Mekhi Becton, who began training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles facing initial struggles, has shown remarkable progress in his matchups against teammate Jalen Carter. The early days of camp were filled with challenges for Becton, as he grappled to find his footing against the formidable defensive skills of Carter. However, with time and perseverance, Becton has not only caught up but also started to balance these matchups more evenly.
Training camp often serves as a litmus test for players vying for starting positions, and Becton's trajectory has proven him to be a strong contender. His rapid improvement and adaptability have earned him the frontrunner status for the starting right guard position as the Eagles gear up for Week 1 of the season. This acclaim didn't come without its share of hard work and determination.
Preseason Performance
In the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, Becton was the singular first-team starter on the offense to take the field, playing eight snaps before Tyler Steen took over. This game marked Becton's debut at right guard in a live setting, a significant milestone in his career. Reflecting on his performance, Becton shared, "There's always room for improvement on anything. This was the first time I ever played right guard in a live game. Of course, I'm gonna look at the film with Stout [Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland] and figure out what we need to do. We'll come together and combine it."
Guidance from Teammates and Coaches
Becton's journey hasn't been solitary. Cam Jurgens, another member of the Eagles' offensive line, has provided invaluable advice on the intricacies of the right guard position. Jurgens emphasized the importance of understanding different defensive techniques, saying, "A lot of it's talking about angles and where I want him to be and just how different every D-lineman plays. You're going to have two gappers, penetrators, different guys play different techniques, so figuring out how the footwork changes from each defensive guy and where that linebacker is and if we have certain motions where it may change our footwork."
Landon Dickerson, another supportive teammate, has also noted Becton’s swift adjustment and praised his potential. "A little bit of an adjustment for him, but the way he's built, the way he can move with his long arms, his reach, his lateral quickness, I think right now he's really excelling at that position. And it is an adjustment, but he's handling it extremely well," Dickerson remarked. He also added, "For him to make that transition and come inside, and the way he's been able to succeed in doing well in practice, and come out here every day and keep getting better, is impressive."
Focus on Fundamentals
Becton's progress can be attributed to his focus on fundamentals, particularly his footwork and hands. His commitment to mastering these basics has been evident. "It's still O-line at the end of the day. I still gotta get my hands. I still gotta do my footwork. It's just all about attacking my footwork and I did attack it," Becton explained. This attention to detail is crucial for his role, impacting the Eagles' overall offensive line performance.
As the season approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles can take confidence in Becton's continual improvement and adaptability. His journey from initial struggles to becoming a frontrunner showcases not only his personal growth but also the efficacy of the coaching and support system within the team. With Becton’s promising development, the Eagles' offensive line looks poised to make a substantial impact in the upcoming season.