The Eagles are back at training camp and wearing shoulder pads for the first time. Head coach Nick Sirianni was asked about progress in the physicality department and said this in a short exchange:

Sirianni: We’re (wearing) shoulder pads today, so as you know, in the season it’s usually shoulder pads (and shorts), and tomorrow (Tuesday) we’re full pads with the walkthrough after that. That’s where I’m at right now. They’re scheduled out, I just don’t have the information for you right now. I can’t remember off the top of my head.

Reporter: (partially inaudible) – “…live contact this summer?”

Sirianni: “Live contact meaning to the ground? No.”

The Eagles will not be tackling to the ground until preseason game one next Friday against the New York Jets. According to the schedule sent by staff, it’ll look like this for the next two weeks:

  • 8/1 – normal practice (Sirianni at podium)
  • 8/2 – normal practice  (Shane Steichen speaks)
  • 8/3 – closed walkthrough
  • 8/4 – normal practice (Sirianni available)
  • 8/5 – OFF
  • 8/6 – normal practice (Michael Clay talks)
  • 8/7 – open practice at Lincoln Financial Field (I think all of the coaches speak, but don’t entirely sure)
  • 8/8 – closed walkthrough
  • 8/9 – normal practice
  • 8/10 – normal practice (Sirianni talks)
  • 8/11 – closed walkthrough
  • 8/12 – preseason game vs. Jets

That’s seven practices at Novacare, one at the Linc, and then three walkthroughs before the preseason opener. They’ve got Friday off.

It seems crazy to think that tackling to the ground isn’t going to be part of camp, considering how important it is to the game of football in general. But it’s also not surprising because the NFL has really shifted away from brutal and lengthy practices in the August heat, and most of the league now adheres now to a player-friendly approach based on sports science. Philosophically, a lot of the traditional football types (read: old school) want hitting and longer practices because they think it better prepares you for a season, but the new school approach is shorter practices, less hitting, and maximum focus on reps while protecting players and trying to avoid injury.

Not sure about you, but after three seasons of seeing that blue fucking medical tent every five seconds, I support whatever approach keeps these guys healthy and on the field.