The following practice observations were made on Friday at the NovaCare Complex:
1. We once again saw running back Ryan Mathews returning kicks. Returning kicks hasn't been a big part of Mathews' repertoire to this point in his career, but Chip Kelly spoke about the running back's potential role on special teams on Thursday.
"The difference, I think, between Ryan and a lot of backs, and the reason he was a first-round draft pick, is that a lot of guys that are that size don't have that home-run speed," Kelly said. "He ran a 4.37 (40-yard dash) at the Combine. You guys had a first opportunity, I think, to see him two days ago returning kickoffs. I think that's a big explosive body at 230 pounds that can run that fast.
"It's kind of a unique combination to have. There are not that many guys that are that big and are that fast. When we had the opportunity to get him, he was always in our plan in free agency running back, he was one of the guys we had targeted very early."
2.The competition continues at right guard for the Eagles. Andrew Gardner got the first-team reps on Friday. Matt Tobin and John Moffitt have also seen action with the first-team unit since the start of camp.
3. Rookie cornerback Eric Rowe saw reps with the first-team defense, as did veteran safety Chris Maragos. The Eagles want to get good looks at every player working with different units, but seeing Rowe split some reps with Nolan Carroll is a good sign for how the rookie is progressing.
4. Sam Bradford put a deep ball right on the money to wide receiver Jordan Matthews for a big gain during 11-on-11 drills. It was an effortless throw that hit Matthews in stride some 30 yards or so down the field.
5. Bradford also hit Ryan Mathews on a perfectly placed wheel route down the right side of the field. Mathews had just enough separation on linebacker Najee Goode, and the pass floated perfectly into his arms.
6. Matt Barkley took a shot deep, looking for wide receiver Quron Pratt down the right sideline. Pratt nearly made a remarkable catch with two defenders around him, but the ball was deflected right to safety Chris Prosinski who returned the interception about 10 yards.
7. Overall, Bradford had perhaps his most impressive training session to date, putting on his quick release and savvy decision-making ability on full display. Sure, he's still knocking off some rust, but Bradford is starting to remind everyone why he was the first overall pick in 2010 and one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects in recent years. !
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