This is a quick one because the game was tough to watch with the quarterback play and some of the offensive line protection. Still, there were a few things worth noting on offense, so let’s go!
Offense
Ainias Smith did nothing wrong in this one and looked fine, but I still struggle to really evaluate him due to the quality of play in preseason. He finished with two nice catches, both coming on simple slant routes, and the cornerback play against him was poor both times. That said, Smith did look a little more explosive than he did this time last year, and there were signs of improvement in how he moved and attacked the ball. I was not impressed with him last year at all. I get the feeling he will make the roster based on the past couple of weeks. I was disappointed that we didn’t get to see Darius Cooper get any opportunities, but that’s what happens when you don’t play your 2nd quarterback! I struggle to analyse preseason without competent QB play.
I haven’t been as impressed with Terrace Marshall this preseason. I did a live video a few weeks ago and I had real issues with his catching technique. He likes to body-catch everything and doesn’t consistently extend his hands to pluck the ball out of the air. Even on this reception, you can see it. Over time, that type of technique will lead to drops, as we we will get to later…
This is probably the most concerned I have been about the Eagles’ offensive line depth for a few years. The backups weren’t quite as bad as I feared after watching live, but they still struggled, especially in the run game. The team couldn’t get much going on the ground, and the pass protection was inconsistent. I had higher hopes for Matt Pryor this off-season, but he didn’t look great throughout. On this snap, he struggled badly to handle a stunt, which ended up leading to a sack. The Eagles had likely been counting on his veteran leadership to steady things, so this was a disappointment. I’m particularly concerned about the tackle situation. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a move for another offensive lineman. I don’t think the young guys are ready.
Here is Ainias Smith’s touchdown! It was great to see him score again, but in truth, this was the easiest slant route you will ever see. The cornerback was playing with outside leverage; there is no inside help, and Smith just walks it in. I don’t even see a clever release or anything; it’s just easy for him. It’s great to see him score, but I struggle to evaluate him properly. It’s not his fault! I’m just being real about how hard it can be to judge players in preseason.
Neither quarterback played particularly well, but Kyle McCord at least looked more comfortable than he did last week (which isn’t saying a lot). This play was a nice example of him recognizing the coverage, taking advantage of the corner dropping, and hitting the quick throw before the curl-flat defender could get out in time. He also had an edge rusher in his face due to the Browns’ pressure, but he stayed poised and delivered. For a rookie in his second start, it was a step in the right direction. I didn’t enjoy many throws in this one, but I did like this one!
The overall numbers still weren’t pretty, though, and it made the offense hard to evaluate. McCord finished 8-of-15 for 47 yards. However, he looked better than Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who struggled as the starter. He lacked pocket awareness, and I would be surprised if he makes the roster over McCord.
Let’s finish with another look at Terrace Marshall. On this throw, Kyle McCord delivers a good back-shoulder ball to the sideline. Marshall has the size and is in position to make the play, but instead of extending his hands, he tries to body-catch it. That turned a routine back-shoulder into a tough grab, and he ended up dropping it. For a big-bodied receiver who doesn’t separate consistently, if Marshall can’t win with his size on throws like this, it is hard to see why he will stick on the roster. I don’t think his technique allows him to extend consistently. It’s all well and good being big, but if you can’t extend, it’s sort of worthless. He needs to be better at this.
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