Inside Training Camp: August 1

There's some big battles important there this season. And I predict that the kickoff game will be back in the NFL better than ever, more kickoff returns than ever. Teams are not going to kick the ball into the end zone and have it set up your say. I've been talking about that the entire spring. Is anybody out there listening? I don't think so. Anyway, today we've got to talk about the offense because Frank Reich met the media, Sam Bradford met the media, and the topic was wide receivers.

Whether you believe it, Yeah, I mean we've been talking about it old since nineteen ninety nine, when Andy Reid came to town and won a lot with some lesser receivers like Todd Pinkston, like James Thrash, like Freddie Mitchell, and then not until CEO came to town did the

Eagles breakthrough and reached the Super Bowl. Well. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich meeting the media on Monday morning talking about the wide receivers and mentioning last year's number one picked Nelson Agalore and what he's shown thus far in camp. It's still early, but it's good. I mean, everybody's got a receiver group has a lot of energy. One of the things you look for a receiver group is an unselfishness,

I mean, because that's the way you get better. The ball doesn't there's only one ball, and there's you know, there's three four guys going out for a route. So we want to be able to evaluate every play all the time, whether the balls come into them or not. And so and I've always found over the years that you can get a lot out of evaluation even in a short period of time. And I want to see an unselfishness just in their attitude and you kind of

pull them for the other guys. And an excitement and energy, and then there's always that part of the evaluation processes can you run all day? Can you run all day? And can you go when you're tired. So that's that's what we're in the process of getting into right now. I think there is some I think there is something too that you know, you see that in receivers, and I think a lot of that is just a confidence and the game slows down and those two go hand

in hand. So we've said it all off season. You know that that's our expectation of Nelson. You know, one thing that does pop up on the film, even just in a couple of practices here with the pads on. He's got a quickness off the line of image. He has some vertical speed to challenge you deep and he just has very good footwork. And in this league, you have to be able to eat press coverage. You have to have to have to eat press coverage, and he had and he has a natural ability to get off

the line versus press. And he's got to be able to use that to his advantage to help our team. And that is offensive coordinator Frank Reich, And we are here to talk about the wide receiver position one that Chris, I think it's fair to say lacks a true number one receiver, but there are some candidates that can do a lot of different things in this what I believe will be a versatile Legal's offense. Certainly you mentioned Tara Owens earlier, and there may not be a TEO, but

I think it's to be harder for defense. Is the game plan for this offense because of the fact you don't know who is going to get the football. Jordan Matthews offers a lot out of the slot, even though you'll see him at times on the outside. Chris Gibbons, added in free agency, provides a little bit speed on the outside of home run threat. The Eagles want him to be a better on the inside so they can move him more around the formation. You have Josh huff

entering his third NFL season. He's someone that they're trying to get the ball in his hands on jet sweeves and bubble screens because he can do a lot of damage with the ball in his hands. And then Rube Randall. He's been a proven playmaker in the NFL, and I think he was a little hurt that he only received a one year deal in free agency, and I think

he has something to proof here. So this offense is wide receiver group may not have the quote quote true number one, but I think it has a lot to offer as your game planning against defense this season, Dave. And then there is Nelson Agilore at the number one draft pick in two thou and fifteen, a disappointing rookie season, a high ankle sprain, just twenty three receptions. It has not really been a smooth ride for Nelson agil but he's shown some flashes here in this training camp and

has actually been quite consistent catching the football. Quarterback Sam Bradford talked about Aglare about what he's brought to the table and the chemistry that they are developing in year two together. We've all seen Nelson's physical abilities. I mean, he's explosive. You know, he's got a lot of quick twitch. You know, he's there, he separates at the line, he separates at the top. You know, I'm sure you could

ask him, but you know I could imagine. You know, anytime you're a young player, doesn't matter what position you're playing. I think there's still part of that process where you know, you're thinking a lot, and I think, you know, as he gets older, you know, as he gets more experienced, as he sees more looks from defenses, you know, I think a lot of that will probably be cut out and he'll go out there and he'll just naturally react to things. And I think, you know, hopefully he can

start doing that. But you know, I think he's shown some flashness, that he's made some plays where you know, he could really help us this year. So what can we expect from Agalore in year number two? Well, when the Eagles drafted him in the first round of last year's draft, they've talked about how explosive he was with the football in his hands after the reception. We didn't see a lot of that last year. We've seen more of it. I think Chris in this training camp, no

question to me, Dave. The biggest thing is, I think we've been spoiled by how some rookie wide receivers have performed around the NFL. You look at Jordan Matthews and his first two NFL seasons. Typically, wide receivers need that year to mature, to get acclimated to the speed of the NFL and adjusted to opposing defense and what they're going to present. I really like the addition of wide receivers coach Greg Lewis and what he's instilling in this group.

