here are highlights from that practice, courtesy of media and Eagles content creators.

Eagles OC Kellen Moore likes the advantages gained from using Jalen Hurts in the run game

Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore plans to take advantage of using Jalen Hurts in the run game

Jalen Hurts is one of the most accomplished rushing quarterbacks in NFL history through year five in the league, and Kellen Moore won’t discount that unique dual-threat talent. Hurst is still incredibly influential in short-yardage and goal-line situations, and the Eagles’ new offensive coordinator recently discussed the advantages of using Hurts in the running game.

“Yeah, certainly it’s been an excellent factor that Jalen has been able to utilize just being an extra guy in the run game. Certainly, something we want to continue to build off of.” “I think there is an element of just finding the games, finding the situations that are right to best suit when we utilize that.”

“But it’s a great strength of Jalen.” “He does an excellent job, and he’s a brilliant runner.” “I think that’s a critical factor to that, that he’s smart with the ball, he’s smart with when to make those decisions, and I think he protects himself pretty well.”

According to Reuben Frank, over the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Hurts had the 6th-most 10-yard runs in the league (55) and 20-yard runs (14).

Last year, he ranked 34th with just 11 yards of at least 10 yards and 53rd with one 20-yard carry.

With Hurts now healthy after nursing a knee injury in 2023, his dual-threat ability, coupled with Saquon Barkley’s explosive running ability, should free up more one-on-one opportunities on the outside for A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert.

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WATCH: Jalen Hurts is building a rapport with Parris Campbell in Eagles passing game

Philadelphia’s star QBJalen Hurts is quickly building a rapport with WR Parris Campbell in Eagles passing game

Philadelphia has two of the NFL’s top 15 wide receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the most significant position battle this summer could come at the third wide receiver spot. Parris Campbell, John Ross, Ainias Smith, and Johnny Wilson are all competing for that coveted role, with the former Ohio State wide receiver quickly jumping out to a lead for the starting spot.

The biggest reason for Campbell’s rebirth is his growing rapport with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, and the budding chemistry can be seen in this hookup during Saturday’s practice.

Campbell was inactive for the last five games of the 2023 season with the Giants, landing as a healthy scratch in what he’s described to NJ.com as a low point in his career.

A 2019 second-round pick out of Ohio State, Campbell caught 20 of 27 targets for just 104 yards while adding 191 yards as a kick returner.

Campbell’s most productive season came in 2022 with the Colts, as he logged 63 catches for 623 yards and three receiving touchdowns.

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Jalen Hurts to have more responsibility at line of scrimmage with Jason Kelce retiring

PHiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts to have more responsibility at line of scrimmage with Jason Kelce retiring

Jalen Hurts is entering year No. 5 in the NFL, and he’s familiar with learning an offense, seeing as he’s had 10+ offensive coordinators since his time at Alabama. With a massive $255 million contract, Hurts has entered that phase of his career where he wants to take complete ownership of the offense he’s been in charge of commanding to a Super Bowl.

In 2024, Hurts has been entrusted with more responsibility at the line of scrimmage, and a critical part of that added trust stems from the retirement of the future Hall of Fame center,

Is Hurts fully ready to control the game from the line of scrimmage like Patrick Mahomes? Probably not, but he’s an intelligent player, extremely cerebral, and efficient under duress.

Hurts has stated that 95% of the offense is new, and Kellen Moore’s system and the Eagles’ offense will be noticeably different, with more bunch sets and more pre-snap motion, allowing the quarterback to have more straightforward and more detailed reads at the line of scrimmage.

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