Why Eagles Are Leaning Heavily Into Ground Game This Training Camp

Without live tackling to the ground, evaluating the run game presents a unique challenge—one the offensive line approaches with precision through daily film study.

Jun 10, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson (69) stretches during minicamp at Jefferson Health Training Complex. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles leaned heavily into the ground game during Tuesday’s training camp practice at the Jefferson Health Training Complex, an impactful session that featured plenty of pistol looks and under-center work.

Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Will Shipley all looked effective to the naked eye in the running game, with Barkley and Bigsby, particularly, breaking off several nice runs. 

Without live tackling to the ground, though, evaluating those gains presents a unique challenge—one the offensive line approaches with precision through extensive daily film study.

Left guard Landon Dickerson explained exactly how the unit assesses the running game in that non-contact environment.

“I mean, we watch the film,” Dickerson said. “We evaluate every play. We do that every single day. And we go through, and it’s really making sure that is your alignment, assignment, technique correct? Do you have good hat placement? Is everybody blocked up? Did we point it right?"

If all that aligns the rep is generally going to be graded well, according to Dickerson.

“From there it’s it’s kind of easy to tell, right? If we have guys all doing their assignment, everybody’s got, the right alignment, their hat placement in the right place, and there’s a gap for the running back, then it was probably a good play,” Dickerson explained.

In a practice setting where plays are often blown dead early and defenders aren't wrapping up, yards gained on the field provide limited insight. 

Instead, coaches and players have to break down each rep for the fundamentals: proper pre-snap alignment, correct individual assignments, sound technique, and especially the hat placement Dickerson spoke of. The angle and positioning of a lineman’s helmet helps control the defender and create or seal a running lane.

When those details become checked boxes and a clear gap appears for the back, the play is deemed a success regardless of how far the runner actually travels before the whistle. 

Conversely, missed assignments, poor leverage, or clogged lanes stand out just as clearly on film and become teaching points for the next practice.

Tuesday’s emphasis on the run game fits the broader installation of the new offense under offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, which has featured more under-center and outside zone elements. 

Barkley and Bigsby’s explosiveness continues to generate positive buzz as a potential one-two punch for the Eagles, while the offensive line works to refine the details that make those runs possible once live tackling begins in earnest.

The Eagles continue camp on Thursday this week ahead of their preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, a live environment where success or failure in the running game will be easier to see.