Preseason Opener

Posted: August 8th, 2024 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | Comments Off on Preseason Opener

I watched some of Thursday night’s preseason games and there was one conclusive takeaway. Bad football. The preseason opener can often be an ugly affair. Teams haven’t been practicing that long and the games are filled with backups, often third-stringers. Let’s hope the Eagles opener against the Ravens on Friday night is worth watching.

Here are some of the guys I’m most excited to check out.

Jalyx Hunt

The Eagles small school rookie pass rusher has really flashed in Training Camp. He absolutely has NFL athleticism. Hunt has a great motor and that will stand out more in a game than in practice. I’m not expecting him to go crazy. I just want to see a guy who looks like he belongs. And I want to see him flash the athleticism that got him drafted on Day 2.

Johnny Wilson

Wilson has gotten reps with the 1’s for several days. He’s still a role player, but is an intriguing one. I’m curious to see where he lines up and how he’s used. Wilson has great size. I want to see him run routes and get open. Let’s hope he gets a few balls thrown his way.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr

Another rookie. Trotter has come on in recent days, showing ability. I doubt Devin White and Zack Baun will play so that could mean a good amount of snaps for Trotter. I don’t think he’ll be pushing for starting time this season. I would like to get an idea on whether he can be an effective backup. The biggest things for me will be seeing if he reads plays well and if he can shed blockers.

Ben VanSumeren

Finally, a non-rookie. BVS is a good STer. He got a little time on defense last year, but this should be a chance for him to see a lot of snaps at LB. I’m curious to see if BVS looks more polished. He was athletic, but raw as a rookie. The reports say he’s looked solid in TC. Like Trotter, I’d love for him to show he can be an effective backup LB.

Backup QBs

Kenny Pickett should play. I don’t think he’ll play a ton. Pickett hasn’t been great in TC so this will be a chance for him to show what he can do in this offense. He is a good athlete and will likely have chances to run if the Ravens blitz a lot. I want to see him make some good throws.

As for Tanner McKee, he really came alive in the preseason a year ago. It would be great to see that happen again.

Brandon Smith

Another LB. Smith has good size and athleticism. He flashes big ability at times. For whatever reason, he’s not been able to put it all together and play like a good LB with any consistency since coming to the NFL in 2022. I watched him at Penn State. You could see the potential, but also the issues. A good showing this summer could earn him a spot on the practice squad.

Backup TE

I doubt Grant Calcaterra plays much, if at all. That means a lot of snaps for the other backups. It would be great if one of them would show something.

OL

The Eagles need to develop depth along the OL. The Ravens athletic, aggressive defense will be a tough test for the young blockers. I’ll be watching all these guys.

DL

The Eagles aren’t super deep with DT/DL. I’ll be interested to see how much guys like Moro Ojomo and Tui play. Thomas Booker has had some good moments at TC so I’m curious to see how he does in a game.

*****

Most importantly, let’s hope the guys stay healthy. Weather could be a factor on Friday night. That could help this to be an ugly game.

*****

I’ll never forget the all-time great win he delivered to Eagles fans.

That was a special day.

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