Which Eagles Made The Best Last Impressions?

Now that the Philadelphia Eagles’ preseason has come to a close, the focus will be on who makes the final roster.  The starters were on sideline while quite a few regular season hopefuls performed in the final audition.

The players who are on ‘bubble watch’ aren’t just playing for a roster spot on the Eagles, but for the other 31 teams in the league.

I’m only concerned about who has a chance to make an impact for the team in South Philly this fall.

Rookies Kurt Coleman, Riley Cooper and Keenan Clayton all have earned their spots on the team before tonight.  Don’t be surprised to their roles expand as the season progresses.

Out of the guys who needed good performance to warrant keeping them on the team, who stepped up?

1.    Kelley Washington-He beat out Hank Baskett for the fifth wide receiver spot.  His special teams play (especially on punt coverage) solidified it.
2.     J.J. Arrington- Arrington reminded me of Brian Mitchell on his kickoff returns.  I don’t see the Eagles using Eldra Buckley much during the regular season, so Arrington could very well be the third halfback.
3.    Moise Fokou- Last year’s starting SAM linebacker entered this week needing a good performance to stick around.  His ability to play DE has to help.
4.    Jorrick Calvin- Calvin’s been an Eagle for about 3 days, but he made the most of his one preseason game.  He was productive (and smart) returning the ball.  His strip of Santonio Holmes was a plus as well.
5.    Pannel Egboh- I don’t know why the Eagles felt the need to add another defensive end this week, but Egboh certainly can rush the passer.  He’s at least going to make the practice squad.

Each of the above players should be affiliated with the Eagles organization somehow (active roster or practice squad) this season.

Unfortunately, the final preseason game means saying farewell to certain players.  Some guys are good, but victims to a crowded position.  Other players made you wonder how they made it past the first week of training camp.

Which players helped their cause the least in the preseason finale?

1.    Quintin Demps- He can’t be trusted to play safety, so Demps’ saving grace was his return ability.  Well, both Calvin and Arrington did enough to diminish the need to keep Demps around.
2.    Chad Hall- Some people promoted Hall as another potential Wes Welker.  He’ll be more like Haran Knight next weekend: 5’9”, athletic and watching football on HDTV.
3.    Darryl Tapp- Getting rid of Chris Clemons was a relief, but adding a 4th round pick for Tapp was a bit much.  I think Egboh did more in 2-3 plays than Tapp did all preseason.
4.    Nate Lawrie- Lawrie’s chances of making the team for were minute, but he could’ve at least look like he was trying to make the team.
5.    Geoff Pope- Pope’s bio states he wants a career in sports marketing after he stops playing football.  The way he was burnt on Holmes’ TD reception, that career may begin this coming Sunday.
6.    David Pender- I understand he was hurt a lot this preseason, but Pender seemed to have no instincts when he was on the field.
7.    Victor ‘Macho’ Harris- Harris looked like his leg is still not 100% healthy.  That said, I think he’ll remain an Eagle.  His hamstring aggravation and experience as a starter last year will be put into consideration by Andy Reid and Co.

9-4-10 at 6pm EST, we’ll find out who the ‘Cut 22’ are.  After tonight’s game who do you think the Eagles should keep?  Who needs to go?