Here are some Eagles training camp day 16 takeaways, including Jalen Hurts finally making a critical mistake.
Jalen Hurts Mistake Headlines Day 16 Takeaways
As has been said over the last couple of weeks, the NFL Regular season is marching closer. The Eagles held their 16th and final open practice this past Wednesday, Aug. 22, and it certainly ended with some talking points. Here are some of the most noteworthy day 16 takeaways, including the long-awaited Jalen Hurts mistake.
The Interception Heard Around The League
Probably the biggest moment from yesterday’s practice is when the defense finally got to Jalen Hurts to end things off. Hurts threw his first pick of camp after looking sharp for a month’s worth of practices. According to CBS Sports, Hurts threw late over the middle of the field in one drill, and cornerback Darius Slay seized the opportunity. He intercepted Hurts and ran the ball 30 yards back after the interception.
Slay humorously chimed into the moment during an interview. “He don’t like to talk to me when I pick him,” Slay said according to the report. “But it’s okay, I’ll give him a hug and stuff.
Hurts responded in kind during his post-practice press conference. “I told him about time,” Hurts said.
This really isn’t an indictment on Hurts since he has had a very strong camp through the month of August. During individual practices, he has put up impressive numbers, especially in the red zone. It was just a spectacle seeing the quarterback finally make that mistake.
Best WR Tandem In The League?
Alongside Jalen Hurts being sharp, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were one of the best position group showcases this camp. Ed Kracz of Sports Illustrated wrote that Brown and Smith were “the two best and most consistent players in camp.” Kracz also added that outside of the Dolphins with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Eagles could have the best wide receiver Tandem in the League. The tandem continued to stand out at practice yesterday. Eliot Shorr-Parks posted on X that the Eagles’ offense ended with a bang with a flashy touchdown play from Hurts to Smith.
“Hurts likely just took his last throw of training camp — and it is a 35+ yard TD to DeVonta Smith down the left sideline, perfect throw,” Shorr-Parks said. The receivers weren’t the only ones who had a great day at camp. Kenny Gainwell also had an impressive performance racking up 14 touches and two touchdowns.
Minimal Injuries
As the Sports Illustrated report states, the Eagles were able to stay mostly healthy despite several injury scares, especially on the offensive line and to runningback Saquon Barkley, however in all cases serious injuries appear to have been avoided and the Eagles should have a relatively healthy roster as they go into week one.
The Eagles will take on the Packers in Brazil in week one. Fans should be looking forward to seeing this team healthy and in action. And fewer mistakes from Jalen Hurts.
Main Image: Tommy Gilligan – USA Today Sports
