Eagles training camp notes (Day 7): Saquon Barkley energizes offense with trash talk and big runs

The city of PhiladelphiaAfter the Eagles practiced in the scorching heat all week, the weather finally subsided on Friday. However, on the most rigorous training camp day to date, the emotions ran high.

Returning by runningWhen Saquon Barkley trash-talked safety at the start of practice, he lit the fuse.Reed Blankenship following a lengthy sprint down the field’s left side. The two would continue to chirp back and forth, and finally their teammates joined in.

The intensity increased with each of the offense’s and defense’s key plays.

Jihaad Campbell, a rookie linebacker, once threw Barkley to the ground following a reception.

Barkley limped a little and was slow to stand. He went through linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. for a touchdown on the following play and then turned to smack talk with him.

By creating plays and giving his teammates an advantage, he revitalized an Eagles offense that had been struggling for the previous week.

Barkley had the similar effect on the Eagles’ march to the Super Bowl the previous season. He is not slowing down after a fantastic season, which is beneficial for Philadelphia’s prospects of repeating.

NJ Advance Media’s further observations from Friday’s practice are as follows:

• 
  Linebacker

  Zack Baun (back)

  , tight end

  E.J. Jenkins

  (hamstring), wide receiver

  Terrace Marshall Jr.

  (knee),

  cornerback Mac McWilliams

  (quad), wide receiver

  DeVonta Smith

  (back), edge rusher

  Nolan Smith

  (concussion) and fullback Ben VanSumeren (ankle) were sidelined.
  

• 
  Even though defensive tackle

  Jalen Carter

  (shoulder), offensive guard

  Landon Dickerson

  (ribs), center

  Cam Jurgens

  (back) and Campbell (shoulder) were listed as limited, they all took part in team drills. Rookie safety

  Drew Mukuba

  (shoulder) went through individual periods but was not cleared for team drills.
  

• Will Shipley

  beat Campbell on a wheel route to the right side and hauled in a touchdown. The second-year RB is competing for the backup role behind Barkley and needs to make these types of plays to win it.
  

• 
  Campbell was also beaten by Barkley and tight end

  Grant Calcaterra

  on catches. Overall, he has been strong in coverage and versus the run.
  

• 
  Rookie linebacker

  Smael Mondon Jr.

  kept pace with Barkley for 30-plus yards on a wheel route, forcing an incompletion. The fifth-rounder is making a name for himself.
  

• 
  Wide receiver

  Jahan Dotson

  beat Reed Blankenship, Cooper DeJean and Mitchell to extend the last drive, but he also dropped an easy pass when he had

  Kelee Ringo

  beat.
  

• 
  Ringo, who started with the first-team defense today, also surrendered a touchdown to Elijah Cooks and drew a pass inference penalty for contacting Dotson before a deep ball arrived.
  
• 
  For the first 11-on-11s, DeJean started at safety in the Eagles base package and moved back to the slot in nickel. With Mukuba out, Brown started at free safety again. His tight coverage on Dotson in the back of the end zone forced

  Jalen Hurts

  into a difficult throw, and the ball sailed out of bounds.
  

• 
  Mitchell had another strong performance, winning reps against

  A.J. Brown.

  He ended practice on a high note when he got two hands on Hurts pass to

  AJ Dillon

  , nearly pulling down an interception in the end zone. The ball slipped out of his hands, resulting in a pass break up, but it was still an incredible play. Dillon gained slight separation against

  Josh Uche s

  coverage, but Mitchell left his area to jump the route.
  

• 
  Heading into his second season, Trotter is a better coverage LB, which should allow him to get on the field more often. Running a post route at full speed, second-year wide receiver

  Ainias Smith

  was unable to run past Trotter, and the pass went over his head.
  

• 
  Moro Ojomo and Jordan Davis both caused pressure and stuffed runs. Fourth-round rookie

  Ty Robinson

  swatted backup quarterback Tanner McKee s pass for an incompletion.
  

Best from one-on-ones: OL vs. DL

• 
  Right guard Tyler Steen held his own against Carter on the first rep, then Carter lifted and tossed Steen to the ground.
  
• 
  Azeez Ojulari tied offensive tackle Jordan Mailata, 1-1, winning the first rep with speed and getting stonewalled on the next.
  
• 
  Rookie center Drew Kendall anchored well against Ojomo and Joe Evans to win both of his battles.
  
• 
  Robinson beat sixth-round rookie offensive tackle Cameron Williams with a swim move.
  

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