Mekhi Becton's Path to Mastering the Right Guard Position
Mekhi Becton has faced a challenging yet rewarding journey since joining the Philadelphia Eagles’ training camp. Initially struggling in his matchups with defensive standout Jalen Carter, Becton has come a long way in improving his play and positioning himself as a key player on the team’s offensive line.
The camp was just the beginning for Becton. As the sessions advanced, so did his performance. Becton began balancing his matchups with Carter more effectively, a commendable feat given Carter's prowess. His tenacity and improvement did not go unnoticed, as Becton soon emerged as the frontrunner for the starting position at right guard, heading into Week 1 of the season.
In their preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, Becton was the only first-team starter on the offense to take the field, signaling the coaching staff’s trust in his abilities. His performance in this game was under scrutiny, considering it was his debut at right guard in a live game. Becton played eight snaps before making way for Tyler Steen, offering a glimpse into his adaptability and readiness to embrace his new role.
Reflecting on his first live-game experience at right guard, Becton acknowledged the learning curve. "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," he shared, highlighting the importance of studying game film to refine his technique.
Becton's progress owes much to the guidance and support from his teammates. Cam Jurgens has been a constant source of advice, helping Becton understand the nuances of the right guard position. "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.
Landon Dickerson also commended Becton’s swift adjustment to the new role. Expressing his admiration, Dickerson said, "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."
Becton’s continuous improvement and his ability to adapt quickly have been crucial for the Eagles. His attention to detail, especially concerning footwork and hand placement, is evident in his remarks. "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.
The Eagles’ offensive line is on the brink of a promising season with players like Becton, who are not only willing to learn but also showcase substantial progress in a short timeframe. Both Jurgens and Dickerson have praised Becton’s ability to succeed and improve continually. "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.
Becton's journey from struggling in early matchups to becoming a pivotal part of the Eagles' offensive line serves as an inspiring narrative of hard work, determination, and adaptability. As the Eagles prepare for the season opener, all eyes will be on Becton and his potential to excel in his new role, helping to fortify the team’s offensive strategies.