The Philadelphia Eagles' training camp has been a crucible for growth and improvement, especially for Mekhi Becton, who has made significant strides in his quest to secure the starting position at right guard. Initially, Becton struggled in his matchups against Jalen Carter, but his resilience and dedication have paid off, showing marked improvement as camp progressed.
Becton's Challenging Start
Training camp began with Becton facing off against Carter. These early encounters were tough, but they proved to be invaluable learning experiences. "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," Becton said, reflecting on his progress.
As he adapted to the challenges of the new position, Becton began to level the playing field, balancing his matchups with Carter more effectively. This adjustment showcases his potential and resilience as the Eagles prepare for Week 1 of the season.
Preseason Performance
Becton's growth was highlighted in the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Notably, he was the only first-team starter on the offense to take the field, indicating the coaching staff's confidence in his abilities. Becton played eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen, marking yet another milestone: this was his first time playing right guard in a live game.
Reflecting on the game, Becton emphasized the importance of continual improvement 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," he noted.
Support from Teammates and Coaches
Becton hasn't faced these challenges alone. His teammates and coaches have provided indispensable support. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland has played a crucial role, particularly in the film review sessions that help Becton refine his performance.
Teammate Cam Jurgens has also been a mentor for Becton, offering insights into the nuances of the right guard position. "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," Jurgens explained.
Landon Dickerson, another key figure on the offensive line, praised Becton's adaptability and success. "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 said.
Footwork and Technique
Becton's journey to mastering the right guard role is not just about mental and strategic adjustments; it also involves honing his physical technique. He has focused intensely on his footwork and hand placement, key elements for any offensive lineman. "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," Becton remarked.
The encouragement and advice from his teammates have significantly accelerated his adjustment process. Dickerson highlighted this, saying, "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."
Looking Ahead
As the Eagles inch closer to the start of the regular season, Becton's improvement and ongoing development will be pivotal for the team's success. His journey from struggling against Jalen Carter to becoming a frontrunner for the starting right guard position is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and the support of his teammates and coaches.
The preseason performance has set the stage for what should be an exciting season for Becton and the Eagles' offensive line. As they prepare for Week 1, all eyes will be on Becton to see if he can maintain his upward trajectory and solidify his place as a key contributor to the Eagles' offensive scheme.