The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off the preseason on Thursday night with a 24-23 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers scored 13 unanswered points in the first half, but the Nick Foles and Trent Edwards were able to guide the Eagles on three touchdown drives in the second half to take the lead late in the game.
Defense
- The first defensive series was a mixed bag for the Eagles’ defense. The Steelers had little trouble moving the ball, hitting Juan Castillo’s unit with a number of quick, methodical strikes resulting in a slow successful drive.The defense was able to make several plays at different points in the drive, but they had some trouble getting off of the field (allowing two third-down conversions).
- The opening Pittsburgh drive chewed up nearly 10 minutes of the first quarter.
- Phillip Hunt needs some strong showings in the preseason to lock up his roster spot, and he made a big play on the opening drive to sack Ben Roethlisberger. Hunt came back on the second possession, and forced a fumble on backup quarterback Byron Leftwich. He also made several plays against the run.
- Derek Landri, one of last year’s pleasant surprises, created a sack with great penetration on the opening drive. Landri broke through the line, and chased Roethlisberger into the arms of Daryl Tapp
- Nnamdi Asomugha didn’t do much to inspire confidence. He allowed a critical completion on the first drive. He couldn’t decide whether he wanted to cover the receiver or the running back. The former Pro-Bowler should be much more decisive than that. The completion kept the drive alive, and set the Steelers up for their first field goal.
- Asomugha was later beat on a simple inside slant route to Antonio Brown, which produced another first down.
- Asomugha was responsible for yet another breakdown in the redzone, turning Brown loose again to set up an easy touchdown.
- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie tackles just as well as Asante Samuel. He doesn’t like to wrap up, and prefers to launch himself into opposing players, looking for a big hit. For the Eagles’ sake, he better turn out to be just as much of a playmaker.
- Mychal Kendricks was around the football. He was one of the fastest players on the field tonight. His best play came in the second quarter when he used his speed to kill a screen play.
- Run defense was particularly poor in the second Pittsburgh drive. Two straight plays, the Eagles’ run defense was gashed for two big runs that set up the first touchdown.
- Brandon Graham played well, picking up a sack and several quarterback hurries.
- Vinny Curry didn’t see major action until the second half, but he made his presence known. Curry played hard, and stuffed the run on several plays.
- Cedric Thornton had a strong game. He was quick off of the ball, and got to the quarterback on several occasions.
Special Teams
- Brandon Boykin made a good first impression as the team’s kick returner. The rookie took his first kickoff from eight yards deep in the endzone and turned it into a 46-yard return.
- The Eagles want to give Damaris Johnson every opportunity to make this team. They started the rookie with the first team, and threw to him on the first play. Johnson had a nice punt return in the second quarter that was called back on a penalty. He’s an explosive athlete, and has a real chance to make this team.
- I was glad to see Alex Henery get an opportunity to hit a game-winning field goal. Henery wasn’t challenged with many clutch field goals in his rookie year, it was very encouraging to see the former fourth round pick come through in a pressure situation.
Offense
- Johnson would also catch four passes for 85 yards and a 70-yard touchdown from Nick Foles in the third quarter.
- Johnson’s only blemish was that he dropped a catchable ball in the second quarter. He appeared to be concerned about the Pittsburgh safety coming his way, lost his concentration, and dropped the ball.
- Michael Vick was on the field for a grand total of six plays, and wasn’t particularly impressive in any of them. He was unsettled in the pocket, and forced a throw to Clay Harbor on the second drive.
- Mike Kafka was easily the worst of the four quarterbacks tonight. He made an inexcusable mistake in the second quarter, forcing a throw into pressure, resulting in an interception thrown to a defensive lineman.
- Nick Foles was the offensive star in tonight’s game. The rookie looked confident and poised in the pocket, and led the team on back-to-back scoring drives to gain the lead in the third quarter. He made a great read on a broken play to hit Damaris Johnson for a 70-yard touchdown, and made another nice throw to Mardy Gilyard for a score on the following drive.
- Nice showing for Dion Lewis. He seemed to see the field very well, and made some good, decisive runs.
- Bryce Brown looked very good in the second half. He had a couple of strong runs, and also had a nice catch in the flat that he turned into a first down. He seems to have the lead for the third-string running back position.
