Preseason Opener

We finally get to see the Eagles in action. It’s only preseason, but it will be good to see the backups and new guys in action. Nick Sirianni, in midseason form, wouldn’t tell the media who would and wouldn’t play. With joint practices against Cleveland coming up on Monday and Tuesday and another game on Thursday, you can bet the starters won’t see action tonight.

We’ll all be watching the same things.

LB

I’m curious to see if Nakobe Dean plays. He’s coming off an injury, but is young and could use the snaps. If he does play, it wouldn’t be for long. We’ll probably see a lot of Christian Elliss and Nick Morrow. This is a big game for both guys. Morrow is trying to hang onto a job. Elliss is trying to prove he should be a starter. I’m interested to see Myles Jack and Zach Cunningham in action. Preseason games aren’t normally important for them, but they are battling for roster spots.

UGA DL

Nolan Smith is the one player we’re all the most excited to see. He hasn’t played in a game in a while and is desperate to hit someone in a different colored jersey. I expect him to fly around the field and play with a lot of energy. Jalen Carter might not play a lot, but it will be fun to see him in action. He’s been inconsistent in camp. Playing in a game should bring out the best in him.

RB

Who will play? Who will shine? Will this be the beginning of the Trey Sermon era? So many questions.

Safety

Who will play and how will they be used? Sydney Brown is the player I’m most interested in. He’s played with the third string for the most part. We know he’s fast. We know he can hit. We need to see if he can be disciplined and cover well.

Backup QBs

Marcus Mariota has looked good in recent practices. He’ll probably be what we expect. Tanner McKee should get a good amount of playing time. The biggest knock on him in camp is that he won’t throw the ball down the field. We’ll see if he opens up in a game setting. Ian Book has not impressed in camp. He is more of a playmaker than a practice player so the game might be his best chance to show what he can do.

WR

There could be one or two open roster spots. Britain Covey will make the team because of his return ability. I want to see what he can do as a receiver. UDFA Joseph Ngata has played well in camp. Now we get to see him in a game. I had questions about how his skills would translate to the NFL. I’m curious to see how he does. Jadon Haselwood is the guy I thought would surprise people. He’s been up and down in camp. I’d love Devon Allen to make some plays and push for a roster spot.

P

The Eagles don’t punt much, but they need to be better at it than they were last year. Arryn Siposs hasn’t exactly lit is up this summer. He better pick things up if he wants to feel secure. Ty Zentner has underwhelmed. He needs to come alive if he’s going to make this a real competition.

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Most important of all…stay healthy.

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