For two days, the Philadelphia Eagles will face off against the New England Patriots, which may be the most important joint practice the franchise has had in a long time.
A familiar face, A.J. Brown, will be on the opposite side for the first time in four years, but this Patriots team was also in the Super Bowl six months ago. This will be the best work the starters get all training camp long, so they need to be ready to put in the work.
Four position groups could really shine at the joint practice and should be monitored by Eagles fans. Here is a look at the four to watch over the two-day event.
Which Eagles positions group should be monitored closely at joint practice with Patriots?
Offensive Line
This Eagles backup and third-string offensive line was impressive in the preseason win against the Baltimore Ravens. Watching guys like Jake Majors, Willie Lampkin, and Markel Bell dominate the defensive line was encouraging. Those three combined for zero sacks allowed, leaving a great impression on the fan base.
New England had a great defensive line last year, but only got one sack in their 13-13 tie against the Indianapolis Colts in their preseason opener. The Eagles could use this chance to prove they are strong up front, protect their quarterbacks, and get the running game going.
Wide Receivers
Some guys really need to showcase their skills during joint practice. Darius Cooper actually has more pressure on him after an average showing against the Ravens. Hollywood Brown has been a major disappointment in training camp and needs to showcase his deep-threat ability.
The Patriots may not have their top corner, Christian Gonzalez, but if he doesn't go, that's even more reason for the Eagles receivers to shine. DeVonta Smith is back, which should really demonstrate his top receiver skills. Everyone in that group has to step up.
Cornerbacks
Baltimore ripped apart the Eagles' secondary in the preseason opener, completing 30-of-37 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown to one interception. Mac McWilliams and Kelee Ringo got exposed badly in the game, but Ringo at least had his interception, and Shaun Wade had a forced fumble.
Eagles fans already know that Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Riq Woolen are ready for the regular season, but the other corners need to step up and show that the Eagles have the depth needed at the position. Also, it wouldn't hurt to see Mitchell shut down Brown throughout the joint practice as a fun thing for Eagles fans to talk about.
Quarterbacks
After how the backup quarterbacks play, yeah, this group will get some eyes on it. Jalen Hurts has faced criticism for the many interceptions he's thrown, but he's showing good progress in this new offense. Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee, though, have a lot of work to do because the QB2 position battle might be the most lackluster on the roster.
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Dalton and McKee are under significant pressure to step up and play well against the Patriots. While there may not be any on rookie Cole Payton, if he plays well, the conversation about him being in the QB2 battle will only get louder. As for Hurts, as long as he limits the turnovers, he should have smooth sailing through the joint practice.
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