PHILADELPHIA — The first preseason game every August signals a shift in training camp. The Philadelphia Eagles spent the past two-plus weeks practicing against each other, installing a new offense and measuring progress against players and schemes they know. Perhaps that’s why tempers flared by the 11th practice of the summer. The three-game preseason schedule opens Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. An exhibition game also shuffles the storylines — some players emerge, others might fade. The defense finally gets tackled. The offense doesn’t have play whistles dead before going to the ground.
Unfortunate injuries could affect the roster.The Athletic’s Zach Berman and Brooks Kubena exchanged messages about Saturday’s game and what they learned about the team during the past week.Top 3 Eagles underdogs to watchBrooks KubenaWhat are you watching in the preseason opener?Kubena: I’m watching the play clock. As our story Wednesday detailed, the 2025 Eagles led an NFL-wide trend of playing chess, trying to get into the perfect play—and ultimately they ran into a ton of last-second snaps.The story explains the philosophical shift in more detail, but new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is basically trying to get time back on their side and be the aggressor. Are they getting out of the huddle quicker? Are they at the line with intent? Do they have enough time to use motions and their cadence to their advantage? This is of primary importance operationally.Berman: Good answer re: the offensive operation. Mannion will be vanilla in his play-calling — head coach Nick Sirianni said as much on Thursday, acknowledging the Eagles won’t put anything on film for other teams to study — but we can see how quickly they get to the line, how quickly they snap, and whether or not there are pre-snap penalties or issues. Beyond the offense’s operation, I’m curious about the No. 2 quarterback situation, some key roster battles for the bottom of the 53-man roster (the offensive line and secondary, as examples), rookies such as Eli Stowers making their NFL debuts, and the first football game ever for Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru.What’s your view of the No. 2 quarterback situation?Berman: This is a legitimate competition for the No. 2 spot. I’d say Andy Dalton has had a better overall camp than Tanner McKee (and is more comfortable in the scheme), although McKee’s best days have been better than Dalton’s best days. I still think one of them gets traded, and my guess is Dalton. A team might need an experienced veteran backup. If there’s not a trade, the preseason will be fascinating. McKee was superb in the preseason opener last season — 20 of 25 for 252 yards and two touchdowns — and that was all the front office and coaching staff needed to see of him. This situation is different. He’ll get plenty of work, and this is McKee’s chance to demonstrate that he can be a starting-caliber quarterback beyond this season.Also, Cole Payton will be fun for fans to watch. He’s a gunslinger. He could throw two interceptions Saturday night, and he could make a tight-window throw with zip or rush for a 20-yard gain that makes you think he can be an NFL player.Kubena: I would not be surprised to see Dalton start. I also don’t think the order really matters in reaching an ultimate decision. McKee will have enough time to prove himself. I asked Sirianni if he intends to sub them in and out without notice — as they have done in practice — and he kept his true answer close to the vest. Obviously, he has to choose a starter. Dalton, to me, still looks most comfortable with this system. If McKee has a big game, that clearly changes things. Too big a game… is McKee’s trade value suddenly high enough to warrant a deal?Should Sirianni be more aggressive playing starters in the preseason?Kubena: No. The Eagles have started 4-0 in three of the last four seasons with Sirianni’s approach. Playing surefire starters in these games is unnecessary and reckless. Their offense has one of the NFL’s best defenses to sharpen itself against in practice. They will have two joint practices against the New England Patriots. That has historically proven more than enough to prepare this team for the regular season.Berman: Nope. They’re undefeated in season openers under Sirianni, so their preseason approach does not lead to major rust. (Sirianni said in 2023 he might reconsider his preseason strategy after they started slow against New England, but I think that had more to do with practices that summer than preseason games.) Those have avoided injuries to key players that can demoralize a team and affect a season. Clearly, Sirianni’s approach works, and he deserves credit for it.However, I think Sirianni could be more forthcoming ahead of the games with his intentions. And I don’t say that from the perspective of a reporter acting as if he’s entitled to information — I’m going to the game regardless, and I have interest in watching everybody on the 90-man roster. Rather, I think it’s more of a service to fans who are investing their time to watch the game and would like to know what they’re about to see.There’s no competitive advantage to be gained at this time of year, so I think there’s value in sharing with fans what they should expect to see. It’s Sirianni’s prerogative to reveal as little as he wants.Which player further down the depth chart should fans watch Saturday?Berman: Maximus Pulley is not a name fans might know yet, but he’s a sleeper for the 53-man roster. The Eagles lack safety depth. Pulley, an undrafted rookie from Wofford, has taken work with the second-team defense and could be in line to make the roster with a strong finish to the summer.Also, I mentioned Weru above. Bernard gets more of the attention; Weru, a native of Kenya, was an international rugby player who is now learning football. He’s shown flashes in camp rushing around the edge. One note on Bernard and Weru: the NFL doesn’t have any film on them. There’s no college tape. Any promise they show might entice teams to claim them if the Eagles plan to waive one or both and use the international player exemption on the practice squad. That’s why I’m also curious how much they play in this game.Kubena: I’m going with Myles Hinton. It doesn’t look like he really has a “home” on the offensive line — and this game will provide more insight into whether he’s a fit in this system. He was primarily an offensive tackle when they drafted him last year. He opened OTAs at left guard. But the Eagles have favored Willie Lampkin recently, and he’s since shifted back to tackle with the third team. His position on Saturday, and his performance, will offer clarity about who the Eagles value in their depth along the offensive line — and where.Which player from last year’s team needs a good preseason to make the roster?Kubena: Johnny Wilson. Darius Cooper became last year’s “dirty work” receiver after Wilson suffered his season-ending injuries during training camp. Cooper is again having a breakout camp. Wilson needs to show up consistently on the tape to preserve his spot on the roster.Berman: Jakorian Bennett. The Eagles’ cornerback depth chart is unsettled after the top three. Bennett, who was a candidate to start at this time last year, does not appear to be a lock this season. He’s in the final year of his contract. He doesn’t have the same special teams value as Kelee Ringo, who is in a similar situation on the cornerback depth chart. Bennett needs a good finish to the summer, starting with Saturday’s game.Most interesting thing you heard this week…Kubena: When defensive coordinator Vic Fangio made a point to say that Jalen Hurts really is learning a new offense this year — and that he thinks Hurts is doing a great job. The two have a quiet but consistent relationship of mutual respect. Hurts is known to seek out counsel from defensive coaches (he called former Giants DC Wink Martindale ahead of the 2024 season). And Fangio shoots it straight. He offered as much validity as there could be that 1) this is the biggest transition of Hurts’ career, and 2) there is promise that Hurts will be successful.Berman: I agree with you on Fangio’s statement. I’ll add another: Jalen Carter explained that he lost 10 pounds and won a friendly bet with Fangio about his weight. Carter said his motivation was putting a smile on Fangio’s face and that he feels the benefits of being in better shape this summer. He would not reveal his ideal weight and acknowledged a weight clause in his contract, so this is clearly significant. Carter has the potential to be a Defensive Player of the Year at some point in his career. If he’s the best version of himself, watch out.
