NFC East Notes: Eagles, Giants, Redskins

Eagles

Eagles HC Doug Pederson says he’s been “pleasantly surprised” by RB Jordan Howard. The Eagles traded for Howard this offseason and he’s made a case to be the team’s primary early-down back in their committee.

“I think watching him, for me I’m standing behind the offense and just watching his vision, how he can make a back-door cut,” Pederson said via Pro Football Talk. “He’s a bigger back, so he’s able to kind of pad level down and — he’s powerful. He can push a pile, things like that that kind of — it’s hard to see sometimes on tape. But just standing back there watching, he has a good feel for the running back spot.”

Eagles QB Carson Wentz and WR DeSean Jackson formed a quick rapport on the field during spring practices. That same chemistry hasn’t completely translated to training camp yet, as Jackson says the two are “just trying to get the timing down.” Wentz told reporters “it’s different playing with” a receiver like Jackson and he’s excited about the ways his speed will open up the offense, even if it takes some adjusting.

“Chemistry grows in a million different ways,” Wentz said via DelawareOnline.com’s Jeff Neiburg. “Physical reps are second to none, but just talking through everything . . . I feel in a really good spot with him.”

Giants

• According to SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano, NFL sources say “there’s almost no way” Giants WR Golden Tate wins his appeal for a four-game suspension for violating the PED policy. 
• Tate says he tested positive because of a drug he was taking for fertility treatments, and once he discovered the banned substance he immediately discontinued use and informed the NFL. 
• Tate believes that should grant him some leniency, but the NFL’s PED policy is clear that players are responsible for whatever is in their system and a positive test won’t be excused because a player is unaware. Sources called the policy “unforgiving” and “rigid.”
• Vacchiano writes Tate could have applied for a Therapeutic Use Exemption before taking the fertility treatment, though it’s possible that would not have been granted. 
• Vacchiano adds it’s possible Tate’s suspension could be reduced by a game or two, but that’s unlikely. 
• Per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, Giants HC Pat Shurmur feels comfortable in G Kevin Zeitler and OT Mike Remmers as the two starters on the right side of the offensive line. 
• Shurmer said first-round QB Daniel Jones might get some first-team reps later in the summer. Right now he’s operating exclusively behind Eli Manning: “We have a plan for how this is all going to play out. Just let it unfold for you.” (Raanan)

Redskins

• According to NBC Sports’ JP Finlay, Redskins TE Jordan Reed has looked fully healthy so far during training camp. HC Jay Gruden expects Reed to be a major part of the offense in 2019: “You can talk to anybody in the league, he’s as good a tight end as there is running routes and catching the football.”
• Finlay says Redskins RB Derrius Guice has looked good during training camp and is learning to listen more to his body as he comes back from an ACL tear: “Some days I’m like, ‘I’m ready,’ and other days I’m like ‘Wow, this is sore.’ You have to go through pain in this game. It’s football. Pain is not always a bad sign.” 
• Finlay mentions both OT Morgan Moses and DT Tim Settle appear to have lost weight and showed up to camp in great shape. 
• Gruden told reporters that first-round QB Dwayne Haskins still has a long way to go and needs to pick up his tempo as he adjusts to the NFL. (John Keim)
• There’s “no chance” Redskins seventh-round CB Jimmy Moreland doesn’t make the team after another impressive practice. (Keim)