Philadelphia’s summer heat pressed down like a heavy blanket. The Eagles were grinding through another camp session. Another session at the NovaCare practice fields. Observers scanned the usual drills. Linemen colliding, receivers cutting sharp routes, and defensive backs shadowing every move. Then, eyes caught an unexpected figure deep in the trenches.
A familiar face, usually associated with draft boards and contract talks, was barking orders. He wasn't just watching. He was in it, moving with purpose. This wasn't your typical front-office cameo. Something different was unfolding.
The intrigue centered on Joe Douglas. Philadelphia’s newly titled Senior Personnel Director ditched the shade. Instead, Douglas actively led offensive line drills on Day 4. Crucially, he wasn't just coaching. "Joe Douglas has been working almost exclusively with the offensive line in practice," noted Dave Zangaro.
The New Man at Quarterback
Most surprisingly, "he's been like the quarterback in offensive line drills." Imagine a former Jets GM calling signals for the big guys. Reuben Frank found it "odd to see a former GM... doing that stuff." But Douglas appeared fully invested. Zangaro observed, "He seems like he's really enjoying it." Frank quipped, "Probably just enjoys not being in Florham Park." Meanwhile, the actual Jalen Hurts faced a tougher day.
The first-team offense struggled against a rising defense. Jalen Hurts threw his first camp interception—badly underthrown to A.J. Brown. Rookie corner Quinyon Mitchell pounced, showcasing his early brilliance. Eliot Shorr-Parks noted Hurts completed 16/20 passes but wasn't sharp. The pocket often collapsed around him. Last season, Jalen Hurts went 305 throws without a pick. This year?
Only 63 throws. The offense clearly cooled off from its blazing start. Hurts did connect beautifully with Dallas Goedert on one 20-yard strike. He also scrambled for a red-zone touchdown. However, the defensive pressure was relentless.
Moro Ojomo notched a coverage "sack" on fourth down. Zack Baun and rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. made disruptive plays. Trotter even met college teammate Will Shipley in the hole. Twice. The defense, overall, won Monday. Their coverage forced Hurts and others to hold the ball too long. Safety battles heated up too, especially with Andrew Mukuba sidelined.
Cooper DeJean saw more base-defense snaps next to Reed Blankenship. Sydney Brown handled nickel duties. Rookie Mac McWilliams impressed, even breaking up a pass against towering Johnny Wilson. Adoree' Jackson, meanwhile, solidified his lead over Kelee Ringo for a starting corner spot. Jackson broke up passes and covered Brown effectively. But there's more.
Hurts and the Heat Test
The offensive line Douglas worked with faced their own fiery test. O-line vs. D-line 1-on-1s brought fireworks. Jordan Mailata stonewalled Jalyx Hunt twice. Moro Ojomo battled Landon Dickerson fiercely, winning reps. Rookie Ty Robinson showed promise with powerful hands. Thomas Booker looked strong against Tyler Steen and Hollin Pierce.
Jalen Hurts Training Camp Stats, Day 4:
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) July 28, 2025
Hurts and the first-team offense did not win the day against the defense on Monday
The offense hasn’t looked as sharp as it did the first two days as the defense is starting to win more-and-more of the reps
Even though he completed 16/20… pic.twitter.com/twdwNVyYdz
Conversely, newcomer Ogbo Okoronikwo easily beat rookie tackle Cameron Williams. These battles set the tone for Tuesday's first padded practice. Besides, Douglas's hands-on role remains a fascinating subplot.
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He’s not just advising Howie Roseman from an office. He's down in the dirt, simulating pressures Hurts will face. This unique involvement underscores Philly's "all hands on deck" mentality. While Hurts recalibrates after a bumpy day, the entire ecosystem—from ex-GMs in drills to rookies making plays—is pushing. Every rep, every drill, builds towards defending the crown.