After their preseason started with a loss to Green Bay, the Philadelphia Eagles are preparing to take to Lincoln Financial Field tomorrow in a clash with the Buffalo Bills. There have been some big movers and shakers in the offseason and the preseason opener was no different. Here are five names to watch when the Eagles hit the field tomorrow.
Bryce Treggs:
It was a relatively quiet offseason for Bryce Treggs, that was until he exploded against the Packers for a 91-yard performance on 7 receptions in just three quarters. Treggs appeared to be the odd-man out in the Eagles receiving corps, but his preseason opener was very much a statement. Now, as the team head into their second preseason game, Treggs is listed as the team’s second option in the slot behind Nelson Agholor. This means he could be in line to see even more playing time along with a bigger incentive to capitalize on it given that he’s now very much in the Eagles wide receiver picture.
Ronald Darby:
There is naturally a lot of excitement surrounding the newest cornerback to join the nest, and having just started practicing with the Eagles, many are interested to see just how much playing time the primed starter will see against his former team, if any. Playing time is going to be key for Darby, who even though will likely be starting alongside Jalen Mills, has had a rocky week relocating and getting back into the swing of things. He showed up big-time during his camp practices over the last few days, chaining down the likes of Torrey Smith…but what will we see in preseason when he plays his former team?
Donnel Pumphrey:
The SDSU standout has been one of the most exciting Eagles to keep an eye on throughout Training Camp, as the dual-threat rusher has continued to grow in the mold of Darren Sproles. Against the Packers however, he was silenced for the most part. Some wayward passes from McGloin led Pumphrey into some unpleasant hits, while his offensive line opened up little in the way of opportunities. In his second bout of preseason action, Pumphrey will be looking for far more than just 12 rushing yards. The Eagles could be poised to try some experimental looks with the backfield and may even utilize their pony package. If the Eagles are able to balance their offense (or at least make life easier on their quarterbacks to some extent) then we could be looking at a big showing from Pumphrey.
Elijah Qualls:
Three tackles may not sound like a lot, but Qualls was vital in keeping the Green Bay Committee backfield under wraps. He was able to transfer his weight well and use his size to wreak havoc in the trenches. Qualls has won the admiration of Jim Schwartz, but with Gabe Wright breathing down his neck and Beau Allen watching on from the sideline, he’s not exactly a lock to make the final roster. Another big showing from Qualls is exactly what he needs in order to solidify his spot on the roster, and with the Bills bringing such a dynamic backfield, look for Qualls to again make a big impact.
Shelton Gibson:
It’s been a rollercoaster camp so far for the rookie wide receiver. From some mental hurdles and drop problems to some explosive flashes, the loss to Green Bay arguably summarized his offseason so far. Gibson caught two of seven passes, with two drops in the process. With Jordan Matthews now out of the equation, the Eagles receiving depth chart has changed considerably. Competition is now wide open at all positions once again and with Hollins and Treggs both having strong preseason outings, the doors are beginning to close for Gibson. The former WVU receiver simply HAS to stand out tomorrow if he is to re-ignite his charge to make the final 53.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
