Andre Dillard has developed a mean streak throughout Philadelphia Eagles training camp, proving his worth since being selected by the team in the first round of this year's NFL Draft. Dillard, who seemed to be carrying a chip on his shoulder throughout Monday's camp practice, leveled Eagles safety Johnathan Cyprien on a block, which caused tempers to flare.
Johnathan Cyprien got leveled by Andre Dillard on a second-level block and he was not happy. Cyprien got up angry and had to be restrained by a teammate. A rare fiesty moment in a practice in shorts. #Eagles
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) August 12, 2019
After the Cyprien block, multiple Eagles beat reporters tweeted at camp practice Derek Barnett took a few shots at Dillard as a quick fight broke out. Many of their Eagles teammates surrounded Dillard and Barnett, who was emotional after the practice.
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson and All-Pro center Jason Kelce, who had a off day, went over to console Dillard. With Pederson and Eagles general manager Howie Roseman talking with Dillard, he and Barnett eventually reconciled and made up.
This is the emotional intelligence Pederson has brought to the Eagles over the last few years, creating a healthy environment in the team's locker room.
Doug and Howie here to mediate.
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) August 12, 2019
After what was apparently a feisty practice, including a scuffle between rookie Andre Dillard and Derek Barnett, it appears that all is forgiven. pic.twitter.com/7lVBbtRzhA
Dillard has been impressive throughout Eagles camp, which translated into his preseason debut. In his first NFL game, Dillard didn't allow a single pressure in 33 snaps against the Tennessee Titans' first and second team defensive linemen.
Dillard keeping the intensity at a "10-10-10" practice is an excellent sign for the Eagles, especially since the practice was a non-padded session. The "10-10-10" practices are light sessions and are meant for the players to work on their game on both sides of the ball.
Eagles Pro Bowl tackle Jason Peters, who also has been physical at training camp practices over the years, talked to both Dillard and Barnett and addressed the skirmish.
"I told them to just calm down a little bit," Peters said, via Tim McManus of ESPN. "We teammates. Whatever happened out here just leave it out here and don't carry it over. It's good to have practices like that. You're going to fight your brother somedays and you're going to love him somedays. It's good to have days like this."
The Eagles are clearly ready for camp to be over as they hit the dog days of the summer. Camp technically closes Tuesday before the Eagles host a joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens next week. They'll need Dillard to continue that mean streak.