- Trent Edwards was steady in the fourth quarter. The veteran threw a touchdown pass on a drive to take the lead late in the game. He also took the team on two-minute drill in the final minutes of the the game and gave his team a chance to win.
nice summary – will be interested to see how the QB depth chart looks after the scrimmage…
Nick Foles may be the future and I like it, but Mike Vick’s thumb slam just reinforced the idea that the Eagles could use McNabb now. 1 season having played all 16 games pops back to the forefront of mind and it’s unrealistic to expect Vick to play the full season…it might happen, but it’s unrealistic to expect it. I hope Demeco Ryans improves next week, because the DLine can bring the serious heat with the wide 9 and they should be able to use that without fear of the middle being exposed. It still would be nice if the Cardinals cut Stewart Bradley. The Eagles could put Bradley at SAM and move Kendricks to WILL where he could keep a closer eye on opposing RBs it would be better for the defense and I think an even more natural fit for him.
Chad Hall looked pretty good, but unless something drastic happens I think Damaris Johnson is going to have his roster spot. Johnson just has too much upside on ST, as a speedy WR and between Brown and Polk the Eagles are overloaded at RB.
Butch, C’mon baby, Stewart Bradley Sucks. I know we aren’t still hanging our hat on him playing over his head a few years ago. I school Spadaro on this same subject, and he claimed it wasbecause he was injured. I rebuttled, that he ran a 4.9 at the Combine; He was never fast in the first place. Don’t give me that. He was the weak link on that defense………NO, If the Cards are cutting him, it because they are smarter than what we give them credit for.
He has no speed, he can’t cover, teams pick us apart with him on the field because he is a defensive liability…..No thanks
That first quarter was a lesson in domination! My thoughts, negatives & positives. Vick hurt already. We still can’t stop the dump & screen passes, & still can’t get off the field, after 3rd down. Tapp & his wasteful contract, is a goner. Boykin & Johnson(man he is lightening) will be our returners. We need a GOOD TE, to help out Celek.
Negatives- Vick hurt already & looked shaky(but it’s early). Kafka BLOWS! Harbor eats the big one. Jarrett was/ is IMHO, a reach & a waste of a 2nd rounder! Dixon is a slow, fat slob! Our LB’s & Safeties, still can’t stop the run, dump & screen passes. We still are making mental miscues & mistakes, on coverage, in the secondary. Castillo still has that lost look on the sidelines. Now that Gilyard scored, Paulman isn’t going to stop his man-crush. ROFL!!!
Positives- Our DE’s are going to be reeking havoc on opponents. Curry, Hunt & Graham looked very good. Foles looked good, & has quick feet for a big man, & a cannon arm.
I for one thinks its a mistake to make Mike Kafka second string QB. I see nothing that says starter. Based on the game last night, I would bring in a moresuitable, and capable backup at QB, until Nick Foles develops further to be the 2 next year, like AJ Feeley.
CB Asmo Looked terrible, indecisive and a lot like he did last year.. If he continues to play like that, I don’t care what type of pressue the DE put on the QB.. Why does he play 5 yards off a WR at the 3 Yard Line and especially when the Steelers only had 1 WR on his side of the field.. He is a BUST as I thought and stated he would be,,,
First preseason game and you call Nnamdi a bust? Comical. I didnt know an all pro/ probowler could be labeled a bust. Your a bust. 1 miscue and you complain. You have a negative eye for Nnamdi that is very clear, and the reason? You didnt think the eagles were going to sign him you wanted other guys instead. Get over it Paul. Its a yr later n ur still on it. This was the first preseason game. Did you see how terrible the packers looked? Cmon man this is why we have the pre-season so teams can make corrections and improve there team. The 1st team offense looked a wreck but you zero in on Nnamdi? Sad stuff
Asmo got me a bit worried too, though I believe it’s because we don’t have a true Defensive coach who know’s how to call the right Defensive calls that will put the right players in the right place. Asmo’s tackling skills worry me too much though.
It was nice to see Coach Reid smile that moment was priceless
Wide 9 is the problem. If I was Andy Reid I would walk up to Washburn today and tell him we are scrapping the Wide 9. This concept is killing the Eagles. The d-line cant stop the run or a screen. This team has enough talent to run a traditional 4-3. I would ask Andy is 5 sacks a game worth giving up 15 big plays a game? The defense doesnt work. This isnt Castilles fault this is Washburn and his wide 9 alignment.
way too much analysis, criticism of the first preseason game, especially in context, the team, coach are not right following emotional week, everyone needs to chill out
LOL I feel you Jake dog.. way to much reading into thsi fellas its the first time up against a different team. so what the steelers looked good in the first drive that doesnt make a season or a game..lol Hey guys guess what i was just happy to watch the EAGLES play football. I think some of you was just ready to critizise somebody SMH. Be Happy to have a team .. But i would like to see more of Foles im pushing for him to start.