The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for a preseason clash against the New England Patriots. While the stakes are considerably lower than their Super Bowl duel a few years ago, there is still plenty to play for. The coaching staff is still trying to work out which players will make the final 53-man roster, and a big preseason performance could be all the difference.
5 Eagles worth watching in Thursday’s contest.
Will Grier
There’s been a recent trend of quarterback reps in the preseason under Nick Sirianni. In game 1 last year, Ian Book completed 11/15 passes while Marcus Mariota went 1/2. In the second game, Mariota went 9/17 while Book didn’t see the field at all. I’d expect a similar outcome against the Patriots. The developmental Tanner McKee played extensively in both matchups.
Kenny Pickett took most of the quarterback reps during Philadelphia’s preseason opener and hardly set the world on fire, while Will Grier watched from the sidelines. The West Virginia product is a former third-round pick who has spent time on 5 different teams since he entered the NFL.
The Eagles are going to be keen to see what they’ve got in Grier, especially after Pickett’s opening game struggles. Perhaps the more interesting benchmark will be how he compares to Tanner McKee, with the Stanford graduate entrenched as the potential QB2 of the future. Can McKee outshine someone who has previous experience with Kellen Moore and an extensive catalogue of preseason snaps to lean on?
Tyler Steen
As the days go by, it’s looking more and more likely that Mekhi Becton will be the teams’ starting right guard. A lot can still change though, and Steen’s early struggles have been pinned on minor injury bumps. He needs a stronger outing on Thursday if he is to really assert himself back into the race for that starting role, and all eyes will be fixed on his reps as a result.
Kelee Ringo
A starting role might not be on the cards for Kelee Ringo in 2024, but his breakout against Baltimore absolutely boosted his stock into becoming the primary backup. The Georgia product was a force to be reckoned with last time out and another strong day at the office will put him in a favorable position given how much Fangio likes to mix up his defense based on matchup. If he keeps making plays and buckling the seatbelt as a result, he might well be preparing for a journey where the end destination is a bigger role on defense.
James Bradberry
The transition to Safety for James Bradberry has been a valuable one. The Eagles are light on depth and Bradberry was forced out of the CB reckoning by the arrival of Quinyon Mitchell and Isaiah Rodgers Jr. However, Cooper DeJean’s return is on the horizon, Avonte Maddox is looking for a new lease of life after being unseated by Mitchell, and CJGJ might well be returning soon.
This is a big game for Bradberry, not only to keep his chances of a starting spot alive, but to prove to other teams around the league that he can play multiple spots in the secondary successfully. He’s been pretty solid so far, but a couple of big-time plays could have huge repurcussions for the former Giant.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Of all the standouts from the game against Baltimore, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. might well have shined the brightest. The rookie linebacker has flown under the radar this offseason behind starters Devin White and Zack Baun which should only aid his development due to reduced pressure, but he surged back into the picture against the Ravens with 3 tackles and a sack, flexing his seemingly improved instincts.
Trotter Jr. has always been able to hit hard, but his play always seemed one step slower than optimal. That does look to be changing and if the Eagles can focus on getting him up to NFL speed, they could well have a gem on their hands. Another big outing on Thursday to build on his preseason debut would be a real sign of that growth.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
