The Eagles played their preseason finale and while there were plenty of highs, there were just as many lows. The final preseason game is usually the moment when certain players earn the final spots on the roster. This time around, there was some added excitement as Eagles fans were able to see CB Cooper DeJean for the first time.
The rookie cornerback showed plenty of rust but the speed and athleticism were on full display. He almost allowed two touchdowns to Lucky Jackson but Jackson unluckily stepped out of bounds in both instances. I would fully expect the Eagles to bring him along slowly as the season starts but the future is bright with number 33.
Some more good moments came from two of the Eagles’ other defensive players. Tristin McCollum and Julian Okwara both showed out a bit in hopes of earning their roster spots. Okwara was added to the team at the beginning of the offseason and showed exactly why. He was getting consistent pressure against the Vikings and had an impressive sack as he beat the tackle to get to the quarterback.
McCollum did everything expected out of his position. He made some big plays saving tackles when the corners missed their tackles. He also had an interception that was called back due to a penalty on Cooper DeJean.
Oren Burks also looked impressive at times as he had his fair share of tackles and was a big sack when he beat Nolan Smith to the QB. Unfortunately, for Nolan Smith but a big move in the right direction for Burks who missed most of camp due to an injury.
Speaking of Nolan Smith. The Eagles dressed the former first-round pick in hopes of seeing more out of him. It seems as if Smith has yet to truly make the necessary leap to be effective for the Eagles. That’s a big concern as I feel like the Eagles are truly missing a true disruptor at EDGE. While the jury is still out on Huff and much can’t be expected out of Brandon Graham in year 15, I’m concerned about what we will see out of Sweat and Smith. Sweat disappeared a bit at the end of the season last year and Smith has yet to impress.
There are plenty of storylines on the defensive side of the ball but offensively, Kenny Pickett has yet to do anything to make any Eagles fan feel comfortable about the QB2 position. Tanner McKee also struggled when he entered in the second half. He started his fired drive off with a fumble and couldn’t find his footing in the third quarter.
McKee made an impressive run for a first down on 4th and 6th that was challenged by the Vikings and eventually overturned. While he wasn’t overly impressive in this game until the 4th quarter when they switched to a no huddle temp, McKee has shown signs of progression in his development this offseason but the Eagles will stick by Pickett to be their QB2.
Tyrion Davis-Price was a bright spot for the offense alongside offensive lineman Brett Toth. Davis-Price finished the game with 12 carries for 56 yards while averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Brett Toth showed his versatility this preseason for the Eagles and could prove to be a valued piece for the team.
With roster cuts needing to be finalized by 4 pm on Tuesday, August 28th, I would expect the Eagles to make plenty of moves to bolster the roster, especially the defensive line. The Eagles open the season in Brazil on September 6th for the NFL’s first game in Brazil and on Friday night for the first time as well.
Side Note: LeSean McCoy will be inducted to Eagles Hall of Fame
In the middle of the Eagles-Vikings halftime break, Eagles’ owner Jeffrey Lurie announced that LeSean McCoy will be inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame on November 3rd. In six seasons with the Eagles, McCory racked up 6,792 rushing yards which is the most in franchise history. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry with the team until he was ultimately traded to the Bills for Kiko Alonso and a bag of peanuts. Losing him was a very trying time for the franchise and Eagles’ fans but McCoy has always kept Eagles fans at the forefront of all he does. An honorable moment for a well deserved and beloved player in Eagles history.
Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
