The Philadelphia Eagles have demonstrated their prowess by going 2-0 in the preseason, raising questions about their potential defensive strategies and overall team dynamics as they prepare for the regular season.

In their recent matchup, the Eagles narrowly triumphed over the struggling New England Patriots with a score of 14-13, thanks in large part to a standout performance from quarterback Tanner McKee, who showcased impressive skills under pressure, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts.

Unfortunately, the Eagles faced a setback with the injury of guard Tyler Steen, who sustained an ankle injury during the game, highlighting the unpredictable nature of player health in professional sports and the need for depth in the roster.

Offensively, the Eagles lined up with Fred Johnson at left tackle, Trevor Keegan at left guard, Brett Toth at center, Steen at right guard, and Darian Kinnard at right tackle. The receiving corps featured Joseph Ngata, John Ross, and Britain Covey, with tight end C.J. Uzomah and running back Kenneth Gainwell supporting quarterback Kenny Pickett in the backfield, indicating a strategic mix of talent and experience aimed at enhancing their offensive capabilities.

Reflecting on the game, Pickett remarked, “We weren’t as clean as we would like to be. There was a lot of good, but definitely some bad we can learn from.” This statement underscores the importance of continuous improvement and the learning curve that comes with preseason games.

While preseason games often feature their fair share of mistakes and lack of precision, the Eagles displayed their ability to make crucial plays at critical moments, ultimately securing their victory despite the challenges faced.

Defensively, the Eagles showcased a promising lineup with Thomas Booker and Moro Ojomo on the interior, while Nolan Smith Jr. and Bryce Huff operated on the edges. The linebacker duo of Devin White and Zack Baun provided support, alongside a secondary that included Avonte Maddox, first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell, Kelee Ringo, James Bradberry, and Isaiah Rodgers, illustrating the team’s depth and versatility in defensive strategies.

The game highlighted a mix of good, bad, and ugly moments in the Eagles’ narrow 14-13 win against the New England Patriots, revealing areas for growth and development as they move forward in the preseason.

Highlighting the Positive Performances from the Game

Linebacker Zack Baun has shown significant improvement, particularly for someone new to the inside linebacker position. His energetic performance during the preseason opener in Baltimore was commendable, as he effectively read the game and made impactful plays, such as stopping New England running back Rhamondre Stevenson at the line of scrimmage. This kind of aggressive play aligns perfectly with the expectations set by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio for his linebackers and is promising for the team’s defensive future.

Nickel corner Avonte Maddox made a pivotal interception that halted the Patriots’ second drive, leading to a scoring opportunity for the Eagles. Maddox has proven to be a valuable asset in the secondary—when he’s healthy. His contributions towards the end of last season suggested that a fully fit Maddox could have significantly impacted the Eagles’ performance during their 1-6 stretch.

Quarterback Tanner McKee exhibited remarkable poise by orchestrating a 70-yard drive in just seven plays, culminating in a touchdown by Kendall Milton. Notably, this drive showcased McKee’s efficiency as the Eagles avoided third downs, with McKee completing 5 of 6 passes for 69 yards, including a 28-yard connection to Joseph Ngata. His overall stats of 15 completions on 19 attempts for 140 yards and a 97.4 QB rating may have positioned him as a strong contender for the backup quarterback role behind Kenny Pickett.

Ngata had a standout performance, successfully catching all five passes thrown his way for a total of 88 yards. His contributions were critical, particularly his reception in the fourth quarter that set up the Eagles’ only touchdown, showcasing his potential in the team’s offensive scheme.

Linebacker Nakobe Dean demonstrated flashes of his collegiate stardom at Georgia, leading the team with five tackles, four of which were solo. He was actively involved in both run defense and pass coverage, indicating his versatility and readiness to contribute. After dealing with a foot injury early in training camp, his healthy status now is crucial for the Eagles as they rely on his talent and tenacity on defense.

Kenny Pickett’s performance for the second consecutive week was impressive, completing 11 out of 13 passes for 67 yards. However, he faced significant pressure, being sacked four times for a loss of 24 yards, which may reflect more on the performance of the offensive line than on his abilities as a quarterback.

Identifying Areas for Improvement

Throughout the first two preseason games, the Eagles have incurred 12 penalties totaling 95 yards. In the game against the Patriots, a significant penalty occurred when Smith was flagged for roughing the passer, a call that coach Nick Sirianni emphasizes as needing improvement. This highlights the necessity for the team to focus on discipline and mitigating errors as they move closer to the regular season.

Examining the Notable Mistakes

Nolan Smith received a critical penalty for roughing the passer against the Patriots’ first-round pick, Drake Maye. This penalty advanced the ball to the Eagles’ 35-yard line, allowing New England to score their first points of the game. Smith’s need for better control and awareness on the field is essential for preventing such costly mistakes in future games.

Edge rusher Bryce Huff appeared to struggle with his decision-making during the game, as he seemed hesitant and often took poor angles that removed him from plays. While he had moments of brilliance, the inconsistency in his performance raises concerns. Defensive coordinator Fangio has expressed the need for Huff to grow and develop further to establish himself as a reliable every-down defensive end.

The Eagles’ third-string offensive line faced significant challenges, appearing strong against Baltimore but failing to provide adequate protection for Pickett against the Patriots. The lack of cohesion and communication is expected for a unit that has not played together extensively, but it is a critical area that needs addressing to ensure the quarterbacks’ safety and the offense’s efficiency moving forward.