Porter: 8 Observations From Wednesday's Eagles Practice
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- NFL training camp talk is nonsense, let's start there.
It's coach speak and often, overreaction theater from the media. I mean, hey, do we really need play-by-play during seven-on-seven drills, every day? No.
Do we love it? Of course.
It's 2015, we want more! And I admit, I'm no different. I have a love-hate relationship with practice play-by-play tweets, but I also understand, I must take all training camp and preseason info, news, quotes, and tweets with a grain of salt. Comprehension and context, especially in today's social media era, are key.
For the past few years, this being my third (basically Chip Kelly and I were a package deal and he doesn't even know it), I try to capture a birds-eye view of Eagles practice. Meaning, I indulge all the information available for the first two weeks of camp or so, and then I attend a practice. It gives me an unique perspective, a fresh outlook, that I think can be a little more meaningful.
Having said that, take every single one of my eight observations (in no particular order) with a large grain of salt because after all, we're talkin' bout practice man. Practice.
8. Pat Shurmur is boring
I attended his before practice press conference and I have no idea why. I sat in the back with one of my favorite Eagles follows Eliot Shorr-Parks, who told me he sits in the back for #ShurmurTalks because of how boring they are. So we proceeded to make fun of Shurmur, while sort of listening to him talk.
To sum it up, Shurmur thinks everyone on the Eagles is good.
Ps. Shurmur strikes me as one of the old school, football junkie types. Smart as heck when it comes to football, but extremely structured.
7. DeMeco Ryans not in pads today
And he had sleeves on in 80-degree weather. I understand some players like wearing sleeves when they play, for whatever insane reason, but when you're just watching and the sun is blazing...why sleeves?
6. Sam Bradford looks sharp
The obvious one, because everyone and their Bubbie is writing about how superb Bradford looks in practice. But man, when you see him drop back (remember grain of salt...it's only practice!) he's decisive, accurate, and far and away the best of the Eagles QB's. He just looks like a quarterback, you know what I mean? There's that aura around him.
As far as health, he doesn't really move, so it's hard to tell. He's like a statue in the pocket. I assume that's partially because he's so quick in his decision making to get rid of the ball (a la Tom Brady), and somewhat due to the fact that he's still recovering.
Ps. His sleeves are loose, which I thought was cool.
5. On the other hand, you have Tim Tebow
Yikes. I was surprised at how awful Tebow was at throwing the ball. Make no mistake about it, the dude can run. But he's always running because he can't throw!
He holds the ball too long, far longer than any other Eagles QB. He takes too long to throw it. And he's inaccurate. I think Chip, everyone really, is intrigued by his athleticism, but if he can't throw, he can't throw.
Tebow scrambled about four times on Wednesday. I think Sanchez and Barkley scrambled once each, Bradford none.
Ps. One play in particular, Tebow took off for a decent gain and along the sidelines was Fletcher Cox, who was encouraging the scramble, "Go Timmy, go!"
I enjoyed that.
4. Miles Austin is a teacher out there
I've been a big Miles Austin supporter, probably because everyone poo-pooed the signing and still, most are writing him off. Austin is still talented, but more importantly, he's a savvy veteran Pro Bowl wideout who is teaching the young, eager-to-learn players. He understands the game and it's obvious.
3. Ryan Mathews looks outstanding
While DeMarco Murray is having his own situation, going in and out of reps and only doing certain things, Mathews is thriving. He's visibly talented when he has the ball. Strong, fast, an all-around NFL running back who looks completely healthy.
2. Byron Maxwell also looks outstanding
Straight blanket coverage all day. Now, it could because he's going against young receivers on the outside like Nelson Agholor and Josh Huff, who continue to develop, or because Maxwell is simply very good at his job. Probably, a combination of the two, but whatever the reason Maxwell looks elite.
1. Jaylen Watkins intrigues me
Just 22-years-old, the 6'2" Watkins is certainly no Byron Maxwell. But he definitely caught my attention on Wednesday. Most noticeably, he seeks advice, as I saw him find Malcolm Jenkins (who was rapping to 'Everyday I'm Hustlin' by Rick Ross) and the aforementioned Maxwell on the sidelines after an 11-on-11 play.
Watkins has energy and a buzz around him. I'm rooting for him to surprise in 2015-16.
Bonus: Check out this bug!
What is that?! It was huge and on the guys' shorts next to me. I didn't have the guts to say anything or touch it, but thankfully, it flew (yes, flew!) away.
Oh, I almost forgot: Chip Kelly was there
