There is just something special when joint practices are held and in today's NFL, the value is measured in the same category as a game repetition, so having the Cleveland Browns at the NovaCare Complex on Monday carried some weight.
And with that in mind, watching the trenches was a treat, because there aren't many better testing grounds for the Eagles' offensive line than what Cleveland brings to the table with end Myles Garrett and tackle Dalvin Tomlinson as every-snap threats.
"It was fun to go against somebody besides ourselves," right guard Cam Jurgens said. "Like, it felt good to block somebody I haven't seen the last three weeks, so it was fun."
Jurgens didn't play in Saturday's preseason game in Baltimore, something he says could be an indication of the coaches "having a little bit of faith in me," but he's taking nothing for granted. The goal, Jurgens said, is to chip away at the little things and have the position figured out in time for the regular season. That's why working against the likes of Tomlinson, a 325-pounder who plays with force, is so valuable.
"I need to be consistent and keep getting better," Jurgens said. "They're a good group out there, too. They're going to be a good team."
Jurgens works against the Eagles' strong and versatile and explosive defensive front every day, so seeing new faces keeps it fresh, but it certainly doesn't make things any easier. Every mistake gets corrected in the nightly film study and the day-after walkthrough when Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Jeff Stoutland harps on the refinement needed.
Jurgens has been taking the majority of reps at right guard since Day 1. Having these kinds of practices is beneficial, Jurgens said, for taking more reps, working up more durability, and playing through the fatigue. In other words, getting into true game shape and preparing to play 80 snaps, if necessary. The approach Jurgens is taking is to be prepared for whatever. Anything. Everything.
"I'm just trying to get better every day and work on something small and keep getting better," he said. "That's the mindset to take."
Tuesday is another day and a new challenge with a second late afternoon of joint practice with the Browns. For Jurgens, it means more reps and hopefully more questions answered. The Eagles have shown depth up front and they know they're going to need those numbers and that accountability during the grind of a 17-game season. Whatever happens, Jurgens says, he's going to be ready.
"Wherever they play me, whatever they want me to do, I'm going to be ready," he said. "That's the responsibility we all have up front. You never know what's going to happen."
