The Eagles return to the practice field on Tuesday for what will be an important week of Training Camp. Head coach Chip Kelly has reviewed the game tape from Sunday's win over the Indianapolis Colts. He'll reveal who caught his eye during his press conference at 11:30 AM, which can be seen online or on our app. We'll have a complete recap of the entire day's news and notes on Inside Training Camp presented by Xfinity at 5 PM. Until then, here are the 5 Things to Know for August 18 ...
1. Who Helped His Roster Chances The Most?
This was the topic of our Big Question. The two most prevalent answers were running back Kenjon Barner and safety Ed Reynolds. Barner scored two touchdowns, a 9-yard rushing score and the other on a 92-yard punt return. The question for the Eagles is whether or not they would keep four running backs with DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles firmly in place. Safety Ed Reynolds picked off not one, but two passes during the game. Reynolds has inserted himself into the battle for the third safety spot. Malcolm Jenkins is a lock and Walter Thurmond appears to have a good hold on the other starting job. We'll find out later today if Jerome Couplin (appendectomy) or Earl Wolff (knee) will be back in action.
2. A Different Way To Approach The Game
Fran Duffy did a phenomenal job with his All-22 recap of the game in his Eagle Eye in the Sky column. He broke down 18 total plays ranging from the aforementioned Barner and Reynolds to the outstanding defensive line performance, the new-look secondary, the quarterbacks, linebacker Marcus Smith and much more. In fact, the analysis of wide receiver Nelson Agholor's touchdown reveals why he was able to outrun the defense for the score. Duffy's Eagle Eye in the Sky podcast is also included which features a great discussion with NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell about defensive schemes. If you want to learn more about the game within the game, make sure to subscribe here.
3. Oh, Snap! What Did The Snap Counts Reveal?
The NFL provides the snap counts for every game the morning after. This provides a window into how many times each player was on the field. Four offensive linemen led the Eagles in offensive snaps with 61 apiece: Dennis Kelly, John Moffitt, David Molk and Julian Vandervelde. Matt Tobin, who played left tackle, was next on the list with 48 snaps. Andrew Gardner started at right guard, but came out with the rest of the first-team unit after 11 snaps. One thing to watch today is whether the depth chart changes along the offensive line?
On defense, Reynolds paved the way with 54 snaps. Rookie Eric Rowe (48 snaps), cornerback Jaylen Watkins (47 snaps) and linebacker Marcus Smith (46 snaps) were next on the list. It's also important to keep an eye on who played special teams as that will determine the final few roster spots. Watkins, Rowe and Smith got the most special teams action.
4. Birds Of A Feather Flock Together
Or something like that. The Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens engage in three days of joint practices beginning on Wednesday leading up to Saturday's second preseason contest. It'll be a great litmus test for the Eagles as the Ravens are perennially one of the top contenders in the AFC. Last year, the Ravens finished 10-6 like the Eagles. They not only made the playoffs, but beat the Steelers in the Wild Card round before losing a tight contest with the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is a familiar face after spending from 1998-2007 as an assistant coach with the Eagles before landing the head coaching gig in Baltimore.
5. Introducing The Jason Kelce Sandwich
He's already competed in Wing Bowl, so it makes sense that Pro Bowl center Jason Kelce has a sandwich named after him. Kelce and Dietz & Watson worked together to create the Jason Kelce Sandwich that made its debut Monday at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Beer Garden on South Street in Philadelphia.
What's in it? Pastrami brisket, Genoa salami, London broil roast beef, bacon, lettuce, arugula, horseradish cheddar, horseradish pickles and stone ground mustard on a hoagie roll.
