The Eagles began Day 2 of training camp at the NovaCare Complex with the focus on continuing to become acclimated to their new systems on each side of the football.
Individual drills were a top priority of the coaching staff on Tuesday morning, including the offensive line hitting the sled, and the quarterbacks working on timing passes.
Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland was particularly vocal today, as offensive line coaches so often are, dishing out both praise and criticism to the Philadelphia hog-mollies. Offensive guard Isaac Seumalo was frequently lionized by Stoutland, and the Oregon State rookie was seen snapping the ball at the center position as the team awaits the arrival of Jason Kelce and Stefen Wisniewski.
Interestingly, center was Seumalo’s most productive position during his time in Corvallis, Oregon. In all likelihood, Seumalo was just filling his for some of his absent teammates, but his experience snapping the ball could prove valuable as versatile lineman are necessary to overcoming injuries.
While Stoutland was often seen commending Seumalo's play, he had some choice words for another young lineman. The offensive line coach vehemently coached up Darrelle Greene during an individual drill at the beginning of practice. Former Eagles running back and current running backs coach Duce Staley also disapproved of the efforts he saw from at least one young player. Staley made a point to criticize rookie running back Wendell Smallwood for strolling, not running, back to the huddle.
It was clear on Tuesday that although a majority of Philadelphia’s players haven’t arrived at the NovaCare Complex, the coaches made a point to remind those who are present that there shouldn’t be any meandering before, during or after the whistle at training camp.
With many Eagles starters absent from the first few days of camp, all eyes have been on the quarterbacks, particularly Sam Bradford and Carson Wentz. On Tuesday, Wentz’s ability to throw while on the move was one of the noteworthy qualities which separates his skillset from that of Bradford, Daniel and McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
One attribute that jumps out about Wentz? The fluidity with which he moves. Biggest QB in group, rolls out/throws on run with such ease.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) July 26, 2016
The first interception of training camp was thrown by Sam Bradford on a high pass intended for quarterback Bethel-Thompson, who has been forced into action at tight end. Cornerback Aaron Grymes was the recipient of the errant pass, and returned the interception for a touchdown.
Wentz went through some growing pains on day two of camp. He completed less than one-third of his passes this morning and came up woefully short of his intended target on a pass down the sideline. Despite the struggles, Wentz continued to show chemistry with rookie receiver Marcus Johnson on Tuesday. The rookies connected on a long pass Monday morning, and today the former Bison quarterback darted a ball between two Eagles defenders and into the hands of Johnson streaking across the middle of the field.
Johnson, an undrafted free agent and former Texas Longhorn, has been turning heads thus far at Eagles camp. Johnson’s athletic ability has never been in question. He ran a 4.37 at the Texas Pro Day, and had a 37-inch vertical leap. The knock on Johnson in college was his ability to make catches in traffic and his lack of progress throughout his career. The 6'1" receiver totaled just 61 catches for 793 yards and four touchdowns at Texas.
The Eagles rookies and selected veterans will practice again tomorrow morning. The rest of the team is scheduled to report on Wednesday afternoon, with the first full team practice coming on Thursday.
Patrick Del Gaone is a staff writer for Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Del_Gaone.
