There wasn’t much to take from this game, so I combined offense and defense into one piece. The quarterback play made it tough to watch at times, but there were still a few players worth focusing on.
Offense
We got our first look at John Metchie III, and it was enjoyable seeing him out there. On this rep he closed the gap on the corner quickly and snapped off the break cleanly. That kind of fluid route running is exactly what he was known for. He understands how to get open. I wasn’t too worried about his drop later on as his drop rate the past two seasons has been very low. Even on that drop, he did a great job getting open outside of structure, which is something I noted he is excellent at in my film review. If you want to read my thoughts on Metchie, you can find my film review here.
I always like to focus on the rookie offensive linemen during preseason, and Drew Kendall stood out again. In this clip, you can see the quickness off the snap and the control on the reach block. Across the preseason, he has looked clean and steady, exactly what you’d imagine from an Eagles center. He probably doesn’t have starter upside, but I think he has a good chance to be a valuable backup for a long time. Elsewhere up front, I’ve been disappointed with Trevor Keegan, who played nearly the whole game but struggled at times, and Myles Hinton has looked a little better since the 1st game. I still think he has a lot of development to do, though!
It wasn’t a surprise to me that the Eagles traded for Sam Howell, because Kyle McCord had a rough preseason and looked out of his depth here. This rep was a perfect example. The read is simple: the deep safety can’t cover both the vertical and the crosser. This is pretty basic stuff. Once the safety stayed deep, the crosser was wide open, but McCord forced the vertical anyway and it should have been picked. I just don’t get what he is looking at here. Darius Cooper even slowed down because he thought there was no way the ball was coming his way. Across the game, McCord played every snap and finished 15-of-35 for 136 yards. It wasn’t good, and he isn’t ready for meaningful NFL action yet. If Tanner McKee has to miss a couple of weeks due to his injury, you can’t enter the season with McCord as the QB2.
Defense
I speak highly of Jeremiah Trotter Jr. most weeks, and he played well again here, but this rep showed his limitations. He read it okay, but he didn’t have the sideline-to-sideline speed to get there. I’ve had a few questions asking why he likely won’t start (as I always speak very positively about him), and the truth is that his limited athletic profile caps his upside, and it’s why Jihaad Campbell will probably start instead. Campbell offers more range, while Trotter looks like the steady, reliable type you trust as an outstanding backup.
This was an interesting game for Jakorian Bennett. He gave up completions, but his coverage was consistently sticky, and his speed showed up. On this clip, he allowed four yards on 3rd and 5, which isn’t bad at all. Across the night he was beaten a few times but never looked totally out of position. That’s why I’d call his performance unlucky as much as anything. He isn’t opening the season as CB2, but I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get a shot there later in the year once he settles into the scheme.
I didn’t expect to be writing about Parry Nickerson, but his interception deserved it. He knew he had the flat responsibility, undercut the receiver brilliantly, and came down with a highlight-reel pick. One play won’t earn him a roster spot, but he showed he’s the kind of veteran who knows the system and could stick around on the practice squad.
Another rookie who impressed was Mac McWilliams. He’s looked comfortable inside and outside all preseason, and here you see the click-and-close speed and excellent ball skills. The way he plays the ball through the receiver’s hand is beautiful. He played nearly the whole game and rotated between nickel and outside. I still think his profile suits the nickel best, but if Adoree’ Jackson or Kelee Ringo struggle outside, I wouldn’t be opposed to giving him a look outside.
I never quite know what to make of Patrick Johnson. Every preseason, he flashes with plays like this, but he never seems to get opportunities once the regular season begins. He just always looks good in the preseason! The question with Johnson is whether he has enough juice to do it against starting offensive linemen, but with the Eagles’ EDGE depth thin this year, I wonder if he deserves a look.
We’ll finish with Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. He hasn’t had a strong offseason overall, but this rep was a reminder of why he was productive in college. The quickness to bend and close is there, and you don’t put up his college sack numbers without having some useful pass-rushing traits. He hasn’t done enough to guarantee a roster spot, but if he makes the practice squad, he’s one to monitor. I also wouldn’t be surprised if another team takes a flyer on him if the Eagles don’t keep him on the 53. He’s a tough player to evaluate.
It was good to see football again, but I’m glad preseason is over. Next time we’re breaking down the film, it will be regular season action! Bring on the Cowboys…
Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment below and ask any questions. If you enjoyed this piece, you can find more of my work and podcast here. If you would like to support me further, please check out my Patreon.
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