Ugly Finale

Posted: August 28th, 2022 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | Comments Off on Ugly Finale

The last preseason game is always weird. Football is a team game, but the preseason finale is more about individuals than the team. Guys are competing for the final five to 10 spots on the roster. They are competing for practice squad spots. You focus more on individuals than the team. With starters and key backups sitting out, the actual results aren’t as important as how individual players do.

No matter how you slice this game, it was ugly. The Dolphins played their starters on offense and defense. They dominated the Eagles. Watching Mac McCain and K’Von Wallace try to cover Tyreek Hill was not fun. He’s the fastest guy in the league…they’re backups. It went as you would expect. The biggest issue for me was how the Eagles struggled with the basics, blocking and tackling. Nick Sirianni expressed his displeasure with the performance after the game.

Still, there were some good moments and performances. Let’s focus on the guys who helped themselves. I haven’t had a chance to re-watch it so this is my first impression of what happened.

Devon Allen – He didn’t stand out to me at all on offense, but he was terrific as a gunner in punt coverage. He flew down the field and made one tackle. The next time he flew down and helped to cause a fumble. Allen is a complete project, but his speed jumps off the tape and he shows up on STs. He may have played his way onto the roster in the past two weeks.

Grant Calcaterra – The rookie TE made his Eagles debut. He caught 2 passes for 30 yards. He showed good hands and some RAC ability. Looked athletic. Blocking is not his strong suit. Got destroyed on a run play. Was driven a couple of yards back. Looked better on other plays, but needs a ton of work. Effort is there, but must get stronger and improve his technique.

Reed Blankenship – He’s played well in each game. Was in on 5 tackles. Beyond that, he’s a physical player who can really pop runners/receivers (see below). I think he has a legit shot to make the roster.

Jason Huntley – I’ve not been impressed with him this summer, but Huntley played well in Miami. He was elusive and showed some burst. This was before his highlight play, a 67-yard TD run. I don’t like him for the roster, but he should be on the practice squad.

Kyron Johnson – Led the team with 7 tackles. He was disruptive on multiple plays and showed a good motor.

Patrick Johnson – Patrick had the team’s only sack, which came as a result of good effort. He had to work to get by the RT and then kept working until he got free and to the QB.

John Hightower – This might have been his best game as an Eagle. 5-52. No highlights, but caught short passes and worked the middle of the field. That’s been a weakness of his over the years. I don’t know if this game is enough to get him on the practice squad, but I think he helped himself.

Matt Leo – Solid at DE. Recovered a fumble on STs. Plays hard and has good strength.

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Here are a few guys who really struggled.

JaCoby Stevens – They have to let him go. Terrible showing. Blockers killed him. Missed multiple tackles. Needs to move to safety to have any shot of staying in the league.

Mac McCain – Terrible in coverage and vs the run. Ugh.

Reid Sinnett – Yikes. 12-22-104. Threw a pick-six. Made several off-target throws. Just didn’t look good. I’ll be shocked if he makes the roster.

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There didn’t appear to be any key injuries. That’s always good news.

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