Eagles practice in full pads as Doug Pederson challenges his leaders to step up

Doug Pederson is viewed around the NFL as a player’s coach, whose biggest asset is the ability to get his guys to respond when it counts the most. Pederson got the Eagles to respond when Carson Wentz tore his ACL in 2017.

Last season when it looked like all was lost, the Eagles started a playoff run in early December that lasted until a heartbreaking divisional playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Now with the Eagles sitting at 5-7 on the season, Pederson is challenging his team once again according to Tim McManus of ESPN.com.

McManus reports that the Eagles held a full-padded practice, after being verbally challenged by Pederson to have his leaders “step up” and right the ship.

2 things Doug Pederson has done so far this week to send a message: had players practice in pads today, and challenged leaders to step up.

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) December 5, 2019

Star right guard Brandon Brooks addressed the full padded practice and called it a tone-setting practice on Thursday in advance of the Giants.

Doug Pederson sends a message by having padded practice Wednesday, says Brandon Brooks. pic.twitter.com/0qXugdcKVc

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) December 5, 2019