PHILADELPHIA -- The Eagles were back on the field Thursday to take part in the second day of training camp at the NovaCare Complex.
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The quarterbacks seemed to settle in and threw the ball better than they did on Wednesday. A lot of the focus was placed on the short and intermediate pass concepts with the receivers. In turn, the quarterbacks completed a higher percentage of their passes.
It will be something to watch as camp progresses to see if there will be an emphasis on those shorter routes on the route tree to get the ball in the hands of the quick receivers and give them opportunities to get yards after the catch.
Here is the Day 2 report card for the three quarterbacks on the Eagles’ roster:
Accuracy
While Hurts appeared to have some issues in 7-on-7 yesterday, he bounced back and played well during that session. He also held his own during the three 11-on-11 sessions the team had today.
One thing that has become noticeable is that he has completed more of his passes outside of the numbers than the ones in the middle of the field. At one point, he overthrew a streaking Dallas Goedert who was breaking open toward the seam. Because he is not one of the taller quarterbacks in the league, he will have to shuffle to find the throwing windows and avoid the hands of the defensive linemen to get the ball to the middle of the field in the area of the tight ends and running backs. He has quick feet and can move around the pocket to do that. Hurts just has to make sure to complete his passes in that area.
Check out Mike Kaye’s observations from the second day of training camp, including guard Brandon Brooks leaving the field.
Decision-making
Hurts took care of the ball today and had to pull the ball down and run when some of the receivers were not able to get separation. Hurts also made the right decision on a zone read play, keeping the ball and running to the outside after defensive end Derek Barnett crashed from the edge to try to get the running back. He also used his running backs as outlets when his first few route options were not open.
Favorite Target
Hurts seemed to be working on finding tight end Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert in the middle of the field, looking their way multiple times during practice. If Ertz is to remain on the team, it will be important for the two to be on the same page. As the team was practicing special teams, Hurts and Ertz were talking about some rounds. The two were later seen after practice working on the far side of the field to get their timing down.
Play of the Day
When Hurts dropped back to pass, he looked in the direction of DeVonta Smith, gave a quick pump fake, and delivered a nicely thrown ball to Smith, who beat safety K’Von Wallace and cornerback Steve Nelson for an 80-yard touchdown. The reason why this pass was even better was there was not a lot of air put under the deep throw, allowing Smith to be the only player to track it down and not give the defensive backs time to close the distance.
Overall Grade
For the second practice, he looked like he settled in and did a decent job. It looks as if he is getting a handle of the offensive concepts. The true test will be when the pads come on and things go live. For Hurts, it will be about continuing to develop chemistry with his receivers.
Grade: B
Accuracy
By the unofficial count, Flacco missed one throw during practice. Making a lot of three-step drops, timing is everything and the ball pretty much has to be out a lot of times for those shorter routes such as slants and outs. Flacco displayed that he was not only able to get the ball out quickly, but with some power and on point.
Decision-making
Flacco did not force the ball into many precarious situations and made throws to the tight ends and in the middle of the field. He also dumped the ball off to the running backs when those options were not open.
Favorite Target
Just as Hurts did with Ertz and Goedert, Flacco threw a lot to the tight ends, including Hakeem Butler, Richard Rodgers and Tyree Jackson.
Play of the Day
Flacco is not known as the most mobile quarterback, but was able to maneuver the oncoming pass rush and contort himself to throw a pass backwards to running back Kerryon Johnson. Johnson was able to pick up a few yards on the play on what would have been a negative play.
Overall Grade
Flacco had a solid day which is what you need from a veteran backup quarterback.
Grade: B-
Accuracy
Mullens had a decent day throwing the ball. Mullens was picked off by safety Grayland Arnold on a throw he would like to have back. He also threw a pass off of the outstretched hand of tight end Jack Stoll. Mullens did make some passes in some small windows that hit his receivers.
Decision-making
Mullens pulled the ball down and picked up a few yards after seeing that there was nothing open down field. Mullens seemed comfortable to check down to shorter routes if something was not open. He also threw the ball on target to running backs like Elijah Holyfield who were running routes out of the backfield.
Favorite Target
Jhamon Ausbon was one of the players Mullens targeted, targeting him three times on quick sideline passes to the rookie undrafted free agent.
Play of the Day
Mullens best pass came when he was getting some extra seven-on-seven work with some of the receivers and defensive backs after practice. Working near the goal line, Mullens fired a strike from five yards out to Smith, threading the ball in between two Eagles defenders who were double teaming the rookie wide receiver.
Overall Grade
The interception to Arnold kept him from getting a higher grade. It will be interesting to see if he can do the same against opposing defenses in preseason games.
Grade: B-
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.