Wentz Passes First Test
I thought Carson Wentz played well in his preseason debut.
Wentz entered the game before the end of the second half, given an opportunity to lead the offense on a two-minute drill, and made some good impressions on his first drive.
Wentz was sound in nearly all facets of his game. He was poised, and seemed to have a good feel for the rush around him. His mobility allowed him to extend some plays, and make something out of nothing on several moments.
The only blemish Wentz really had came on a poor throw that was intercepted, killing a scoring opportunity for the Eagles. But to the rookie’s credit, he didn’t seem to allow the mistake to rattle him mentally in his following drives.
Quick Thoughts
Offense
- I didn’t like that Doug Pederson chose to lift Sam Bradford and the first-team offense after just one series that lasted only three plays. Preseason reps are important. Especially given the issues that this team has at wide receiver, it would have been nice to see Bradford have some more opportunities to develop some rapport and chemistry with his targets.
- By comparison, Tampa Bay kept their first team offense in the game for most of the first quarter.
- Chase Daniel was pitiful. I know the second-team offensive line was horrendous, and had Daniel running for his life on many plays, but the problems with Daniel’s game were on display throughout his two quarters of action. He’s a small guy, has trouble getting clean looks at the field, and offers little threat to stretch the field.
- Speaking of the second-team offensive line…it’s a scary thought to think of this team missing Lane Johnson for 10 games.
- Stefan Wisniewski looked pretty poor. I don’t see him threatening Allan Barbre’s job any time soon.
- Paul Turner was the only wide receiver that really made any plays tonight.
- Zach Ertz had a terrible drop on the final drive before the end of the first half, killing the drive on a third down. Carson Wentz put the ball on the money, and Wentz let him down.
- I haven’t been a big fan of Kenjon Barner, but he looked pretty good tonight.
- I noticed Ertz lined up in the slot on several plays.
- The entire group of wide receivers. Not a single player in this group stepped up tonight. Nelson Agholor? Missed a block on a screen to Josh Huff, and dropped a catchable pass from Wentz at the end of the half. Chris Givens? Invisible. Rueben Randle? A drop. Josh Huff? Absolute bonehead play, fumbling away one of the few passes he caught.
- Wendell Smallwood had an opportunity to create some seperation between himself and Kenjon Barner, but ended up missing the game with an injury.
- Chris Pantale did a nice job in the fullback role, helping the team convert on several short-yardage situations.
Defense
- While Pederson was quick to get the offensive starters out the game, the defensive first team played most of the first quarter, and some players saw action in the second as well. It’s a little strange that playing time for the offensive and defensive starters was so skewed, and it makes me wonder if Pederson is completely hands off with the defense, allowing Jim Schwartz to run it as he sees fit.
- The first-team defensive line looks like it will be fun to watch. Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan gave the Tampa Bay offensive line fits, leading to several sacks of Jameis Winston, and a turnover that the offense up with a short field.
- Jalen Mills was in good position throughout most of the night, but seemed to have some nerves in his first NFL game, committing several poor penalties.
- Eric Rowe is a disaster. He looks as unsure of himself as he did last season as a rookie. It’s no wonder to me why he’s fifth on the depth chart.
- Encouraging play made on a 4th and short by seventh round pick Joe Walker, who got penetration and stuffed the Tampa running back for a loss.
- Steven Means had a nice game, picking up a sack and putting more pressure on former first-round pick Marcus Smith.
- Beau Allen and Taylor Hart each had some nice moments with the second-team defensive line.
- Chris Maragos came down with a nice interception. He’s shown he can contribute a bit as a defender if need be.
- Jaylen Watkins should have had at least one interception tonight. He was in position to make plays throughout the game.
Special Teams
- Najee Goode forced a fumble on the opening kickoff that turned into the team’s first touchdown.
- Caleb Sturgis seems to be ahead of Cody Parkey.
The Bad –
the Buffalo boys Schwartz brought to Philly are horrible ( McKelvin, Brooks and Bradham) at least the Chipper didn’t insert his Oregon players into the starting lineup they were all reserves.
Eagle OL is bad really really bad. Multiple QBs maybe all 3 will see the field due to injury.
This years crop of Eagles draft picks are nothing again. See Wentz’s talent but he is a 50/ 50 QB right now. Will have one interception for every TD and one incompletion for every completion. Maybe Wentz can become an above average starter but the rest of the lot is garbage.
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The good :
Fletcher Cox is going to destroy the NFL this year. Why the Chipper used him as a 5 technique shield for below average ILBs was stupid.
Barwin looks competent at DE, will be serviceable in the position change.
The new RG Brooks looks good as did Ryan Matthews.
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be back in a few weeks for the NY Jet game.
As was the case last year, the Eagles have a drop problem and 90% of the fans know this. I dont care who the qb is, if they dont bring in the ball qe wont go far.
We didnt see bradford. Chase ran for his life and rook looked promising.
Mathews /sproles could have a good year if they stay alive.
As has been said.. the Oline meeds major help. Paulman, what amazing Olineman on another team is getting cut for cap reasons?
On D- Cox os a monster.
Too many out to see a coherent group in the secondary.