I just like the offense at Doug Pearson and Frank Riker bring it. I think you're going to see the players move around the formation more a wider variety of routes, so defenses can't key in on what the receivers are going to do when they're out there on the field. So I think from maturing in terms of his performance as well as the offense, I think big things can be expected for Aglore in year two. I think the theme for the wide receivers is competition. Everything is open

at this point. No starting jobs guaranteed, although I would certainly say that Jordan Matthews the leading candidate and the most productive, the most accomplished receiver as an Eagle among this group. So we'll see. Gotta be consistent. It's the football, got to be reliable. We've got a bit of ways to go here in the month of August, says the Eagles tune it up for the September eleventh opener against Cleveland. We've got more to get to here on inside Training

Camp presented by Exfinity. When we return, we're going to talk a little bit about a new feature that we have. It's called the Journey. It's something you're not gonna want to miss. Love me tender. We can like many, but we can love only a precious few, because it is for those precious few that you have to be willing to do so very much. But you don't have to do it alone. Lincoln Financial helps you provide for and protect your financial future because this is what you do

for people you love. Talk to an advisor Lincoln Financial. You're in charge. One discovery sparks another lighting the way for amazing achievements. At Jefferson's Vicky and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, with our brightest minds focused on yours, we are pioneering new hope to prevent, treat, and cure brain and spine disorders. From the nation's first brain tumor removal to the region's first neuroscience hospital, look to us for

breakthroughs that are light years ahead. Dave Spernaro, Chris McPherson. We are back here at that Overcare Complex, and you know, training camp is a wild ride. Whether you're a rookie, whether you're a veteran, and we're going to chronicle here in the series that we call The Journey, which debuts right now, featuring quarterback Carson Wentz and defensive back Blake Countess, two rookies trying to navigate their way through some foreign land.

So all starts today. Camp is upon us. Fantastic to see the Eagles back training camp, back the Birds trying to get ready for the season. Oh my god, ray, it changes that this franchise has made since last season. New coach, new GM, new face, new attitude. Is this roster the better than the roster that end the last season? I think it is. God, it took a long time to get there, but we finally have football, and there's

always an optimistic all right man, welcome back again. Hey, I hope you guys had a great break, much needed rest, get away from everybody, had a chance to relax a little bit, and hopefully you came back ready to go, eager and excited for this two thousand and sixteen, this upcoming season. Congratulations, I'm happy to have you over. I've honestly approached things the same way my whole life. You know, it's just take it one day at a time, try and get better every day, you know, block out all

the noise. Don't worry about pressure, expectations, this or that, um and you know, at the end of the day, as long as I'm worried about what I can control of, things will things will turn out the way they should. Oh. Absolutely, there's a chip on my shoulder, you know, coming into situation, it's a blessing. But you know, I think of myself more than a sick round or so it's definitely a chip on my shoulder, and I'm just coming in to prove for my work. I like what I've seen from

Blank Countess in the back end. And my message to these guys too, to the young players, is that special teams becomes a big, big part of their success, especially early on in their careers. How do you love? I see myself happening the team in there in every aspect that I can, and that will be on defense than that special teams. So I'm looking forward to that, but I definitely think I'll be a factor one buy what's on your memory. We got a long camp ahead of us.

We got a lot of work to put in and you know, the biggest thing on focus on is just helping helping his team get better, getting myself better. And I can guarantee that whenever my number is called ever ready. I mean, you gotta stay focused all the time. Um you know, it might seem monotonous, but at the same time, we're focusing on something different every day. You know, we're learning something new every day. So for me personally, there's

always something to learn and something new. Um. So, so it's been it's been really positive to have Carson Wentz basically rich sure if he's a tire rookie yere, well, we don't know it'll be his entire rookie year. We can't speculate that far out, but going into the season, there's a good chance it starts that way. So, uh, you know, right now, we're just gonna get Carson as many reps as we can, get him caught up, get

him to where he needs to be. You know, there's just ins and outs of the offense, and I'm going on the field and coming into the meeting room just talking with the coaches and other quarterbacks. Just little things that I think you can kind of change with how you read things and little progressions that I think I'll continue to learn and get better with that. Have really showed me some things that have been good. They go, good ball, Sam, See how he hung on the post

there a little bit, and back shoulder them. You've been running right in that safety here you go. Good, good, Give the inside a chance right outside down stay low there and I'm out. Stay low. That's better, Carson, much better, much better. It's way to stay lower. That's a good move, too good, too hands much better than yesterday. Much better. Go ahead, We're out of here. We're out of here.

