Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp Observations
By Tim Kelly
2. There is a New Attitude in the Eagles Secondary
Jun 17, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Byron Maxwell (31) stretches with the team during minicamp at The NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Free agent crowned-jewel Byron Maxwell’s arrival from Seattle might have something to do with it. Well-regarded defensive backs coach Cory Undlin and the mentality he’s preached also may play a role. One cannot discount the departures of Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher possibly as the reason. Whatever the cause, there is something strikingly different about the play of the Eagles secondary.
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Before addressing the rest of the group, it is worth noting how impressive Maxwell is. The former Seahawks demonstrates a loud confidence and swagger in his play that is unmatched on either side of the ball. While that type of personality is essentially a requirement with the type of cornerback-style Maxwell plays, he demonstrates the talent and tenacity that earned him a six-year/$63,000,000 with $25,000,00 guaranteed this offseason.
As for the secondary as a whole, there is very much a ‘do not give an inch’ mentality on display nearly every play. There was very little breathing room for receivers and, even when a catch was made, defenders swarmed at the ball-carrier to try and punch it out. Creating turnovers has been a hallmark of both of Chip Kelly’s Eagles teams and there appears to be an emphasis on defensive backs maximizing their opportunities to get the ball back to the offense. Creating fumbles after the catch is just as beneficial as an interception. Walter Thurmond, a converted cornerback playing safety, also came down with a pair of interceptions.