Nick Sirianni: No Tackling to the ground at Eagles Training Camp

The Philadelphia Eagles will kick off Week 2 of training camp wearing shoulder pads for the first time this summer. Nick Sirianni spoke to the media today and gave us a brief look at the next month as we have officially entered August.
Nick Sirianni: No Live Tackling This Summer
We’re (wearing) shoulder pads today, so as you know, in the season it’s usually shoulder pads (and shorts), and tomorrow (Tuesday) we’re full pads with the walkthrough after that. That’s where I’m at right now. They’re scheduled out, I just don’t have the information for you right now. I can’t remember off the top of my head.
Nick Sirianni then clarified that live contact does NOT mean tackling to the ground. There will be no live tackling to the ground at Eagles training camp this summer.
I understand the rationale here. You want everyone to entered Week 1 fully healthy. No tackling to the ground is definitely one way to help limit injuries and health concerns. Just like the new Guardian Caps that players are wearing during practice, there’s a clear push by both teams and the NFL to attempt to limit injuries.
Still, there’s the other side of the argument that if players are not getting their bodies prepared for the grueling NFL season, then not participating in tackling and getting knocked around during training camp could have a negative effect on their readiness once Week 1 comes around.
Basically, we’ve gone from full NFL Training Camps, brutal practices in the August heat, tackling, and hitting each other to prepare for the season ahead. Now, we’re at shorter practices, limited tackling, extra protection, increase in reps and playbook study.
It’s a clear shift in how teams operate and prepare for the regular season, and I’m really not sure which one is better.Â
I really don’t care regardless. If Nick Sirianni wants to move completely away from preseason games and everything that comes with NFL training camps then I consider him to be a pioneer. Training camp and preseason is boring.
Just get us to Week 1 in Detroit. If you’re looking for a travel group to head out to Michigan with for the season opener, then make sure you link up with our friends at Phans of Philly.
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