What We Learned: Eagles v. Titans; Preseason Game 1
What We Learned: Eagles v. Titans; Preseason Game 1
After months of waiting, Eagles football returned with their first preseason game of 2019. The final score was lopsided, with the Tennessee Titans emerging victorious, but the score isn’t what’s important. Here’s what we learned from Philadelphia’s 27-10 loss:
Nate Sudfeld
Sudfeld played pretty well against the Titans number one defense (which is a very good defense), but the big story is the injury he suffered near the end of the first half. He fractured the wrist on his non-throwing hand while trying to break his fall, and will miss six weeks after a successful surgery. Cody Kessler and Clayton Thorson are the two remaining reserve quarterbacks on the roster…
Cody Kessler and Clayton Thorson
While Sudfeld gave us an encouraging performance, the guys behind him, most notably Thorson, did nothing to give us confidence in our QB depth chart. Kessler completed half of his six attempts for a measly 12 yards before Thorson entered and somehow played worse than the former Browns and Jaguars signal-caller. The fifth-round choice completely only two passes out of nine, totaling seven yards and an INT. The reports coming out of camp on Thorson were not glowing, and his performance all but confirms what we were hearing. Coach Doug Pederson made it clear that Philadelphia wasn’t searching for another backup at the moment, so we’re scheduled for three more weeks of Kessler and Thorson duking it out for the spot behind Carson Wentz.
Dallas Goedert
Goedert was simply unstoppable Thursday night. He was getting open at will and Tennessee's starters didn't have an answer for him. His talent level is immense, and there are many who believe he can be even better than his Pro Bowl counterpart Zach Ertz. When asked how many NFL teams he could be a #1 TE on, he responded with 29 (excluding the 49ers, Eagles, and Chiefs).
Andre Dillard
Based on what went down Thursday night, there should be no panic from Eagles nation if Jason Peters goes down to injury. The first-round pick was an immovable barrier in his first NFL action, and his run-blocking was superb as well. If this is a sign of things to come as opposed to an outlier, the Eagles impressive string of continuity at the left tackle position is set to continue after the Bodyguard is all said and done.
Jordan Mailata and Matt Pryor
The second-year blockers did not play well last night, to say the least. Pryor alone was flagged on three different occasions during the contest. Mailata’s play didn’t help his case for a roster spot, but offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland seemed to be pleased with his output. He had a few flashes, but after a year of development, a little more could be expected.
Marken Michel
After a strong offseason, Michel reinforced his case for a roster spot with a blazing 75-yard TD reception in the first half. On the play, he beat a high quality starting CB in Adoree’ Jackson while hauling in an absolute dime from Nate Sudfeld. With Mack Hollins still nowhere to be found, the last wide receiver spot is looking more and more attainable for the former CFLer.
L.J. Fort
In only one preseason game, Fort proved that he’s a superior linebacker to 2017 draft choice Nathan Gerry. He did get beat for a TD on what looked to be a miscommunication between him and Johnathan Cyprien, but besides that, he always seemed to be around when a tackle was made. He showcased his instincts, speed, and big-hitting ability throughout the contest.
Josh Adams and Donnel Pumphrey
They won’t make the team.
Tre Sullivan and Nate Gerry
are not good at football.
Daeshon Hall and Josh Sweat
The lengthy defensive end lived in the backfield all night, totaling six tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. He played like a man possessed, and could have a significant role on a team that loves to rotate its linemen. Josh Sweat also impressed, but his impact was limited by a high-end left tackle in Taylor Lewan. Early signs are great for this Eagles pass rush.
-By: Micah Jimoh