PHILADELPHIA — After 179 days, the Philadelphia Eagles are again to enjoying soccer once more. The final time the Eagles took the sphere was in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX, in probably the most dominant victories in franchise historical past.
The preseason opener towards the Cincinnati Bengals to kick off the 2025 season definitely did not have the stakes because the Super Bowl, however there was precise soccer towards an opponent being performed. There have been some storylines heading into this one, just like the Bengals enjoying their first-team offense within the preseason (which generally would not occur below Joe Burrow on account of harm) and the Eagles’ cornerback battle between Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson taking heart stage.
For the primary preseason game, there was some pleasure being again in Lincoln Monetary Discipline. This was a pleasant change of tempo type the ten coaching camp practices.
These have been the principle takeaways from the Eagles’ 34-27 victory, a recreation that did not matter within the standings but had some telltale indicators with this staff going ahead.
Tanner McKee entered the season because the QB2 behind Jalen Hurts, and got here in excessive regards from the Eagles quarterback and training workers. Seeing McKee shine towards NFL defenses is not shocking given how he carried out in a Week 18 begin final yr towards the Giants, however the Eagles’ second-string sign caller torched the Bengals’ first-team protection.
McKee went 5 of 6 for 73 yards and a speeding landing (through the Tush Push) within the two collection towards the Bengals’ first-team protection. He then went 9 of 11 for 120 yards with two landing passes to shut the half, with the final one being a phenomenal 21-yard go to Darius Cooper on a fade.
Good within the first half, McKee completed 14 of 17 for 193 yards with two touchdowns, no interceptions, 11.4 yards per try, and a 153.2 ranking. He scored three whole touchdowns because the Eagles scored on 4 of 5 first-half possessions.
If the Eagles want McKee to win them a soccer recreation this yr, he can definitely carry out as much as the duty. He is a top-32 quarterback on this league and must be a beginning quarterback for somebody in due time.
Ringo is in a contest for the CB2 job reverse of Quinyon Mitchell. He did not make a superb first impression towards Ja’Marr Chase, most notably whiffing on a sort out on a 36-yard landing catch by the famous person wideout.
The Bengals performed their first-team offense on the primary two possessions, as Joe Burrow picked on Ringo all through the evening. Ringo was crushed by Chase on a number of makes an attempt, showcasing the legal responsibility Ringo introduced in protection.
Chase is a mismatch for many cornerbacks, however Ringo wanted to place up a greater exhibiting than what he did towards Chase. Adoree’ Jackson — in competitors with Ringo for the CB2 job — did not carry out a lot better both.
The Eagles acquired Jakorian Bennett after 9 coaching camp practices for a motive. This wasn’t a superb evening for Ringo.
Bengals first-team offense will get work
In case anybody was tuning in and was shocked to see Joe Burrow within the recreation, there was a motive to be. Burrow solely performed 16 whole snaps within the preseason since being drafted in 2020 — and head coach Zac Taylor made the choice to provide his quarterback some priceless reps in August.
Since drafting Burrow, the Bengals have gone 1-9 throughout the first two weeks of the season. There was a motive why Taylor is making an attempt one thing totally different in hopes of getting his staff off to a quick begin, so the first-team offense performed within the preseason opener.
Burrow blistered the Eagles’ second-team protection in his two collection, going 9 of 10 for 123 yards and two touchdowns (157.5 ranking). Ja’Marr Chase had his means towards Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson, ending with 4 catches for 77 yards and a landing. Each have been out after Burrow related with Chase on a 36-yard landing to cap the second collection.
If Burrow and Chase appeared as in they have been in midseason type, it is as a result of they have been. Did not matter what gamers the Eagles had within the recreation.
Will Shipley makes robust assertion for RB2
The Eagles have Saquon Barkley as their RB1, and he’ll be getting the overwhelming majority of touches this season. What in regards to the working again who will spell Barkley?
That function belonged to Kenneth Gainwell final yr, however he departed in free company. The battle for the RB2 spot is between Shipley and AJ Dillon, as each have been getting equal reps with the second staff by means of coaching camp.
Shipley received the beginning within the preseason opener, and had a formidable 38-yard run the Eagles’ third offensive play, which was arrange by a formidable block from Tyler Steen. He completed with seven carries for 48 yards in his brief stint, averaging 6.9 yards per carry, whereas additionally having a four-yard reception.
Shipley took a big step in successful the RB2 job. In truth, he could have already got it.
Large nights for younger receivers
The Eagles have among the best extensive receiver duos within the NFL with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Add Jahan Dotson into the combination and it is arguably the very best trio. What about the remainder of the group?
Johnny Wilson is a favourite to earn a roster spot in his second season due to his blocking potential and doing the soiled work that does not present up within the field rating. Wilson had a chance to point out off his catching potential within the preseason opener, having three receptions for 73 yards — averaging 24.3 yards per catch.
One other younger wideout preventing for a roster spot is Darius Cooper, who has turned heads in camp. An undrafted free agent out of Tarleton State, Cooper was a frequent goal of McKee as soon as Dotson was out of the sport. He had six catches for 82 yards on seven targets, a mean of 13.7 yards per catch.
Cooper is definitely within the working for a roster spot.
Josh Uche reveals off inside transfer
Josh Uche had an 11.5-sack season three years in the past, however has struggled to search out his footing since. A cerebral participant with a transfer that confuses tackles, Uche used it to get a strain on Bengals quarterback Jake Browning within the second quarter.
On this defensive collection, Uche additionally had a quarterback hit by catching Browning when he rolled exterior to his proper — however the play was nullified by a defensive penalty.
Uche had a robust exhibiting in camp and has been the entrance runner for the No. 3 edge rusher job behind starters Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. The preseason opener was a superb signal Uche can contribute to this protection in third-down go speeding conditions.