The Eagles closed their first preseason campaign under Doug Pederson unbeaten with a 14-6 win over the New York Jets. The regular season may be just over a week away, but the deadline for team’s to cut their roster down to 53 is Saturday. There were plenty of storylines to follow during the Eagles preseason finale, but with the cuts looming, who boosted their chances of securing a spot on the final roster?
Ed Reynolds:
Two pass deflections, two tackles and one (nearly two) pick six saw Ed Reynolds steal the show against the Jets. Jaylen Watkins has previously been the man in the spotlight and with Blake Countess being a sixth-round draft pick, Reynolds rapidly became the odd-man out at Safety during Training camp and preseason. A big game tonight however has seen him surge straight back into the conversation for a depth spot or at the very least, a role on the practice squad.
Paul Turner:
Turner has done everything asked of him during preseason. A 70-yard punt return, leading his team in receiving for three out of their four wins and catching almost everything thrown his way. Turner had the type of game that would best summarize his entire preseason. Lots of effort, big plays and a heavy involvement. If Turner hadn’t made his case already, he made a big one tonight.
Quentin Gause:
One of the best players on the field tonight was undrafted rookie Quentin Gause. The linebacker led the team in tackles and proved to be a force to be reckoned with in coverage, something that is lacking to a point among the starters. A great ability to dissect the play, even better tracking and secure tackling sum up what was a hard-hitting night for Gause who outshone fellow UDFA Myke Tavarres when he needed too most.
Steven Means:
Means was another force on the Eagles Defense tonight, constantly putting pressure on the quarterback and ending with a sack, two QB hits, and a tackle. Marcus Smith looked explosive, but Means had more snaps which gave him a bigger opportunity to show how consistent he can be. The journeyman did that well, consistently wreaking havoc in the trenches and sending a clear message to the coaching staff.
Bryan Braman:
With depth at DE being tightly contested, there was no guarantee that Braman would make the roster based purely off of his special teams presence. A dominant showing tonight however is only going to help his chances. The veteran special teams-ace was able to preview just how explosive he could be under Jim Schwartz, making life miserable for Christian Hackenberg with two QB hits, a pass deflection and three tackles. Braman can be just as dominant as a DE as he can be on Special teams, something he needed to put on show tonight..and something he did very well.
