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Eagles' Practice Shows Top-Five Defense, Penalties Stall Hurts

8/5/2026

Summary

Hurts’ Penalties

Penalties erased two quarterback Jalen Hurts touchdown chances and turned a third-and-10 into third-and-15 while hamstring injuries kept receiver DeVonta Smith and rookie Makai Lemon out.
Quarterback Andy Dalton entered as second-quarterback and threw a touchdown to Darius Cooper.
Defensive back Quinyon Mitchell returned a pick-six on a 7-on-7 drill after Jalen Hurts’ throw was intercepted.

Summary

Eagles Defensive Surge

The Eagles recorded eight sacks in a Day 2 practice despite missing Jonathan Greenard.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio called the front line elite and expects it to dominate without injuries.
Edge rusher Jalyx Hunt beat right tackle Lane Johnson and recorded a pass deflection in early drills.
Analysts say the Eagles now rank among the league’s top five defenses, crediting defensive tackle Jalen Carter, defensive end Nolan Smith and emerging talent.

History

Historical Context

The Eagles’ 2001 defense, coordinated by Jim Johnson, set a franchise record with 48 sacks and topped the league in passing, rushing and total yards allowed—the first team to do so since 1975. Vic Fangio, hired Jan 27 2024, revived that blitz ethos, and a recent practice saw Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith combine for eight sacks, echoing the 2001 pressure.

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Hurts’ Penalties

Penalties erased two quarterback Jalen Hurts touchdown chances and turned a third-and-10 into third-and-15 while hamstring injuries kept receiver DeVonta Smith and rookie Makai Lemon out.
Quarterback Andy Dalton entered as second-quarterback and threw a touchdown to Darius Cooper.
Defensive back Quinyon Mitchell returned a pick-six on a 7-on-7 drill after Jalen Hurts’ throw was intercepted.

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