Defensive Players Settling In With Schwartz
SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Eagles are getting closer to their first preseason test. The defense continues to get a crash course on Jim Schwarz's system.
The new defensive coordinator has a proven track record of success, and his players are quickly trying to get up to speed with Schwartz's system. Evan as the players continue to learn as the competition for jobs heats up, many of the defensive players are happy with their progress on the field. Linebacker Jalen Mills has been one of the more impressive rookies in training camp, and said the competition for jobs is making everyone on defense better as they continue to learn the system on the fly.
"That's just making everybody better," said Mills. "Guys are out here, and everybody knows there's a job to be won out here. Guys are competing day in and day out. Off the field, we're the closest of friends, but once we step in between those lines, everybody's on go."
Schwartz continues to emphasize there is still a long way to go before his unit is ready for the regular season. However, Schwartz is enjoying the physical tone set by head coach Doug Pederson, and says his players now must put the blueprint to work on the field.
"It's nice to have a head coach that wants to have a physical practice," Schwartz said. A lot of offensive coaches shy away from that. I think it's going to pay off for us not just defensively, but it will pay off for us offensively.
Coach wants to build a tough, physical team, and that doesn't happen by accident. That doesn't happen with just hoping that it happens. Hope isn't a very good strategy. You've got to go out and do it, and we embrace it."
As the players battle for jobs under the South Philadelphia sun, they continue to build team chemistry with one another. Linebacker Jordan Hicks is expected to step up this season after his rookie year was cut short by injury. Hicks says he and his teammates are developing a strong bond as they go through the dog days of training camp.
"We're building that chemistry," said Hicks. "That's what camp's about. It's all mental right now. We're trying to push through. Our bodies are obviously beaten down a little bit."
Schwartz will have some difficult decisions to make as final cutdown day draws closer. The Eagles are set in some spots, but other roster battles may go down to the final day. Schwartz believes nothing is guaranteed on the defensive side of the ball.
"We're wide open everywhere including defensive coordinator," Schwartz said. "If we can find somebody better, let's do it. It's going to be about the production of the group. Out there, there's nothing set in stone. There's plenty of jobs to be earned."
