The Eagles are on the field for their final practice ahead of Thursday night's preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Doug Pederson will reveal the playing rotation at 11 a.m. following practice, and quarterback Carson Wentz will speak with reporters one last time before the game. Here's what else you need to know for Tuesday, August 8.
Zach Ertz Raves About Wide Receivers Coach Mike Groh
Thus far, the Eagles' wide receiver corps has been much improved beyond the free agent additions of Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. Tight end Zach Ertz credits the hire of new position coach Mike Groh.
"I think Mike Groh is doing an unbelievable job with that group, bringing him in was a huge addition for our football team. Probably one of the more underrated things we did this offseason was signing Mike," Ertz said.
Ertz should be thrilled because it will open up the middle of the field for him. Ertz had a career-high 78 receptions to go along with a team-best 816 yards and four touchdowns in 2016.
Nelson Agholor Is One Of The NFL's Big Training Camp Winners
The improvement that Nelson Agholor has made this offseason is another sign of Groh's influence. NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal called Agholor one of the biggest winners of Training Camp in the entire league.
"The consistent drumbeat about Agholor's excellent practices are getting too hard to ignore," he wrote. "Our buddy Daniel Jeremiah said on his 'Move the Sticks Podcast' last week that Agholor has enjoyed a "total rebirth" and is destined to be Philadelphia's slot receiver."
Offensive coordinator Frank Reich agrees that Agholor has been a much-improved player entering his third season.
"I really do think Nelson has gotten over the hump and had a great spring and a great Training Camp. He's just making a ton of plays out there. I mean, we're always going to have a miss or two. Every position does. But we're very pleased with how he's playing, making a lot of plays," Reich said. "You know when he's on the field. I think the defense knows when he's on the field. I mean, he's been a threat."
Thursday: Watch The Game On NBC10
The Eagles travel on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's preseason opener. It will be broadcast locally on NBC10 in the Philadelphia area with kickoff set for 8 p.m. Scott Graham and Mike Mayock are in the booth, while Dave Spadaro is on the sidelines. The game will also be on SportsRadio 94WIP with Merrill Reese and Mike Quick on the call.
Our live coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. with the Kickoff Show presented by Axalta, as I will be joined by Fran Duffy and we will have an exclusive interview with head coach Doug Pederson. Following the game, Ike Reese joins me for the Postgame Show presented by Ricoh as we will provide highlights, analysis, and live press conferences. You can watch our shows on the Eagles Mobile App.
We hope you'll join us.
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