Philadelphia Eagles: What We've Learned Through Week 1 of Training Camp

The first week of Philadelphia Eagles training camp is almost in the books, and while we won't know exactly what this team has until it faces some competition in the form of an actual opponent, we've already learned quite a bit.

As always at this time of year, most of our observations will revolve around the quarterbacks and passing game. The offensive and defensive linemen don't get into it too much, and we don't have any tape to go back to, so it's difficult to judge things like running plays, blocking or a pass rush.

We can, however, glean quite a bit about how the quarterbacks are coming along and who's winning battles between receivers and defensive backs.

Up ahead, we dish on the biggest discoveries thus far at camp.

Bradford Clearly Ahead of Sanchez

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

Chip Kelly and Mark Sanchez can insist there's an open competition for the starting quarterback job all they like. The fact of the matter is there's very little evidence of that at practice.

Sanchez occasionally takes reps with the first-team offense, but so far, Sam Bradford has dominated in that department. Maybe Kelly isn't merely going to hand Bradford the job if he stinks, but all appearances suggest the former No. 1 overall draft pick is getting the first crack at it.

And for what it's worth, Bradford is leading the way on the field as well. He throws the deep ball better, more accurately and with more touch than anybody on the team, and effortlessly at that.

Bradford is also the best of the bunch at passing with anticipation, and he can really put some zip on it when necessary.

There have been moments when Bradford has exhibited some rust as well, but that's to be expected of a guy who hadn't put the pads on in nearly a year. So far, he's running away with the so-called quarterback competition, which is a great sign.

Plenty of Weapons in the Passing Attack

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

There was some concern as to whom Bradford would have to throw the ball to in the wake of Jeremy Maclin's departure via free agency. So far, however, it hasn't been an issue.

Not surprisingly, wideout Jordan Matthews and tight end Zach Ertz—the Eagles' two leading returning receivers from 2014—have really stepped up with awesome camps thus far. Matthews seems to haul in at least one deep pass every day, while Ertz has been among the most targeted players at practice and catching everything that's thrown his way.

Second-year wide receiver Josh Huff is having a very strong summer as well. Some are quick to discount the 2014 third-round draft pick after he only recorded eight receptions as a rookie, but he's had a bunch of explosive plays.

And with DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews brought in to handle the bulk of the ball-carrying duties, we're seeing a lot more of Darren Sproles in the passing attack, which was his bread and butter before arriving in Philadelphia.

None of this even makes mention of first-round pick Nelson Agholor out of USC, who is still working with the second-team offense but impressing as well.

Maclin may be gone, but there is no shortage of weapons to take his place.

Eagles Like Their Depth at Cornerback

Chris Szagola/Associated Press

You could easily make the case that the Eagles should have held on to Brandon Boykin. He's a known commodity and one of the best nickel cornerbacks—if not the best—in the NFL.

With that said, the fact that the Eagles were comfortable trading Boykin to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional fifth-round pick just goes to show how strongly the coaching staff feels about its depth at cornerback.

Obviously, free-agent cornerback Byron Maxwell was a huge addition.

However, Kelly and his coaching staff can't stop talking about the progress veteran Nolan Carroll has made this offseason. The team spent three draft picks on corners Eric Rowe, JaCorey Shepherd and Randall Evans, with Rowe and Shepherd gunning for playing time right out of the gate.

Even undrafted rookie Denzel Rice is making a strong push for a roster spot this summer.

Kelly admitted the team will likely carry just five corners, which means at least one of the six names listed above will get cut. It would've been two if Boykin were still here. The Eagles are very comfortable with not only this group's upside, but clearly also what it is capable of doing on the field this season.

Good Thing Eagles Accumulated Linebacker Depth

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

As trade rumors swirled around Mychal Kendricks this offseason, Kelly insisted the fourth-year interior linebacker wasn't going anywhere. Most recently at training camp, the head coach told us Kendricks will be here in 2015, and we can write that in ink.

Still, it was curious that Kendricks wasn't receiving a new contract as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, while the Eagles traded for Kiko Alonso, extended DeMeco Ryans, used a third-round pick on Jordan Hicks, signed Brad Jones and were set to return Najee Goode off injured reserve.

What the heck were they going to do with all these linebackers?

Now all of a sudden, Kelly's insistence that he simply wanted to bolster depth in the middle of the defense looks wise. Alonso has already missed the past couple of practices with a concussion, while Jones is moving outside to replace Travis Long, who is out for the year with a torn ACL.

Keep in mind, Alonso is coming off a torn ACL himself, Ryans is returning from a second Achilles injury and Kendricks always seems to get dinged up at some point during the season.

You hate to say it, but it looks like the Eagles may need a deep group of interior linebackers after all.

Tim Tebow Is a Noticeably Improved Passer

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Here's something I never thought I'd say: Tim Tebow looks vastly improved as a passer.

When he was in Philadelphia's training camp as a member of the New England Patriots two summers ago, watching Tebow throw a football was literally funny. He pulled the ball back almost behind his head in what was one of the most elongated releases I've ever seen up close and in person.

That's no longer the case.

Tebow's delivery is much more compact now, and not surprisingly, he seems to be throwing the ball with much more accuracy and zip than he used to. He still isn't the most consistent quarterback on the roster by any stretch, but you can tell the difference.

That's not to say Tebow is suddenly a lock to make the team. Throwing a nice ball is only one aspect of playing the position. Once preseason games begin, we'll see how Tebow makes reads and plays inside the pocket against a live pass rush.

Still, his odds of beating out Matt Barkley for the third-string job are much better than I ever imagined they would be.

All quotes and camp observations are the author's.