Becton's Preseason Journey: From Struggles to Success
Entering the training camp, Mekhi Becton faced an uphill battle, especially in matchups against formidable defensive tackle Jalen Carter. However, as the camp progressed, Becton began to show significant improvement, balancing his duels with Carter more evenly as time went on. His development was not only a testament to his skill but also his resilience and dedication to the game.
"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 other's numbers. We working. Iron sharpens iron," Becton said, reflecting on his progress.
Becton’s journey has seen him evolve from a struggling participant to the frontrunner for the starting position at right guard for the Philadelphia Eagles as they gear up for Week 1 of the season. The turning point came when Becton participated in the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. In this high-pressure environment, he was notably the only first-team starter on offense to take the field, a clear indication of the Eagles' trust in his abilities.
During the game, Becton played eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen. This preseason match also marked Becton’s first experience playing right guard in a live game scenario. Despite the challenges, he took the opportunity to learn and improve, emphasizing the importance of reviewing game film with the Eagles' offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.
"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," Becton stated, showcasing his commitment to continual improvement.
Key contributors to Becton’s growth in his new role have been his teammates. Cam Jurgens has been a vital source of advice, sharing insights into the nuances of playing right guard. "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.
Moreover, Eagles' left guard Landon Dickerson has acknowledged Becton’s swift adjustment to the 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.
Dickerson’s words encapsulate the general sentiment within the Eagles' camp. Becton’s ability to adapt and improve has not gone unnoticed, with both Jurgens and Dickerson praising his ongoing success. "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," Dickerson added.
Central to Becton’s improvement has been his focus on mastering the fundamentals of the right guard position, particularly his footwork and hand placement. "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 noted.
As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, Becton's improvement and adaptability will be crucial for the offensive line. His journey from early struggles to becoming a leading candidate for the starting right guard position underscores the hard work and dedication that defines successful athletes. For the Eagles, having a versatile and improving player like Becton bodes well for their prospects this season.