Summer Catch
Pederson says he’s not concerned by Jeffery’s rust
After two less-than-stellar outings by the offense in the preseason, there is cause for concern in Eagles camp.
Some big names acquired via trade and free agency must show a lot more before Sept. 10 rolls around.
Eagles coach Doug Pederson, though, didn’t seem the least bit worried following practice Sunday that Alshon Jeffery, the team’s new No. 1 wide receiver, is lagging at dial-up connection speed in mid-August.
“Yeah, Alshon is doing fine,” Pederson said. “He’s working.” Oh ... “He’s getting reps whether he’s not in, he’s getting reps off on the side. He’s getting reps when he’s in there,” Pederson continued. “So he’s right where he needs to be. Everybody makes mistakes. You know, it’s that time of the year. We’ve got a lot of football in right now, and he’s doing well.”
It’s a small sample, but there is evidence to suggest that Jeffery and quarterback Carson Wentz aren’t yet on the same page.
Jeffrey made a noticeable route-running mistake in the Eagles’ 20-16 victory over Buffalo last Thursday night, botching a third-down play early in the game which left quarterback Carson Wentz looking like a human shrug emoji.
It would appear that Jeffery, who has 304 receptions for 4,549 yards and 25 touchdowns in five NFL seasons, is a little behind in a new system. Jeffery signed a one-year contract with the Eagles in March.
No need to panic, Pederson said. Time is on Jeffery’s side.
“I attribute it to we’ve got a lot football in right now. … We have like plays where routes are very similar, and the fact is everybody is going to make a mistake,” Pederson said. “What I was encouraged by was Carson getting back to (tight end) Zach Ertz on the play.
“We’ve got to do a better job on first and second down so we’re not in third-and-12s and thirdand-11s. It’s not one person. Collectively, there was enough to go around to clean up, and fortunately for us we’ve got a couple of weeks to do that.”
Jeffery didn’t make a strong impression in his debut with the Birds. He was sidelined in the first preseason game due to a shoulder strain.
After bumbling their first two drives, Wentz and Jeffery hooked up for a pair of receptions on their fourth try. The first-team offense was so bad early against Buffalo, Pederson kept the unit on the field longer than expected.
And, certainly, Jeffery doesn’t deserve all of the blame for the offense’s preseason woes.
One player who impressed in his Eagles debut was third-year cornerback Ronald Darby, who was acquired from Buffalo in the Jordan Matthews trade earlier this month. Darby had a 48-yard interception return and came up with another pass deflection in the win against his former teammates.
Darby’s play should galvanize some of the young defensive backs on the Eagles, including thirdround rookie Rasul Douglas.
“Yeah, it gives (Douglas) a chance to kind of sit back and watch these guys and watch a guy like Darby … who played a full season last year at that position, just to kind of take a step back and just watch and observe,” Pederson said. “He’s getting better. I’m encouraged by what we’ve seen out of Rasul, and the more reps the better. But at the same time, too, watching is also very good.
Pederson lauded the defense’s ability to create turnovers in the win over Buffalo, but not so pleased with offense coughing the ball up three times.
“I thought the first defense really played extremely fast, played well, created some turnovers for us offensively, did a nice job at the start of that football game. They got 25 snaps and did a nice job. I thought offensively we started slow. We had a couple of position changes (right tackle) Lane Johnson moved to left tackle and Matt Tobin started (at right tackle) the day before the game.
“No excuse, we’ve got to go play.”
The Miami Dolphins will join the Eagles at the NovaCare Complex this week. The teams will practice in shoulder pads, helmets and shorts Tuesday, and will conduct a joint walk-through Wednesday.
“It’s great for them to come up and it’s great for our guys. A little change of scenery for both teams. Adam (Gase, Miami head coach) has talked about it and rehearsed everything, gone over everything. The coordinators have talked,” Pederson said. “We’re well prepared for this deal and we’re just excited to get them in here and get some good work in for a couple of days.” NOTES » On the injury front, offensive lineman Josh Andrews (hand), defensive end Derek Barnett (lower body), and wide receivers Paul Turner (shoulder) and Bryce Treggs (leg) all did not practice Sunday . ... Wendell Smallwood suited up Sunday, an encouraging sign considering the running back missed the first two preseason games . ... Defensive tackle Beau Allen continues his rehabilitation from a torn pectoral muscle. Pederson noted that Allen is “getting close, I can’t put a specific time on it. He’s one of the guys I don’t want to rush back … Hopefully, he’s ready for (the season opener at) Washington (Sept. 10).”