I missed a couple training camp recaps due to a lack of working wifi at my house, but now I’m back. It’s certainly good to be back in the blogosphere.
Anyway, enough of that. Day 4 of Eagles training camp was a strange one, but seemed like a good one in multiple ways. One facet that was discouraging was the absence of both DeMarco Murray and Kiko Alonso from practice. Murray missing practice is especially disheartening after he didn’t take part in team drills on Sunday. An update on why they weren’t there:
Kiki Alonso (concussion) and DeMarco Murray (illness) did not practice today for #Eagles
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) August 6, 2015
Alonso went full force into OL Malcom Bunche at the linc on Tuesday. Could hear from a mile away. May have been the culprit.
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherCSN) August 6, 2015
Murray was just sick, so nothing long-term to worry about there. Alonso’s injury is a bit strange considering it took part in a practice where hitting wasn’t allowed, but stuff like that still happens from time to time. Still, of all people, that’s not one of the guys you want to see on the injury report. There’s no word on how long he’ll be out, but he will have to go through the concussion protocol now. So maybe about a week or so, depending how quickly he can go through it.
Quarterback Updates
Overall, the Eagles’ quarterback group appeared to be doing better today than in past days. Sam Bradford was reportedly making some really nice passes, as well as Tim Tebow (believe it or not). Here are some highlights from how they all did:
Sam Bradford with maybe his best pass of camp: Josh Huff beat his man down the seam and the QB just flicked a bullet. #EaglesCamp
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) August 6, 2015
Just saw Tebow throw a perfect 22-yard out to Quran Pratt followed by a 20-yard strike to Raheem Mostert. Couple real good throws in a row.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) August 6, 2015
Much better QB play today. Sanchez has 4TDs in 6 attempts
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 6, 2015
So that’s some positive reporting on all three quarterbacks who I think will actually make the roster. As for Matt Barkley, well, he continues to not do anything worth noting. Chip Kelly was asked about him in his press conference before practice and he appeared like he was struggling to find positive things to say. He said that from April-June Barkley improved a lot, but of course, that leaves out the time of the year where they’re actually on the field practicing. His days as an Eagle are diminishing.
Right Guard Update
Matt Tobin had been getting the first-team reps at right guard up until now, but today it was John Moffitt in there. This is a big development considering Moffitt was with the third team on Sunday. I think Moffitt will definitely make the roster, but his role is still unclear. If he can push his way into the starting lineup though, that would be great. I’m still not sold on Tobin as a starter yet.
Safeties Still Quiet
Malcolm Jenkins with awesome coverage of Jordan Matthews in 1o1 #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 6, 2015
Well, everyone except for Malcolm Jenkins. Earl Wolff still is nowhere to be found and Jerome Couplin didn’t practice (was reportedly seen walking slowly, per Jeff McLane). These are both guys who need to start making an impact if they want to make the roster. I think Couplin has a better shot at it, but if he’s not practicing, he can’t show what he’s got.
A note on the cornerback position: Eric Rowe got a lot of the first-team reps at cornerback opposite of Byron Maxwell. Nolan Carroll has gotten those reps in the past couple practices, but as expected, they’re mixing it up. This is a position battle that I honestly have no idea how it will turn out. I’m still hoping Rowe wins it though.
News and Notes
Zach Ertz continues to have a good camp…Raheem Mostert got a lot of work today with Murray out and reportedly looked good…Today was the first day of practice with pads…Bradford apparently played on the same AAU basketball team as Blake Griffin.
And of course, something that will burn your eyes:
Riley Cooper beats Byron Maxwell, Tebow hits him in 1o1 #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 6, 2015
*flips table*
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