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.

WATCH: Behind scenes look at Jalen Hurts iconic flag football promotion for 2028 Olympics

Behind scenes look at Philadelphia Eagles quarterbackJalen Hurts starrring in flag football promotion for 2028 Olympics

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is now the face of the NFL’s flag football initiative after putting the world on notice in an NFL-featured ad campaign that debuted last Monday promoting the arrival of men’s and women’s flag football as an Olympic event in 2028.

It’s unclear if Hurts will be the quarterback for Team USA in four years. Still, the newly named global flag football ambassador lit the torch at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – the site of the 2028 Summer Olympics – with an incredible state-of-the-art commercial.

The NFL has released a behind-the-scenes look at making that iconic video.

The Eagles 2022 All-Pro advocates for the sport, and Hurts attended the Eagles Girls Flag Football League Championships at the NovaCare Complex in June to watch the title games and pose for pictures with the winning teams from Pennsylvania (Archbishop Wood) and New Jersey (Kingsway).

In addition to flag football’s debut at the Olympic Games in four years, the NFL and IFAF are spotlighting the football format throughout this summer. First, the world’s premier youth flag football tournament, the NFL Flag Championships, saw 2,800 players worldwide compete in Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio. Last week, the NFL also announced the 2025 Pro Bowl Games will return to Orlando, Fl., where the league’s top players will compete in on-field and off-field skills competitions and an action-packed flag football game at Camping World Stadium.

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Top photos from the Eagles 16-13 win over Ravens in preseason opener

We’re looking at the top 100 photos from the Philadelphia Eagles 16-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Friday night

The Eagles returned to live game action for the first time since their embarrassing 32-9 defeat to the Buccaneers in the NFC wild-card game.

Philadelphia traveled to Baltimore to face the Ravens in a preview of their Week 13 matchup, which looms later in the regular season. Both teams held out the majority of the starters, allowing key rookies and veterans on the bubble to shine and create separation in roster battles.

Eagles All-Pro kicker Jake Elliott made a 49-yard field goal with no time remaining to give Philadelphia a 16-13 victory on Friday night. Elliott missed an extra point off the left upright in the first quarter, and his 50-yard kick hit the right upright with 16 seconds remaining in the game.

With Philadelphia set to start preparation for the Patriots on Thursday night, here are the top 100 photos from the big win.

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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.

Eagles to play starters for one series in preseason opener vs. Ravens

Philadelphia Eagles to play their offensive and defensive starters for one series in preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens

Under Nick Sirianni, during his first three years in Philadelphia, the Eagles had one of the lightest practice schedules and regularly sat their starters during the preseason. That will change after last season’s collapse, which saw the Birds lose six of their final seven.

The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane reports that Philadelphia will play their starters for at least one series on Friday night.

Upon getting hired, the new Eagles defensive coordinator highlighted the team’s lack of practice sessions and physicality, hinting at changes coming on his side of the football.

Philadelphia was physically manhandled in late-season losses to the 49ers and Cowboys before being dominated by the Buccaneers during the NFC wild-card loss.

Players have noted a change in physicality and toughness during the first two weeks, and game action in the preseason opener is another example of the change.

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WATCH: Eagles QB Jalen Hurts had his leadership on display while mic’d up during a recent practice

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was mic’d up for a recent practice at the NovaCare Complex

The Philadelphia Eagles are roaring through training camp, and as they enter Week 3, the team will begin preparation for the preseason opener against Baltimore. This summer has been all about Jalen Hurts taking more ownership on offense, and during a recent spring of practices, the star quarterback was Mic’d up, putting his leadership skills on display.

It’s typical Hurts, adding his iconic slogans and phrases while showing that he’s opened up some amid criticism about the All-Pro being too stoic. Hurts admitted that he’s playing tennis now while assuming more responsibilities at the line of scrimmage.

Check out the five-minute video above for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles.

