During a transformed training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles, Mekhi Becton faced early challenges, but his determination and adaptability have turned heads over the course of the preseason.
Early Struggles and Steady Progress
Initially, Becton's matchups with defensive powerhouse Jalen Carter didn't go as planned, as the offensive lineman struggled to find his footing. However, Becton's resilience became evident as he began to show significant improvement, steadily earning a balance in his encounters with Carter. Reflecting on these battles, Becton stated, "It's been fun. We had a little back and forth today. We went against each other and you know I'm starting to catch up to him. I'm starting to get his number. We're starting to get each others' numbers. We working. Iron sharpens iron."
This relentless dedication has led to Becton emerging as a frontrunner for the starting right guard position as the Eagles gear up for Week 1 of the season. His preseason performance against the Baltimore Ravens further solidified his standing. In this game, where he was the only first-team starter on offense to take the field, Becton played eight snaps before giving way to Tyler Steen. While these snaps marked his first experience playing right guard in a live game, Becton viewed it as an invaluable learning opportunity. "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," he shared.
Support and Guidance from Teammates
Becton's transition has been supported by key teammates and coaches who have provided valuable insights. Cam Jurgens, a fellow lineman, emphasized the importance of understanding each defensive tactic and shared his expertise to help Becton adapt: "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 essential figure on the offensive line, has been particularly impressed with Becton's swift adjustment to the right guard role. "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 further noted Becton's dedication to continual improvement, stating, "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."
Focused on Fundamentals
Becton himself underscores the importance of focusing on the fundamentals of his position, particularly footwork and hand techniques. "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," he explained. This focus on the basics is evident in his improved performance and adaptability, which are critical for the stability and efficiency of the Eagles' offensive line heading into the regular season.
The journey from initial struggles to potentially starting at right guard speaks volumes about Becton's work ethic and the supportive environment fostered by the Eagles' coaching staff and teammates. As Week 1 approaches, Becton's development will indeed play a crucial role in the team's offensive success.