Saquon Barkley isn’t the only Philadelphia Eagles running back with some hops.Have you heard of Carson Steele? The former undrafted rookie for the Kansas City Chiefs? The guy who opened Eagles training camp as the presumed fullback in first-time offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s new offensive system? The running back — yes, underline that now — who hurdled two New England Patriots defenders on separate touches in a 24-21 loss?Well, now you have. Steele started his theatrics during a two-minute drill before halftime. He planted his foot on a route out of the backfield, hauled in a catch, then vaulted over Patriots cornerback Brandon Crossley to complete a 14-yard gain on what ended up being a touchdown drive. Steele then gave the Eagles a 21-17 lead with 3:46 left in the game by catching a wheel route along the right sideline and leaping over safety Eric Butler for a 20-yard score.Philadelphia’s lead was short-lived. Patriots wide receiver Nick DeGennaro swept past Eagles cornerback Isaiah Bolden and hauled in a go-ahead 37-yard touchdown catch from Behren Morton with 1:03 left in the game.The Eagles are 0-2 in the preseason. But Mannion’s offense showed more life in its second showing. The Eagles totaled 301 yards against the Patriots and 159 against the Baltimore Ravens. Mannion, who called the game from the booth for the first time, must also choose where he will operate on game day.The Eagles will close out training camp at home on Friday against the Cincinnati Bengals.Where there’s a Willie, there’s a wayThe Eagles saw much more success from their backup offensive line than they did in their preseason opener against the Ravens.Willie Lampkin, who started at center against the Patriots, was often leading the way. Will Shipley totaled 11 carries for 56 yards during the first two drives. “Wide zone” has taken center stage when discussing the Eagles’ overhauled run scheme, and for good reason, but Shipley’s runs were often between the tackles. This underscored how the Eagles still intend to run powerfully up the middle and are discovering strength in their interior depth.
Breaking down Eagles-Patriots, preseason game No. 2: Hurdles and hang-ups
The Eagles are 0-2 after falling to the Patriots, but at least lost by a smaller margin than their first preseason game against the Ravens.












