Tuesday marked the first day of 2014 minicamp, and we were there to capture some of the best moments from the day of practice at the NovaCare Complex. Take a look at a few of the top photos from Tuesday's training session ...
1. Evan Mathis Prepares For Glory
According to ProFootballFocus.com, guard Evan Mathis consistently grades out as one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL, and they don't even take off-the-field domination like this into account. The Eagles were walking out of the air-conditioned NovaCare Complex and out to a scorching, mid-90s day outside, and Mathis was taking it all in stride.
2. Julian Vandervelde Gives The Eagle Eye
While some players just walked by the cameras taking pictures of the players heading out to the field, guard/center Julian Vandervelde made a point to show off how focused he was for the day of practice. Intimidation is the name of the game for the former Iowa Hawkeye.
3. Donnie Jones: A Man of Many Talents
The Eagles often break into "team" sessions during practice, which consists of simulated game scenarios and matches up 11 players on each side. During these intense drills, and even during some of the other individual drills, the special teamers like Donnie Jones, Alex Henery and Carey Spear are often left on their own. They keep their legs warm by kicking and they stretch to stay loose, waiting for the special teams periods of practice to begin.
On Tuesday, Donnie Jones didn't feel like waiting around, so he hopped into the defensive backs drill and showed off his unique skill set. Jones, who jumped into the drill with a "Why not?" mentality, was terrific in his first season with the Eagles, finishing with a 40.4 net punting average, a franchise record. He also took home NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors in back-to-back games, so if he believes he needs to work on his defensive back skills to help improve his overall game, so be it. The Eagles are all about versatility, and it's clear that Jones fits the bill.
4. Catching Up With Coach
Chip Kelly will often pick up a ball and toss to receivers or running backs during drills. On Tuesday, second-round draft pick Jordan Matthews was waiting for his turn, so Kelly fired a pass to his new offensive weapon. Kelly has often spoke out how impressed he's been with everyone buying into the Eagles system, and when you see Kelly connecting with his players like this, it's easy to understand why.
5. McCoy Takes Flight
Yes, this is a photo of LeSean McCoy leaping over an obstacle during a minicamp practice. No big deal, right? Think again. This photo is a perfect reminder of McCoy's 40-yard Snow Bowl touchdown run, as he hurdled defenders and dashed through the snow in one of the most memorable games in recent memory.
In case you needed a refresher:
