Becton's Journey: From Early Struggles to Emerging Key Player for the Eagles
When Mekhi Becton entered training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles, his initial struggles were evident, particularly in matchups against the formidable Jalen Carter. However, as camp progressed, Becton's performance showed significant improvement, balancing his matchups with Carter more evenly.
As the Eagles prepare for Week 1 of the season, Becton has emerged as the frontrunner for the starting right guard position. His journey reached a pivotal moment during the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, where he was the only first-team starter on offense to take the field. Becton played eight snaps before being replaced by Tyler Steen, marking his first live game experience at right guard.
Becton emphasized the importance of reviewing game film with Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. "There's always room for improvement on anything," he noted. "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."
Adjusting to a new position on the offensive line is no small feat, but Becton has received invaluable guidance from his teammates. Cam Jurgens has been instrumental in helping Becton understand the intricacies of the right guard role. "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," Jurgens explained.
Meanwhile, Landon Dickerson has acknowledged Becton's swift adaptation to the right guard position. "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 praised.
Becton's focus on mastering the nuances of the right guard position has been evident in his commitment to refining his 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," Becton remarked.
His improvement has not gone unnoticed, with both teammates and coaches recognizing his efforts. Dickerson highlighted Becton's ongoing success, 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."
The camaraderie and competitive spirit between Becton and Jalen Carter have further propelled his development. Reflecting on their dynamic, Becton shared, "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."
As the Eagles gear up for the start of the regular season, Becton's growth and adaptability will be crucial for the offensive line's success. His journey from early struggles to becoming a pivotal player showcases his determination and potential impact on the field.