The Philadelphia Eagles completed two joint practices against the New England Patriots with an uneven assessment of their performance. The offense struggled at times with turnovers, pressure, and inconsistent execution during team periods. Philadelphia’s defense allowed several explosive passes Wednesday before responding with a stronger red-zone showing Thursday.
Despite those issues, the Eagles received encouraging performances from established starters and several players vying for larger roles.
Here are seven Eagles who stood out during the two joint practices.
Jalyx Hunt
No Eagle strengthened his stock more than Hunt.
The third-year edge rusher generated consistent pressure throughout both sessions and repeatedly created problems for New England’s offensive
tackles. His most impressive work came Thursday when he ripped the football away from running back Rhamondre Stevenson for a forced fumble. Hunt later completed one of the week’s best defensive plays. Riq Woolen knocked a pass away from A.J. Brown, sending the football into the air. Hunt reacted quickly, diving to secure the interception before it hit the ground.
With Jonathan Greenard sidelined throughout training camp, Hunt has received extensive work as Philadelphia’s top edge rusher. His performance in New England reinforced the belief that he is prepared for a breakout season.
Riq Woolen
Woolen’s inclusion is about his response as much as his production.
The veteran cornerback endured a difficult opening practice as Brown and Romeo Doubs generated several completions against Philadelphia’s secondary. Woolen returned Thursday and delivered one of the strongest performances by any Eagles defender.
He broke up a fade intended for Doubs before jumping an out route meant for Brown in the red zone. Woolen intercepted Drake Maye and returned the football the length of the field for a would-be touchdown.
Woolen later stayed attached to Brown and knocked another pass into the air, allowing Hunt to complete a diving interception. It was an impressive display of the short memory required to play cornerback in the NFL.
Saquon Barkley
Barkley provided Philadelphia’s most consistent offensive production during Wednesday’s opening session.
He found running room between the tackles and around the edge during 11-on-11 work. Barkley also contributed as a receiver, continuing a training camp trend that suggests Sean Mannion wants to expand his involvement in the passing game.
New England contained Philadelphia’s running backs more effectively Thursday, when the Eagles struggled to establish rhythm amid several post-play confrontations. Barkley’s first-day performance still offered an encouraging preview of how dangerous he can be when the offense keeps him involved in multiple ways.
Philadelphia does not necessarily need another 2,000-yard rushing season. It may benefit more from creating additional opportunities for Barkley in space.
Moro Ojomo
Ojomo entered the joint practices looking to test himself against a talented New England offensive line. He responded with another productive showing.
During Wednesday’s one-on-one period, Ojomo defeated guard Alijah Vera-Tucker in both of their matchups. He continued to create interior disruption during team periods and remained active against the run on Thursday.
Ojomo’s quickness, leverage and relentless approach made him one of Philadelphia’s most consistent defensive linemen over the two days. His production was particularly encouraging with the defensive tackle entering the final season of his rookie contract.
The Eagles have already committed significant money to Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Ojomo continues presenting a compelling argument for becoming another long-term investment.
Dontayvion Wicks
Wicks continued demonstrating why he has positioned himself for a significant offensive role.
The former Green Bay Packers receiver consistently created separation during individual and red-zone periods. His best moment came Thursday when Jalen Hurts found him in the middle of the end zone for a touchdown during 11-on-11 work. Wicks also produced a touchdown during an earlier competitive period by using a sharp release to create immediate separation. His practice was not flawless. He dropped a pass during a later team period and was involved in one of Thursday’s brief confrontations.
The overall body of work remained encouraging. Wicks showed the route-running, physicality and familiarity with Mannion’s offense that have made him one of Philadelphia’s most dependable receivers throughout camp.
Dallas Goedert
Goedert remains one of Hurts’ most trusted options when the field becomes condensed.
The veteran tight end used subtle movement to create separation during individual red-zone work. He later caught a touchdown over the middle during an 11-on-11 period, giving the offense a needed positive play after an early interception. Goedert consistently provided Hurts with a reliable target when New England’s pressure eliminated deeper routes. His ability to settle into openings between defenders remains valuable for an offense attempting to improve its work over the middle. After setting a career high with 11 touchdown receptions last season, Goedert again looks capable of remaining one of Philadelphia’s most important red-zone weapons.
Ty Robinson
Robinson continued building on the momentum he generated during the preseason opener.
The second-year defensive tackle recorded two decisive victories during Wednesday’s one-on-one period. He received additional first-team opportunities Thursday with Carter excused from practice for personal reasons. Robinson did not dominate every team rep, but he continued showing improved power and urgency. Those traits were not consistently present at the beginning of training camp. The Eagles already have one of the NFL’s deepest defensive tackle rotations. Robinson’s recent progress could make the group even more difficult to manage when roster decisions arrive.
Philadelphia’s two practices in Foxborough exposed several areas that require improvement. The offense must protect the football, handle pressure more efficiently, and find greater consistency. The secondary must avoid allowing explosive gains.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 7 Eagles who stood out during joint practices with Patriots
