The Eagles had their first and solely open apply of this yr’s coaching camp on Thursday, with the workforce reporting practically 50,000 followers in attendance. Head coach Nick Sirianni spoke to reporters earlier than the workforce took the sector, and talked about their apply schedule, what makes open apply game-like, and the way Jalen Hurts continues to enhance.
Right here’s what the top coach needed to say:
On their apply schedule
Sirianni was requested concerning the odd scheduling of apply this week, solely having at some point on the sector in a four-day interval. He defined that that they had apply eight of the 9 days previous to that, in order that was an element, in addition to Thursday night time’s huge apply and all the times subsequent week main as much as the primary preseason sport.
The top coach hasn’t determined but what he’ll do with regard to the starters and what number of snaps they’ll get of their first preseason sport in opposition to the Ravens. He famous that it’ll rely on how issues are going within the days main as much as it. Sirianni defined that getting game-like expertise is essential for the coaches, in addition to the gamers, and getting the operation and communication in place can also be a precedence heading into the season.
On Thursday’s open apply
“I believe it’s very game-like. Tonight, while you get within the stadium, it’s simply totally different, proper? And for the quantity of individuals which might be going to be in right here tonight, I can’t — I imply, I don’t know, however I can’t think about that many different groups the identical sort of attendance we’re right here, and in order that will likely be nice, only for the environment.”
Sirianni talked about having the blokes do warm-ups, identical to they’d forward of a sport, and begin stepping into that routine. They need to work on drives, and get some good matchups throughout apply, and the coaches will even be engaged on their communication relating to third- and fourth-down choices.
On Jalen Hurts
The top coach stated Hurts has been actually sharp all through coaching camp, and he’s been actually pleased with how the QB has been working.
“He’s been in full management of the offense, and he’s actually working at a very excessive degree, and understanding the place to go together with the soccer, making correct throws, transferring within the pocket to purchase further time or if it turns right into a run. So, he’s had an excellent camp.”
Sirianni stated that Hurts has proven continued development because the Spring, however the QB has at all times gotten higher at some point at a time.
On the offensive line depth
Sirianni stated that they’ve solely had at some point in pads forward of the workforce’s open apply, so whereas Jeff Stoutland is hoping to have the beginning 5 offensive lineman found out sooner moderately than later, they nonetheless have a while to type that out — particularly with a number of accidents which have stored issues a bit extra rotational.
The top coach stated he doesn’t foresee Landon Dickerson (knee) being out for too lengthy, however within the meantime it’s good to get a number of the new and younger guys reps with those in his place.
He was additionally requested about signing Nick Gates, and Sirianni stated that it’s at all times good so as to add depth and competitors, and Gates was somebody they’ve seen what he can do up shut, and are excited have him.
Different notables
Sirianni stated that DeVonta Smith appears to at all times be in nice form, and might run all day. Heading into Yr 3 for the WR, the top coach praised Smith’s growth stepping into and out of breaks, being fast, and identified that he catches all the things.
He talked concerning the QB room, and stated that Tanner McKee hasn’t been getting as many reps as Kenny Pickett, however McKee has been benefiting from his alternatives. Pickett has additionally been having camp, and Sirianni highlighted the quarterback’s athletic means.
The top coach lauded rookie Quinyon Mitchell and his means to be unfazed, each in being requested to maneuver across the discipline and for going one-on-one in opposition to A.J. Brown. He famous that Mitchell must be unfazed at his place, however that’s what they noticed from him on the Senior Bowl too when he competed in opposition to prime opponents.
