Tag: Tyrion Davis-Price

LSU rushing attack finds answer in true freshman Caden Durham

LSU’s true freshman running back can provide an answer to LSU’s struggling ground game.

After owning an elite rushing attack in 2023, LSU struggled on the ground the first two weeks of 2024. The Tigers ranked 127th nationally in rushing success rate after Week 2. That’s far below the standard of expectations with this offensive line.

It was costly in the USC game, putting pressure on the passing offense to carry the load. It hurt LSU in the red zone too.

LSU lacks a true feature back — it has for a few years. The last Tiger running back to cross the 1,000-yard threshold was when [autotag]Tyrion Davis-Price[/autotag] ran for 1,003.

For a period, LSU having a 1,000-yard rusher in the backfield was nearly a guarantee. Minus the COVID season in 2020, LSU had a running back cross the century mark every year from 2013-21.

The ground game didn’t disappear, but with [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] at QB, LSU didn’t rely on its running backs. Daniels ran for 2,019 yards in two years at LSU. Daniels gave LSU an efficiency and explosiveness that resulted in the nation’s most effective rushing attack.

Daniels’ legs raised the entire floor of the offense. Now without Daniels and without a bellcow at running back, there are questions about LSU’s run game.

And while the questions aren’t going away after week three, the performance from true freshman [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] gave reason for optimism. Durham proved to be a playmaker in LSU’s 36-33 win over South Carolina.

He ran it 11 times for 98 yards, averaging 8.9 yards per pop. He forced seven missed tackles and 50 of those 98 yards came after contact.

LSU doesn’t win that game without Durham. It’s been some time since LSU’s got an impact performance like that from a running back.

LSU’s rushing attack has a spark it didn’t have before.

When asked about Durham, Kelly was slow to confirm anything about LSU’s approach moving forward.

“I think that’s yet to be determined,” Kelly said, “I don’t think we’re at the point where he’s going to be the guy…but he certainly did the things we were looking for.”

Kelly is probably right. Durham isn’t ready to be LSU’s feature back just yet, but he gives the offense more upside than anyone else in the room. LSU’s offense is looking for explosiveness — and Durham has it.

Again, he won’t solve every problem with LSU’s run game. The offensive line needs to play better and some schematics need to be addressed, but Durham has some of the answers to LSU’s ground game.

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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.

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 training camp: Highlights from Day 1 of practice

After months of waiting, and stories about Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex, for their first training camp practice of 2024. New additions like Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff and Quinyon Mitchell took …

After months of waiting, and stories about Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex, for their first training camp practice of 2024.

New additions like Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff and Quinyon Mitchell took the field on Wednesday, while rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean will miss three weeks with a hamstring injury.

Here are highlights from Day 1 of action.

Eagles updated 90-man roster arranged by uniform number ahead of training camp

We’re looking at the Philadelphia Eagles updated 90-man roster by uniform number ahead of Tuesday’s report date for training camp

The Eagles are just 12 away from being back on the field for the start of one of the most critical training camps in franchise history.

After signing seven undrafted free agents following the draft, Philadelphia has a full roster, including Laekin Vakalahi, who’ll be exempt from a roster spot as the team’s representative in the International Pathway Program.

After the team placed offensive tackle Le’Raven Clark on injured reserve, it released tight end Noah Togiai and signed cornerback Shon Stephens. Philadelphia now has a roster space for one player ahead of the July 23 report date for rookies and veterans.

With things about to ramp up, here’s an updated 90-player roster for the Eagles.

Takeaways and observations from Day 2 of Eagles’ mandatory minicamp

Philadelphia has one practice left before breaking until the late July training camp, and the Eagles are implementing a new offensive and defensive system. Wednesday was Day 2 of the Eagles’ mandatory minicamp, and a familiar face was back at the …

Philadelphia has one practice left before breaking until the late July training camp, and the Eagles are implementing a new offensive and defensive system.

Wednesday was Day 2 of the Eagles’ mandatory minicamp, and a familiar face was back at the NovaCare Complex, as Fletcher Cox appeared amid his retirement adjustment.

There are battles for the cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay and at middle linebacker, where Nakobe Dean will work to hold off Zack Baum alongside Devin White.

With the second day completed, we’re looking at takeaways and observations from the session.

It’s only an early preview, but Quinyon Mitchell, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers are set to have an intense battle for the cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay.

Don’t look now, but Ross could easily land Philadelphia’s third or fourth wide receiver spot. The speedy former first-round pick took first-team snaps on Wednesday and has been active during two days of practice.

Devin White appears to be the only lock as a starter, while Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun will continue to battle for the inside linebacker job.

The future Hall of Famer appeared at the NovaCare Complex in street clothes for the first time since retiring.

With Landon Dickerson absent and Trevor Keegan injured, Mekhi Becton logged first-team snaps at left guard.

Kellen Moore is installing a new offensive system, and Wednesday presents some frustrations for Jalen Hurts and company.

The former Georgia running back has fresh legs and is starting to emerge as a training camp dark horse to watch in the running back competition.

Highlights from Day 2 of Eagles mandatory minicamp

Wednesday was Day 2 of the Eagles’ mandatory minicamp, and a familiar face was back at the NovaCare Complex, as Fletcher Cox appeared amid his retirement adjustment. Philadelphia has one practice left before breaking until the late July training …

Wednesday was Day 2 of the Eagles’ mandatory minicamp, and a familiar face was back at the NovaCare Complex, as Fletcher Cox appeared amid his retirement adjustment.

Philadelphia has one practice left before breaking until the late July training camp, and the Eagles are implementing a new offensive and defensive system. There are battles for the cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay and at middle linebacker, where Nakobe Dean will work to hold off Zack Baum alongside Devin White.

With the second day completed, we’re looking at highlights and photos from the session.

Highlights from Day 1 of Eagles mandatory minicamp

After nine weeks of offseason workouts and six OTA sessions, the Eagles hit the practice field at the NovaCare Complex for the first three-day, mandatory minicamp since the 2019 season. Tuesday was the first official day for Kellen Moore and Vic …

After nine weeks of offseason workouts and six OTA sessions, the Eagles hit the practice field at the NovaCare Complex for the first three-day, mandatory minicamp since the 2019 season.

Tuesday was the first official day for Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio to build depth charts for their versatile and explosive units.

It’s the first minicamp of the post-Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox era, and it featured new faces and players evolving as new leaders. James Bradberry returned to the field after missing all OTAs, while Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson was absent.

With Day 2 scheduled for Wednesday, here are highlights and video from the practice.

Eagles 2024 OTAs: Photos from Day 5 of practice

The Eagles kicked off the next phase of their offseason program this week with OTAs at the NovaCare Complex and we have the best photos from Day 5 of practice

The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off the next phase of their offseason program this week with organized team activities at the NovaCare Complex.

Philadelphia conducted their fifth practice of OTAs on Thursday, which was open to the media and allowed some glimpses at star quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receiver A.J. Brown, running back Saquon Barkley and the team’s rebuilt defense that made a strong impression.

Here’s a look at some photos from Thursday’s practice:

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