As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes are on Mekhi Becton, who has made noticeable strides at training camp. Initially struggling against the formidable Jalen Carter, Becton has, over time, balanced their matchups, showing marked improvement.
Becton’s development has not only earned him praise but also positions him as the frontrunner for the starting right guard spot as Week 1 approaches. His preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens offered a glimpse into his burgeoning potential. Although he was the only first-team starter to take the field on offense, his brief stint, comprising eight snaps, provided an invaluable experience. This matchup was noteworthy as it marked Becton's debut at right guard in a live game.
Commitment to Improvement
In reflecting on his performance, Becton emphasized the importance of continual growth and learning. "There's always room for improvement on anything. This was the first time I ever played right guard in a live game. Of course, I'm gonna look at the film with Stout [Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland] and figure out what we need to do. We'll come together and combine it," Becton remarked.
His commitment to progress is underlined by his work with Stoutland, highlighting the coach's crucial role in his development. Coupled with advice from teammates like Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson, Becton's transition to the guard position has been a team effort.
Discussing his guidance to Becton, Jurgens said, "A lot of it's talking about angles and where I want him to be and just how different every D-lineman plays. You're going to have two gappers, penetrators, different guys play different techniques, so figuring out how the footwork changes from each defensive guy and where that linebacker is and if we have certain motions where it may change our footwork."
Adapting Quickly and Effectively
Landon Dickerson also praised Becton's adaptability, noting, "A little bit of an adjustment for him, but the way he's built, the way he can move with his long arms, his reach, his lateral quickness, I think right now he's really excelling at that position. And it is an adjustment, but he's handling it extremely well." Dickerson further acknowledged Becton's dedication, stating, "For him to make that transition and come inside, and the way he's been able to succeed in doing well in practice, and come out here every day and keep getting better, is impressive."
Such endorsements validate Becton's hard work and illustrate how his teammates are integral to his journey. His focus on footwork and hand techniques has been critical, with Becton himself commenting, "It's still O-line at the end of the day. I still gotta get my hands. I still gotta do my footwork. It's just all about attacking my footwork and I did attack it."
Iron Sharpens Iron
Engaging daily with a fierce competitor like Jalen Carter has sharpened Becton's skills. Reflecting on their rivalry, Becton stated, "It's been fun. We had a little back and forth today. We went against each other and you know I'm starting to catch up to him. I'm starting to get his number. We're starting to get each other's numbers. We working. Iron sharpens iron."
This camaraderie and mutual respect push both players to higher levels of performance, which could prove invaluable as the Eagles aim to optimize their offensive line dynamics.
Looking Ahead
Given Becton's significant progress and his burgeoning confidence, the Eagles' coaching staff and fans alike have much to be optimistic about. Should he continue on this trajectory, Becton’s contribution could be a linchpin in fortifying the Eagles' offensive line, setting a solid foundation for the season ahead.