Preseason football is here. Rejoice freaks, I know you love this.
While the preseason is not a great way of judging a team, it can really help coaching staffs, front offices, and fans take a look at some of the younger guys on a squad. Rookies will face unfamiliar opponents in a game situation for the first times ever, dealing with real speed and competing with guys who are fighting for their careers.
The Eagles added a ton of rookies this spring through the draft and free agency. Here is what to look for in Thursday night’s preseason matchup against the Bengals.
How much responsibility does Jihaad Campbell have?
Jihaad Campbell was expected to be on a learning curve this summer. Between cross training all over the front seven and recovering from injury, the former Alabama star wasn’t supposed to immediately be a main factor in the defense.
Campbell quickly bucked those expectations. Not only did he become available and healthier faster, he picked up every role thrown at him very, very quickly. In his first preseason game, it will be notable to see where Campbell lines up and how much leadership he’s given over the defense.
While I don’t expect the defensive play-calling to be very complicated at this stage, his ability to execute will inform how ready he will be for regular season football.
Where does Andrew Mukuba line up, if at all?
Andrew Mukuba played all over the defense in college and it’s possible he can have a similar impact in the NFL. I expect the preseason will be a great chance for the coaching staff to experiment with his alignments. Does he play slot? Is he a full time safety? Is he center fielding? Can he rotate down into the box?
Tomorrow will offer a small glimpse into how the team maximizes his versatility.
That is, if he even plays. He’s been limited in practice and Vic Fangio realized downplayed his chances of suiting up on Thursday night.
Is the Mac McWilliams hype real?
Mac McWilliams has turned some heads in camp. The feisty cornerback has challenged receivers and pushed his fellow young cornerbacks in competition. That being said, the Eagles still went out and traded for Jakorian Bennett in part to boost their optionality at cornerback.
If healthy, tomorrow is McWilliams’ first big chance to make an impression on the coaching staff in a live game situation.
How does the rookie defensive line depth look?
The Eagles lost a few key defensive line contributors this offseason. Josh Sweat is in Arizona, Milton Williams is in New England, Thomas Booker is in Las Vegas, and Brandon Graham is hopefully on a beach somewhere.
Philadelphia drafted two defensive linemen this spring; Ty Robinson out of Nebraska and Antwaun Powell-Ryland. Robinson, an early Day 3 pick, is expected to contribute much sooner while Powell-Ryland is more expected to have a depth role, if he even makes the roster at all.
Both should get a lot of snaps in preseason. With both players being guys who won with speed in college despite lacking size, they will get to test their abilities against far bigger, stronger competition this preseason.
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