Eagles run game needs bounce-back effort against New England
The Eagles' offensive line faced its first significant summer challenge, putting the need for continuity and internal development in the spotlight.
The Philadelphia Eagles aren't abandoning their offensive-line philosophy or succumbing to panic following a difficult joint practice. However, Thursday's workout session against the New England Patriots highlighted that maintaining the team's strength in the running game may require some effort. The practice session was more physical than previous ones, and New England's defense consistently made life challenging for the Eagles' ground game.
Saquon Barkley faced numerous obstacles, with limited clean lanes and struggles with outside-zone concepts. Despite these challenges, the second-team backs also encountered similar issues. New England's defense was aggressive and effective in disrupting plays before they could develop, forcing Philadelphia's offense to search for answers.
The Eagles have transitioned several younger players into larger roles, and these practices can serve as valuable lessons in their development. Barkley and Jordan Mailata acknowledged that the constant fighting and disruptions affected the flow and rhythm of the game. However, these challenges don't negate the strategy or the team's overall approach.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
