The Philadelphia Eagles were back home at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday as they welcomed fans to get a first-hand look at the revamped Eagles roster. Sunday’s practice theme was "Kids Run the Show," with young fans having the opportunity to participate in the practice session with their favorite Eagles.
Eagles coaches were keeping a close eye on cornerback Nolan Carroll, who was back in action today after leaving Saturday’s practice with a sore ankle.
After not immediately getting up to finish a play on Saturday, cornerback Jalen Mills was on the receiving end of defensive backs coach Cory Undlin’s vitriol.
"Get the [heck] up and run!" Undlin shouted at the rookie defensive back. "You were on your way up, now you’re on your way down."
On Sunday, Mills’ charged weekend continued when he got into a fracas with receiver Chris Givens during team drills. Before the play, the former LSU Tiger was a little too aggressive with Givens at the line of scrimmage, spinning his helmet around while jamming the veteran wideout.
Nelson Agholor’s exceptional play has been noticeable since reporting to camp Wednesday. Today, the second-year receiver torched Ron Brooks for a touchdown early in practice. Brooks has been competing with Nolan Carroll for the starting cornerback spot opposite Leodis McKelvin, although both defensive backs are likely to see sufficient playing time with many NFL teams lining up three receivers regularly.
On Sunday, it became apparent who is leading the competition between Brooks and Carroll. Brooks has been getting work at the nickel position, while Carroll is often lining up on the outside with the first-team. It’s important for Philadelphia's coaches to have an idea of who will be in what position when week one rolls around, because playing the nickel spot has distinctions unlike any other position, demanding a hybrid player with the cover skills of a cornerback and the toughness of a linebacker.
"That inside corner, nickel spot, is a different animal, obviously than being on the outside, on the perimeter," head coach Doug Pederson said. "There’s a lot more of the physical-ness, the physical nature of that spot as well, being able to tackle and take on blockers."
Eagles third-string quarterback Carson Wentz completed over 75 percent of his passes on Sunday, although most of his throws were within 10-to-15 yards of the line of scrimmage. On one play, the two-time FCS national champion hit Nelson Agholor with a bullet 30-yards downfield amidst three Eagles defenders.
Backup quarterback Chase Daniel had another impactful day at training camp. The 2007 Heisman Trophy finalist launched one pass 60-yards into the hands of Jordan Matthews, who was able to beat Leodis McKelvin and Malcolm Jenkins on his way to the end zone.
The official attendance for Sunday’s practice at Lincoln Financial Field was 18,276. It’s worth noting that the Eagles had over 40,000 fans at open practice last year. Philadelphia’s next practice will be on Monday morning at the NovaCare Complex.
Patrick Del Gaone is a staff writer for Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Del_Gaone.
