The rain forced the Eagles inside under the bubble yesterday. Starting slot receiver Nelson Agholor didn’t practice yesterday. Running backs Corey Clement and Donnell Pumphrey didn’t practice yesterday. Second year receiver Mack Hollins and his fellow wide out Markus Wheaton also didn’t practice yesterday. I know Pumphrey missed time because of a hamstring issue, but I’m not sure about the others.
Rookie tight end Dallas Goedert was able to practice despite a sore elbow. I heard there was as big panic on Sunday because somebody reported he had severely hurt his arm. It was a bogus report. Goedert is fine.
Former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg was in uniform. He wore number 8.
Young backup guard Matt Pryor is somebody who is worth keeping your eyes on. I think he has a bright future ahead of him
The battle against the Steelers was a very good game for the Eagles running backs. Jay Ajayi broke off a long run out of the end zone. Corey Clement got in there and didn’t miss a beat. He was able to get outside a couple of times on big runs. Wendell Smallwood was able to find some daylight, but he put the ball on the ground, which won’t be tolerated by Duce Staley. Rookie Josh Adams also played well in his first taste of NFL action.
Kamu Grugier Hill is my leading candidate for the outside linebacker spot with Jordan Hicks and Nigel Bradham. Grugier-Hill has defensive back speed and closing ability. He’s a better pass defender than run stopper. If he can do a good enough job against the run, he will probably be the starter at the position. There’s no doubt that he is a playmaker, who is always around the football.
The other backers in the competition are Nate Gerry, Corey Nelson and LaRoy Reynolds. On Thursday night, Grucier-Hill was making plays and so was Reynolds. Gerry is always solid, but a linebacker, who can get his hands on the football to cause a turnover is going to be the guy they put on the field.
The rest of the NFL needs to sound the alarm that they’re going to have a lot of trouble dealing with Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. Tiger Personnel – 12 Personnel
I’m happy with the overall depth on the team this year. I’m pulling for UDFA RB Josh Adams. I think he has good speed for his size and exhibits power and good vision. He maybe a legit replacement for Jay Ajayi next year.