Eagles’ Joint Practice with Patriots Provides First Real Test as A.J. Brown, Quinyon Mitchell Headline Day
Photo by Eric J. Adler/New England Pariots
Ahead of their preseason matchup on Saturday, the Eagles and the Patriots matched up in the first of two joint practices in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Due to the Eagles’ preseason culture being centered around resting the starters, this joint practice against the Super Bowl runner-ups serves as their best chance to display their abilities before Week 1.
By far the driving force for the attention this practice is getting comes from A.J. Brown‘s connection to the Eagles; however, when asked about his desire for a change, Brown was thankful.
“It’s not about no closure or anything, man,” Brown said Wednesday. “It’s love, you know, I won a Super Bowl ring with them.”
Before the matchup, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio noted how chippy this could get, and made it very clear that he wanted to limit any tension ahead of this practice.
“We don’t want [any issues],” Fangio said. “We don’t tolerate it.”
Immediately, a one-on-one pairing formed between Riq Woolen and Romeo Doubs, with Woolen winning the majority of their matchups; however, he struggled in the team drills later on. On top of that, Dontayvion Wicks received heavy praise for his release on Charles Woods.
However, by far the biggest storyline was Quinyon Mitchell and Brown’s matchups. Because they were the headlining combat, they also were the first matchup, which ended with Mitchell breaking up a deep pass from Drake Maye.
“I won,” Brown said on the play. “He pulled himself back in the play and I just gotta finish the play.”
Later on in 11-on-11s, Maye threw in Brown’s direction a few times. In the two most notable moments, one where Brown caught a streaking pass over the middle for a huge gain, but the second he could not get both feet in. The second play is garnering more attention for the Patriots’ O-Line, and how easily Jihaad Campbell got in the backfield, and likely would have gotten the sack had it been in-game.
A few players notably did not have their best performances Wednesday, such as Cooper DeJean and Jalen Hurts. DeJean seemed to be struggling while guarding DeMario Douglas, and Hurts threw three interceptions during seven-on-sevens that did not include Gonzalez. On top of that, Brown had a solid practice himself, ending the day with numerous catches and a little bit of showboating gestured toward the Eagles’ sideline.
Notably, after the practice, DeVonta Smith was asked if he talked to Brown during the practice. He simply said: “Nah.”
“I didn’t see none of it,” Smith said when asked if he had seen Brown’s offensive production. “I was on the offensive field.”
On the other hand, Jalyx Hunt had a day, looking to be a viable replacement for Jonathan Greenard until there is further update on his return. The Patriots could not handle the Eagles’ trench warfare, as the Eagles’ run-game and pass-rush seemed to be dominant throughout the joint practice, winning almost every matchup they had.
Although the run game and defensive line looked great, the Patriots ultimately seemed like the better team on Wednesday. Though a joint practice where you cannot touch the quarterbacks is not a testament to what the season will look like.
“You have 90 teammates in camp,” Fangio said. “Now you got 180 teammates. We’re just working against each other.”
Isaac Baranski
Isaac is a high-school senior who currently attends the Hun School of Princeton. In his free time, he has many interests, but most of all is his love for Philadelphia sports. He has watched the 76ers since the days of Sam Hinkie and hopes to watch the process be completed. He has also watched the Phillies since the days of Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and the great crew, and hopes to see Red October finally achieve its goal. Along with that, he picked up a love for the Philadelphia Union shortly before the pandemic, and has seen them win multiple Supporters’ Shields in person. Lastly, and most importantly, he is a major football lover and an even bigger Eagles lover. Since developing his love for The Birds in elementary school, he has made it his goal to never miss a game.
Get New Articles Emailed Right To Your Inbox:
