Eagles OTA observations Day 1: The knee brace is off, football is back
21 May 2019 Uncategorized
The Philadelphia Eagles’ OTAs kicked off today and as these practices are just voluntary, there was a bunch of stories happening. Being so early in the season, there’s a lot to be excited about.
For starters, the big news of today dealt with franchise quarterback Carson Wentz. Wentz was back, practicing without limitations and he looked very good.
Carson Wentz, sans knee brace… pic.twitter.com/qp3bo8W8Ye
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) May 21, 2019
He connected passes to DeSean Jackson, Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz, but more important, his movement was fluid and he was back to just playing ball. The knee brace is off and Wentz looks free again.
The second biggest story of today did not have anything to deal with the play on the field, however, it dealt with something off of it. Safety Malcolm Jenkins was absent, rumored to be missing due to his desire for a new contract.
From @nflnetwork: #Eagles S Malcolm Jenkins isn’t here at OTAs. While no one has outright stated it, you can connect the dots and assume he wouldn’t mind a new contract. pic.twitter.com/yH0sAX8se1
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 21, 2019
If there’s a player to do right by, it’s Jenkins. He’s been the heartbeat of the Eagles and deserves a pay rise, especially seeing what Landon Collins will be making this season.
Another thing of notice was Goedert. He looked like a real threat on the field and that could possibly be a sign of something to come.
2) Dallas Goedert says the goal was to become bigger/faster/stronger this offseason. Appears to have accomplished that. Says he looks back at the tape from early last season and sees a whole lot of growth. Year 2 could be a big one for him.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) May 21, 2019
Goedert needs to be used a lot more in the Eagles offense as he’s a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. His combination of speed, strength and overall route running and catching gives him an advantage on most defenders.
The last big thing that we saw on the field today was from cornerback Sidney Jones. He came to the Eagles injured and after last season he said he’s never been fully healthy. Well, coming into this season he’s healthy and looks good.
4) Entire starting secondary was missing, so it was Sidney Jones and Douglas at CB, Sullivan and Sendejo at S. Defense was winning against first-team offense early. Jones looks healthy.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) May 21, 2019
Don’t give up on him just yet. This could be a breakthrough year for him and it will be a huge season for the Eagles if they can get the potential out of him. Before his original Achilles injury, he was slated for a top ten pick.
That’s all for today for this recap. The Eagles have a couple more practices before they start mandatory mini camp in June 11th. The season is creeping up on us and training camp will be here before we know it.
Photo Credit: Philadelphia Eagles
Ryan Neal Carson Wentz, Dallas Goedert, Malcolm Jenkins, Sidney Jones