Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised quarterback Jalen Hurts as “awesome” during training camp. The Eagles are set to play their first game since the disappointing end to the 2023 season, as they face the Baltimore Ravens tonight at M&T Bank Stadium.
This preseason matchup will showcase Kellen Moore’s offensive strategy and Vic Fangio’s defensive schemes. While not all details will be revealed, Week 1 of the preseason is crucial for players vying for positions on the 53-man roster.
Sirianni has not disclosed whether the team’s starters will take the field tonight, but several key storylines will be worth monitoring against the Ravens.
One of the focal points will be the competition for the backup quarterback position. The Eagles typically allocate resources to bring in a veteran backup each season. This year, they traded for Kenny Pickett from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pickett, a first-round draft choice in 2022, has started 24 games over the past two seasons. However, this week, second-year quarterback Tanner McKee received more repetitions with the second-team unit. McKee, a sixth-round pick from Stanford in 2023, performed well during last year’s preseason but was relegated to third-string behind Hurts and veteran Marcus Mariota. A strong showing against Baltimore could position McKee to challenge Pickett for the No. 2 spot.
Another position to watch will be the running back rotation. Rookie Will Shipley has been impressive in training camp, showing potential as he aims to carve out a niche on the roster. Shipley, a fourth-round pick from Clemson, has demonstrated versatility, particularly in pass-catching situations. While Kenneth Gainwell is the expected backup to Saquon Barkley, Shipley will have opportunities to prove himself, especially with adjustments in the kickoff rules.
The Eagles are also looking to solidify their receiving corps behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Rookie Johnny Wilson, a sixth-round pick from Florida State, has been particularly notable, receiving first-team reps as Parris Campbell nurses an injury. At 6-foot-6 and 228 pounds, Wilson’s size and catching ability make him a player to watch. Several others, including John Ross, rookie Ainias Smith, and others, are competing for positions in the depth chart.
Tyler Steen was initially favored to start at right guard, but an ankle injury and missed practice time have opened up competition. Veteran Mekhi Becton has stepped up in Steen’s absence, receiving first-team reps and showing potential despite lacking prior guard experience in the NFL.
Defensive focus will also be on Nolan Smith, the Eagles’ first-round draft pick from 2023. Smith struggled to break into the defensive line rotation last season, but improvement this year could add depth to the edge position.
The linebacker corps is another area under scrutiny, with Devin White and Zack Baun expected to lead the group. White, a recent signing, is anticipated to secure the starting position, while Nakobe Dean seeks redemption from an injury-plagued 2023 season. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Ben VanSumeren are also in contention for spots in the lineup, with all vying for first-team duties.
In the secondary, the battle for the No. 2 cornerback spot remains intense. Darius Slay has one spot secured, but younger talents, including Isaiah Rodgers, Quinyon Mitchell, and Kelee Ringo, are in the mix for the opposite role. Mitchell is additionally being considered in the slot position, adding complexity to cornerback assignments.
Lastly, James Bradberry is attempting to transition to safety after two seasons as a starting cornerback. Following a subpar season in 2023, he is competing for a roster spot against Reed Blankenship. Tonight’s game will be critical for Bradberry as he looks to establish himself in this new role.