Becton’s Journey: From Early Struggles to Preseason Prominence
As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for Week 1 of the NFL season, much of the attention is on Mekhi Becton and his evolving role within the team. Becton, who began training camp facing significant challenges, has shown remarkable improvement, positioning himself as a frontrunner for the starting spot at right guard.
Initially, Becton encountered difficulties when matched up against Jalen Carter, a player known for his tenacity and skill. "It's been fun. We had a little back and forth today," Becton reflected on his early days in camp. "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're working. Iron sharpens iron."
This spirit of competition and collaboration has been pivotal in accelerating Becton's progress. Over time, Becton began to level the playing field against Carter, a testament to his dedication and resilience. His efforts did not go unnoticed, earning praise from teammates and coaching staff alike.
During the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, Becton's hard work was evident. He was the only first-team starter on the offense to take the field, marking a significant milestone in his career. This game was not just another preseason match for him; it was his debut playing right guard in a live game. Becton took eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen, showcasing his readiness and potential in his new role.
Reflecting on his performance, Becton stated, "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's transition to right guard has been supported by a robust network of advice and mentorship from within the team. Cam Jurgens, an experienced player at the position, has offered insights into the subtleties of the role. "A lot of it's talking about angles and where I want him to be and just how different every D-lineman plays," Jurgens explained. "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."
Additionally, Landon Dickerson has been vocal about Becton's progress. "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," Dickerson noted. "And it is an adjustment, but he's handling it extremely well."
Dickerson’s observations emphasize Becton's physical attributes, which have been key to his swift adaptation. The support and recognition from his peers are not just token gestures but reflections of genuine appreciation for Becton's work ethic and improvement.
Beyond the physical adjustments, Becton has remained focused on perfecting his technique. "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 continued. Becton's commitment to mastering his footwork and hand placement is aligned with the fundamental aspects of excelling in the right guard position.
Becton himself acknowledges the continuity of skills from his previous positions. "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 stated, highlighting the intersection of his overall football acumen with specific role requirements.
The preseason is just a glimpse of what Becton can bring to the Eagles' offensive line. His journey from early struggles to becoming a promising right guard candidate exemplifies perseverance and growth. As the Eagles prepare for the regular season, Becton's development will undoubtedly be a crucial element for the team's success.
With the backing of his teammates and coaches, and a demonstrated ability to adapt and improve, Mekhi Becton is poised to make a substantial impact. This preseason might be just the beginning of a pivotal chapter in his career.