We're out of here. Everything about camp, just being around the guys all day at the facility, coming back to the hotel, being around them as well. It just all you know, is really positive for the team. Creates a lot of good bonding and all those things. So so far it's been really good. This is new for everybody, and we kind of get to know each other a little bit better. Um you see guys, your conversation, things like that. So it's definitely helpful just because we're all

in a new environment. You know, at times, you know, you gotta you gotta think of the end goal, and that's um, you know, the games that are approaching, but at the same time, there's there's so much to learn every single day. You know, we're all in this together, and you can't get occupied thinking too far ahead. Well, you keep your big picture in mind, but it's all about the little things. To do the little things right and a stack of days and you'll be where you

want to be. And I'm a firm believer in that. Just take pride in doing a little things well and at the end of the day, you'll be where you want to be. Raised up there from our Eagles Network crew with the Journey. Can't wait to see future episodes here on Philadelphia Eagles dot Com. After this quick commercial break here on Inside Training Campers ended by Xfinity, we're gonna offer a quick preview of our one on one

interview with middle linebacker Jordan Hicks. Hi. I'm Bo Allen from the Philadelphia Eagles, and this is the Alan from Bob's Discount Furniture. We named it after Bow. Thanks Bob, you're the man. It packs some serious power, power repline, powerhead rest and USB ports. Get the sofa, a console, love set in dark chocolate or light brown, and untouchable value at only seven nine each. I don't know how you do it, Bob, But man, do I respect it?

You know? Players should respect that for big games. Nope, we swapped jerseys. Growing up. We had a basketball hoof in our driveway and that's all I used to play with. This past August, I happened to notice the bump on my foot, so my parents and I decided that we would go to Rothman at Jefferson. We found out from a biof seed that I had an osteosarcoma cancer. Scary, but the Rothaman doctors felt so confident in what they were going to do, and it couldn't have turned out

any better. The Rothman Institute at Jefferson was able to get me back on the court and backs where I wanted to be. Dave's Finnaro along with Chris McPherson. Players are off on Tuesday, but we've got a lot of store for you here, including this one on one interview

with the middle linebacker Jordan Hicks. A revelation in his first year in the NFL, and of course he endeared himself to Eagles fans by sacking Tony Romo and giving him that carbone injury, and later on in the season at Dawas returning the interception into the end zone for a pick six. One of the team's most prolific playmakers until suffering that season ending pectoral injury, he is ready to go here in twenty sixteen, and here's a quick snippet of our one on one interview conducted by our

own Alex Smith. That's to me, that's my favorite part of the game, just because you know, it's so mental. I think I'm a fairly good mental linebacker. You know, somebody who's able to think, put things together quick process, you know what the offense is trying to do, and you know, based off the game plan. And you know, I think that's my advantage and I think I do

a pretty good job at that. And so you know, when I get the opportunity to be in that situation, you know, with Coach Schwartz being able to have that type of faith, that type of trust in me to really put some stuff in my hands to make certain calls at certain times. You know, that's that's the game, you know, the chess game that I love playing with the offense and being in that position. Thank you very much, Jordan,

and thank you Alex. Now you can watch that entire interview on Philadelphia Eagles dot com on Tuesday, and also last year's last year's third round pick, we had the journey with first round pick Carson Wentzon, sixth round pick play countess that will be available on demand tomorrow Philadelphiagles dot com. It is a player's day off, but there's plenty of content for you to check out Philadelphiagles dot com, including Dave your update on some key position. It's a

bit early, but we've got a preseason game coming. The pads are on, the tackling will start, and there's some key roster positions to talk about. Offensive line, how about defensive end, how about the place kicker job. We've also got to figure out how it's going to sort itself out at cornerback and at the wide receiver positions. So a lot to think about as training camp gets turned up just a bit in terms of intensity and certainly the physical play in the week ahead, and he teas into, uh,

you gotta wait till it's live. There we go for Chris McPherson. I'm Dave Spidero. Well, thank you for joining us. An inside training camp presented by an ex Afinity. We're back on Wednesday, as the Eagles return to the field at the Novicare Complex, have yourselves a great Eagles Day.