PHILADELPHIA -- Looking to increase productivity at the wide receiver position, a leader from each side of the ball got together and devised a plan.

Receiver Jordan Matthews revealed that the Eagles have tweaked their practice approach following a conversation between himself and Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins. Typically, the first-team offense works against the scout team during the week, which usually consists of reserves and practice squad players. Now, members of the first-team unit are jumping in to give the receivers an experience that more closely resembles what they will face on game days.

"It's got to be competitive all week. We can't have guys just reading the card, and saying, 'Oh, just adjust on this double move,' and now we have this illusion that we're going to be getting open on Sunday, and now we have to go against a real corner," said Matthews. "So it's like, 'OK, if we've gotta go on this six-week win streak, then let's make this thing game day every single day.' Jenk and those guys committed to it, we did a little bit of it [Wednesday], and then that's also us going over to scout team offense and helping them out a little bit, and just keeping the competitiveness high."

Matthews made it clear that this is a player-driven initiative. He noted that coach Doug Pederson is careful not to over-work the players during the week, and suggested that he recently cut back on their reps to make sure they stay fresh.

"But he's also big on us taking hold of the team, and figuring out how we're going to go get this thing fixed and how we're going to win games," said Matthews. "And the only way we know how to do it is through work -- work, and then creating a competitive environment -- and that's what we plan to do."

The Eagles receiving corps has been one of the most unproductive in the league. Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz has found success throwing to Matthews (66 percent completion rate, 3 TDs, 0 INT) but is just 52-of-98 (53 percent) with three touchdowns with six interceptions when throwing to his current group of outside receivers.

All the problems that hold back this crew certainly won't be cured by a little one-on-one work, but they're trying whatever they can to make sure they're generating maximum output.

"I haven't seen it done the way we're doing it right now. I think it's a good thing," said offensive coordinator Frank Reich. "Sometimes the ones have to play against the ones just because of sheer injuries and you have to take scout team reps. But what's a little bit unique about this situation is it has been intentional as far as, 'hey, we want more competition in practice on both ends.' So that's been positive. I know our receivers really appreciate those guys kind of stepping in; it's a way to give us confidence, build confidence."

Added Matthews: "And that way you're not just going through the motions during the week and then expecting something to happen on game day that you haven't worked on. And so now, for all those guys ... you're not just going to be going against a third-team guy and then have to perform against Josh Norman on Sunday. No, you're going to be going against Nolan [Carroll], Jalen [Mills], Rodney [McLeod], Jenk, and now you're more prepared to go out there on Sunday and do your job. So I think it's definitely going to be something that helps us out."