BALTIMORE – The Baltimore area has cleared the remnants of Hurricane Debby ahead of the Eagles’ preseason opener against the Ravens on Friday night. While this would typically allow starters to participate, Jalen Hurts and several key players were held out of the game.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni decided to rest Hurts, Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown, and four starting offensive linemen due to concerns over the wet field conditions. “I just wanted to have a clean operation,” Sirianni explained. “I didn’t want to put them on something that… the weather could have been a little messy. I wanted to give them a clean track.”
Despite the absence of key players, the Eagles managed to secure a 16-13 victory over the Ravens after a dramatic finish. With 5:46 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Eagles mounted a drive mostly fueled by Kendall Milton’s running. As they approached scoring range, Jake Elliott attempted a 50-yard field goal but hit the upright for the second time, keeping the game knotted at 13-13 with only 16 seconds left.
On the ensuing play, Patrick Johnson sacked Ravens quarterback Emory Jones, causing a fumble that he recovered at the Baltimore 32 yard line. After setting up for a final kick, Elliott successfully converted a 49-yard field goal to clinch the win as time expired. “I knew I would be able to hit the edge real fast and get a chance to get after the ball,” Johnson remarked.
The game highlighted the Eagles’ rookies, especially first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell who played the entire first half and nearly made an interception. Mitchell played both outside and nickel cornerback but was disappointed he could not secure a catch on a play intended for Ravens receiver Malik Cunningham. “I really want that back. I was kind of mad at myself,” Mitchell said.
Other rookies, including edge rusher Jalyx Hunt and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter who had a sack and shared the team lead in tackles, also stood out. Running back Will Shipley scored a touchdown, and sixth-round pick Trevor Keegan played the full first half.
In the quarterback competition, Kenny Pickett started and completed 14 of 22 passes for 89 yards before Tanner McKee took over in the second half. McKee led a 17-play drive that concluded with a Lew Nichols touchdown run, giving the Eagles a brief 13-6 lead.
The Eagles’ only first-half touchdown came from Shipley on a 7-yard pass from Pickett. Despite the touchdown, Elliott’s extra-point attempt was unsuccessful after hitting the upright.
Defensively, the Eagles had a shaky start as the Ravens quickly advanced to the Eagles’ 29 yard line, but Devin White and Jalen Carter helped to halt their momentum. The Ravens first took a 3-0 lead with a 46-yard field goal. The Eagles responded by scoring the first touchdown to take a lead before the half.
Several starters, including Hurts, Barkley, and cornerback Darius Slay did not play, as did other players due to injury or precaution. The game served as an opportunity for several players to prove their worth as the team looks to solidify key positions ahead of the regular season.
The Eagles’ preseason schedule continues with games against the Patriots and Vikings, followed by a much-anticipated regular season that includes international play in Brazil against the Packers.