The Philadelphia Eagles pulled out another exciting fourth-quarter win on Thursday night and the team is one week closer to making decisions on their 53-man roster. While most starting positions are not in play, many backup roles are still being decided. Here are some players who helped their cause.
Eagles Offense
Eagles Tight end EJ Jenkins should beat out CJ Uzomah, and the rest of the TE3 field. He has been making plays as a receiver and a blocker all summer. EJ deserves a spot on the 53-man roster.
Tyler Steen left the game with an injury due to his ankle and did not return. The competition for RG ends as it did for him last season. It is time for the Eagles to allow Steen the time to heal and prepare for his role as a backup G and T for the season.
The starting RG is Mekhi Becton. Competition brings out the best in players which usually leads to long camp battles, but the Stoutland O-line competitions are typically short and sweet. Mailata beat out Dillard, and Jurgens beat out Steen last season without it ever appearing to be much of a competition. If it was not clear enough that Becton was the RG when he did not dress, the injury cements it.
Joseph Ngata had 5 receptions on 5 targets for 88 receiving yards. He was showing off his physical game and gave a glimpse of what made him so good at Clemson. Seeing how fired up A.J. Brown was on the sideline after Ngata hauled in a contested catch shows his leadership and gave Ngata an added boost of confidence.
Darian Kinnard has been playing well this summer. He will be the fourth Tackle if the Eagles do not sign or make a trade for any others.
Trevor Keegan has played well for most of the summer and was good again last night. He had a false start penalty but played like an experienced vet for most of the game. His time at Stout U is paying dividends.
Will Shipley was shifty, and elusive while showing off his ability to get loose in tight spaces. He is displaying what type of role he could have in the Eagles offense.
John Ross made a nice kick return and could win the kick-returner job. Ross also looked decent as a receiver and created separation on a long route that should have been completed for a nice gain, if not for an errant throw. He was placed in the concussion protocol late in the game. Hopefully, he has a speedy recovery. Ross has a good chance to be WR5 if he gets back on the field soon.
Johnny Wilson did not play due to being in the concussion protocol. He sustained the issue following Tuesday’s joint practice with the Patriots.
Despite HC Nick Sirianni stating that Kenny Pickett will be the 2nd string QB, the Eagles brass surely have doubts. Tanner McKee made a lot of good throws last night and is outplaying Pickett. The Eagles offense has moved the ball better with Tanner running the offense. I liked how the Eagles brought McKee back into the game for situational football. Grier is not going to make the roster, and the experience Tanner gains will benefit him and the team.
Eagles Defense
Eagles CB Kelee Ringo is so sticky in coverage. Every throw his way is contested. He inexcusably only started 4 games last year totalling 199 defensive snaps. It would have benefited the team to further his development last season with those game experiences, but he has taken a major leap.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr is instinctive. He processes what the offense is doing as fast as anyone on the field.
Nakobe Dean was active and showed off his play recognition for much of the night. He rushed the passer early in the game then backed off to make the tackle on the receiver. He also quickly diagnosed a screen-play in the 3rd quarter and made the tackle to allow a minimal gain. He has officially turned the corner.
Trotter Jr and Dean could be the future at LB for the Eagles, they are both playing themselves into having meaningful snaps in 2024.
Avonte Maddox had a nice interception in the end-zone and looks very comfortable as a safety.
James Braderry struggled as a corner last season and is as a safety thus far in the pre-season. It will be tough for him to make the team, cap hit or not.
Tristin McCollum looks good every week. He made plays again versus the Patriots with a nice PBU and 3 tackles. It will be hard to keep him off of the roster.
Patrick Johnson had a few pressures coming off the edge. He should be a lock to make the team. He has been impressive all camp.
Back-back weeks with a 3rd quarter sack from Nolan Smith. He seems destined for a breakout season.
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Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
