PHILADELPHIA – “It’s only preseason.” A common phrase said by many to temper expectations and analysis of how the Eagles before Week 1 of the regular season when it actually matters. However, these preseason games also matter. They matter to the players fighting for a starting spot or just a place on the 53-man roster. They matter to the coaching staff to determine position battles.
They will matter for the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles to determine how their roster will shape up. There is plenty to keep your eye on when the Eagles host the Cincinatti Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field at 7:30 p.m.
Which starters will play?
The Bengals reportedly plan to play their starters in the first quarter Thursday night. The Eagles most likely will not follow suit at least on the offensive side of the ball.
Last season, the Eagles had nine mainstays on offense that did not see a snap during the preseason. They were:
–Jalen Hurts
-Saquon Barkey
–A.J. Brown
–DeVonta Smith
–Dallas Goedert
–Jordan Mailata
–Landon Dickerson
–Cam Jurgens
–Lane Johnson
Jahan Dotson also did not see a snap in preseason, but he was a late add to the roster.
As for the defense, Vic Fangio has mentioned he likes to get his players on the field during the exhibition games because it serves as the best opportunity for his unit to work on their tackling and finishing plays when in pursuit of quarterbacks. Expect to see a decent number of starters play at least a series or two to start the game which will be a good early test against Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and company.
Wide Receiver depth battle
The Eagles have one of the best duos at wideout across the NFL in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Jahan Dotson has his feet under him now with the Eagles after being traded within the division from Washington right before the regular season last year. Dotson mentioned he worked out with Jalen Hurts down in Houston in the summer to build their rapport so expect the WR3 to have more of an impact this season.
Behind Dotson, it’s crowded. Darius Cooper and Elijah Cooks have earned raving reviews from Nick Sirianni, teammates and the media during Training Camp. Cooper, who has been a downfield threat during camp according to reports making some nice plays. Cooks seemingly make a highlight reel catch every practice and has a fantastic connection with backup quarterback Tanner McKee.
Cooks, at 6-foot-4, will stand out to fans if he carries over what he has done during camp and could be a viable WR4 option for the team. Johnny Wilson‘s stature alone at 6’6, 228-pounds makes him also stand out and he will look to take advantage of the reps in the preseason along with Ainias Smtih who had a tough start to his rookie season last year dealing with an ankle injury. Terrace Marshall also is in the mix for one of the final spots in the wide receiver group who was a 2021 second-round pick by Carolina.
The Eagles typically carried five to six wide receivers last season, and the group will need to use these preseason games to prove they are worthy of a spot on the team.
Can Kelee Ringo take a leap in cornerback battle?
Coming into Training Camp, on paper, Kelee Ringo was expected to be the other starting cornerback opposite of Quinyon Mitchell. However, Ringo has not been able to separate himself from challenger Adoree’ Jackson, the nine-year veteran who spent time with Tennessee and the New York Giants prior to signing with Philadelphia in the offseason.
Vic Fangio mentioned that it’s still an ongoing battle and there has not been any significant movement for either player one way or another.
“It’s close. I think both of them are having a good camp, but it’s close and been happy with both of them and we’ll see.” Fangio said on Monday.
The Eagles added another cornerback, trading for Jakorian Bennett from Las Vegas in exchange for defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV. Bennett has shown promise since entering the league as a fourth-round pick out of Maryland in 2023 by the Raiders and will add to the competition with Ringo and Jackson.
Bennett has played in 24 games with 11 being starts in his first two seasons in the league with 11 pass deflections, eight of those coming last season. Bennett could slot in like Isaiah Rodgers did for the team last year.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