Kellen Moore discusses the process of evaluating the Eagles’ 3rd WR spot

Kellen Moore discusses the process of evaluating the Philadelphia Eagles’ 3rd WR spot

The Philadelphia Eagles have two of the top ten wide receivers in the NFLA.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the third wide receiver spot leaves a lot to be desired, with several guys competing for snaps.

Kellen Moore has been tasked with running the Eagles’ offense, and his first order of business is finding a player to complement his dynamic duo. Moore recently discussed his evaluation process with the media.

Yeah, it’s a really fun process. We have some excellent guys here. It’s a really deep receiving group. It’s so much fun to watch all the guys compete.

They’ll all get their opportunities, all chances. Obviously, [WR] DeVonta [Smith] and [WR] A.J. [Brown] will certainly have a lot of the opportunities, but those other guys, I mean, there are critical moments where we have to put those guys in a position to succeed.

They have to be able to adjust based off where those guys are aligned. We have to have smart guys that understand where they are and can be reliable. We have an excellent group to compete with.

The options include Parris Campbell, who’s amassed 170 yards once in five NFL seasons. Philadelphia’s 2024 Day 3 draft picks Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson, along with punt returner Britain Covey, who has a good feel for the slot but has barely played on offense in the regular season.

Former Clemson wide receiver Joseph Ngata and former first-round pick John Ross are two other players to watch.

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Kellen Moore says Jalen Hurts has played a huge role in constructing Eagles offense

Philadelphia play caller Kellen Moore says Jalen Hurts has played a huge role in constructing the Eagles offensive system

Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts knows what it’s like to learn a new system, with seven different offensive coordinators in eight years going back to his senior year at Channelview High School in Houston.

Hurts has gone on record as saying that the offensive system in Philadelphia is 95% new, and the quarterback played a huge role in the construction and implementation of the offense.

Yeah, Jalen is a huge part of this process. I think his experience over the course of the last few years, all the things he’s been able to accomplish, we want to build on those things. When there’s a comfort level with a certain concept or scheme, we want to make sure we emphasize that, continue to build off it.

Okay, now if this is a core play that we feel really great about, how can we compliment that play? How can we protect it with a different presentation, a different look? Those are the fun conversations we get to have because we’re continuing to build this thing each and every day.

The overall plan is for Hurts to process the new scheme and master the entire playbook before the season starts on Sept. 6 in Brazil against the Green Bay Packers.

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Takeaways and observations from the Eagles’ open practice at Lincoln Financial Field

The Eagles took to the field for an intense but efficient open practice session at Lincoln Financial Field in front of a raucous crowd of about 50,000 screaming fans. The practice lasted over two hours and featured some big-time throws from star …

The Eagles took to the field for an intense but efficient open practice session at Lincoln Financial Field in front of a raucous crowd of about 50,000 screaming fans. The practice lasted over two hours and featured some big-time throws from star quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Saquon Barkley made his home debut and was cheered throughout the night, while Brandon Graham soaked in the emotions of his final open practice at Lincoln Financial Field.

With the team off on Friday, here are takeaways and observations.

The Eagles had five players unavailable for Thursday night’s open practice, including Landon Dickerson, who is battling a toe injury.

Lane Johnson wore the No. 69 jersey with Dickerson injured, ditching his No. 65 for one night.

Goedert finished the night with three touchdowns and again established himself as a key weapon in this explosive offense.

Hurts has looked sharp all training camp, and Thursday night was no different. He continued his streak of no turnovers.

The rookie out of FSU is the tallest wide receiver in the NFL, and the Eagles will carve out a role for the physical pass catcher.

The open practice always draws a huge crowd, and Thursday night was no different.

The Eagles traded for Kenny Pickett, but they drafted Tanner McKee last spring, and they like his talents.

Saquon Barkley will be around for at least the next two to three years, but Will Shipley is the future at the running back position.

Landon Dickerson sat out Thursday’s open practice, paving the way for Mekhi Becton to get much-needed snaps at the guard position.