Practice squad promotee Johnson hopes to stick around this time
PHILADELPHIA » Wide receiver Marcus Johnson spent a chunk of time with the first-team Eagles offense at practice Saturday.
The undrafted Texas product who spent last season on the practice squad made the most of it as he earned the praise of teammates and offensive coordinator Frank Reich during the Birds’ first practice in shoulder pads and helmets.
To be fair, Johnson wasn’t the only one to tee off on the defense. Quarterback Carson Wentz was also sharp, primarily in the short passing game.
Each day of practice Wentz seems to take a little more control of the offense, putting his stamp on it incrementally. The second-year product of North Dakota State was on target most of the day.
“If you compare him from this time last year to this year there’s a huge difference,” Eagles tight end Zach Ertz said of Wentz. “I mean, he’s such a Type A personality. And for him to just kind of have to wait in the wings, I don’t think that was very comfortable for him, to be behind Sam (Bradford) and Chase (Daniel) at this time last year. He wants to be motivating people each and every day. I think now he’s just so confident and comfortable in his role. I think he’s looked phenomenal so far.”
Johnson (6-1, 204) was the recipient of Wentz’s praise as he set the tone early, stepping in to give Alshon Jeffery a break. The year Johnson spent learning taught him about urgency.
“Last year the first day of pads I pulled my quad,” Johnson said. “I felt like I was doing really well at the time and unfortunately, I really had to do some self-reflecting. I just took advantage of the time I had when I was hurt, when I got cut and when I came back. So I bring that mentality every day, understanding that you not only have to take care of your body but you understand the time frame of it and how necessary it is to go out and take it so serious and prepare the proper way.”
Johnson’s efforts were no surprise to Ertz, who has seen his teammate improve throughout the offseason.
“Marcus Johnson looked great today,” Ertz said. “He had a big day. He showed a lot this spring and this summer so far. We’re really excited about him. We’ve got a lot of talent at the position. I think as a unit that wide receiver group is going to be really good for us this year.”
The redshirt season helped Johnson take a deep breath. It almost was a blessing in disguise.
“Some guys before they can ever learn the playbook and truly grasp it they don’t get the opportunity to go out in a practice setting with the ones or the twos or in a preseason game,” Johnson said. “It’s the timing of it and really being able to display what you can do. I just have to continue to chip away one day at a time and not get too caught up in it. It’s Day One. I can’t get too high or low. I just have to keep building.”
*** Nick Foles was a spectator at practice, his throwing elbow sore, according to the Eagles.
Foles exited quickly after practice.
Rookie defensive back Randall Goforth (UCLA) sat out practice with a knee injury.
Pass rusher Alex McCalister has a strained hamstring.
Sixth-round rookie defensive tackle Elijah Quarles is OK after injuring his abdomen during the pass rush drills.
*** judge NFL line Ron Marinucci, who matriculated at Glassboro State (now Rowan University), broke down the major rules changes this season during a media availability Saturday.
First and foremost, for celebration junkies, group celebrations again are in play and the ball can be used as a prop. No other props, though.
Then there’s the Eagles Rule outlawing players hurdling the line to block PATs and extra points.
Crack-back blocks below the waist by receivers typically in motion are illegal. And two personal fouls warrant an ejection not just for players, but for coaches.
Marinucci works on the crew of referee John Hussey.
*** Gates and the parking lots open around 8:30 a.m. for the free and open practice Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. Autographs with Eagles legends are from 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. at HeadHouse Plaza and the Main Concourse.
The Junior Cheer Clinics are from 8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at HeadHouse Plaza.
The Elmwood Park Animal Show is from 9:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at HeadHouse Plaza.