Doug Pederson Turns Up Physicality At Eagles Practice: 'It's A Physical Game'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- This is not Chip Kelly's training camp.
The former Eagles coach elected to have light workouts during the day with virtually no contact. It was hardly the type of camp run by Kelly's predecessor, Andy Reid. However, Doug Pederson worked under Reid as a quarterback and as an assistant, and the new Eagles head coach has brought back his mentor's old school approach. The team has already put on pads at practice. On Wednesday, the Eagles participated in live contact drills which featured tackling to the ground.
"It's tackle football and it's a physical game," said Pederson. "It's that competition. It's just knowing that we're actually going to put the pads on and go to the ground today."
Despite the extra intensity associated with the grind of training camp, many players embraced the physical tone set with the live tackling. It is especially welcomed in the trenches, where players such as Jason Kelce get to set a physical tone long before the season opener. The center also believes the live hitting brings out the best in both himself and his teammates.
"You don't make it to this level without being competitive," Kelce said. "Whenever you make it a live situation and tackle, it's as game-like as possible. Guys are are going to get competitive, guys are going to compete, and emotions are flying."
The debate is already underway as to whether this style of training camp is better than a less physical camp. Many fans embraced Kelly's tactics after a successful season in 2013, but Kelly is now in San Francisco. Tight End Zach Ertz believes the team is benefiting from a fresh approach.
"We have a very stout front seven," said Ertz. "Going in those goal line periods, it's very competitive. No one wants to lose, and I think it's going to bring our team closer together."
The extra physicality in camp also bring the extra risk of injury. However, Pederson wants his team to get in the right mindset for the regular season, and believes it is worth the risk to put his players through a more demanding camp.
"This is a contact sport and injuries are part of the game," Pederson said. "I'm not going to shy away from the tackling or shy away from the hitting. You don't want anybody to get hurt, but at the same time, if we learn how to practice in pads and then take care of each other when we're in those situations, it's just going to make us a better football team down the stretch. The guys will learn how to practice and play fast, and that's what you want."
