The Philadelphia Eagles' preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens offered a glimpse into the team's depth and the performance of its younger players. While the offense struggled, the defense showed some promising signs, particularly from the edge defenders and interior defensive line.
Let's dive into the snap counts and analyze the key takeaways from this game.
Quarterback Conundrum
Tanner McKee, Cole Payton, and Andy Dalton saw action, with McKee leading the way with 19 snaps. Payton's higher snap count than Dalton is intriguing, as he managed to move the offense effectively. The lack of offensive production in the early quarters is a concern, but it's worth noting that the play-calling was intentionally basic, as head coach Nick Sirianni had hinted beforehand.
Running Back Rotation
Will Shipley led the running backs with 16 snaps, followed by Ja'Quinden Jackson and Tank Bigsby. The Eagles seemed to be giving some veterans, like Bigsby, a solid workout, but the snap counts for the younger players were more intriguing. Carson Steele's 7 snaps could indicate a potential role for him as a depth option.
Wide Receiver Evaluation
Darius Cooper got the most reps at wide receiver, with 29 snaps. The Eagles' decision to give him an extended look suggests they're assessing his potential. Quez Watkins and Samori Toure also saw significant action, while Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore were kept relatively quiet.
Tight End Prospects
Eli Stowers, a rookie, had a mixed performance with 19 snaps. His lack of speed and questionable blocking could be a concern, but the Eagles are likely hoping he can improve his mental game and translate that into on-field success. E.J. Jenkins and Grant Calcaterra also saw decent playing time.
Offensive Line Depth
Micah Morris and Jake Majors led the way with 34 snaps each, while Cameron Williams and Willie Lampkin stood out with 29 and 23 snaps, respectively. The Eagles seemed to be giving some players, like Drew Kendall and Fred Johnson, a quick evaluation before pulling them out.
Edge Defenders and Interior Line
Tarron Jackson and Jose Ramirez led the edge defenders with 45 and 43 snaps, respectively. Joshua Weru and Arnold Ebiketie also saw significant action. On the interior, Ty Robinson and Zion Wilson dominated with 47 snaps each, while Gabe Hall and David Blay contributed as well. Uar Bernard's debut was a highlight, considering it was his first-ever football game.
Linebacker and Secondary Standouts
Smael Mondon and Deontae Lawson led the linebackers with 47 and 41 snaps. Jeremiah Trotter and Jihaad Campbell also saw action. In the secondary, Mac McWilliams and Ambry Thomas had the most snaps, with 65 and 57, respectively. Kelee Ringo's interception was a standout moment, potentially boosting his trade value.
Three Stars and Game Ball
Willie Lampkin, Markel Bell, and Kelee Ringo were the three stars of the game, with Lampkin taking home the Game Ball. Their performances were a bright spot in an otherwise challenging offensive outing.
Final Thoughts
While the offense struggled, the defense showed promise, particularly in the front seven. The Eagles' evaluation process is ongoing, and it will be interesting to see how these young players develop and contribute as the season progresses. Personally, I think the defensive depth could be a strength for this team, and I'm eager to see how they fare in the upcoming preseason games.
