Rookie tight end Eli Stowers got absolutely hammered with a Pro Football Focus grade of 29th out of 29 Eagles offensive players after their preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens. That’s a brutal start for anyone, let alone a guy trying to make his mark. He started the game and led the tight ends in snaps, but his three receptions only went for 12 yards, which just isn’t cutting it. It’s preseason, sure, but those numbers are a red flag when you’re looking for early impact.
Offense Still Figuring Things Out
Beyond Stowers’ struggles, the Eagles offense had some head-scratchers. Rookie Micah Morris got a long look at left guard, while Jake Majors took all 34 snaps at center. Personally, I was hoping to see less of Darius Cooper, figuring they’ve seen enough to know he deserves a spot and should be preserved. But no, he played a lot. Cooper ended up leading the team in receiving with a mere 21 yards, and honestly, it could’ve been better if he hadn’t dropped a would-be first down conversion. That just hurts, man. John Ojukwu, who typically works at tackle, even got snaps at left guard, a position where he apparently lacks experience. He took 10 snaps there and 13 at left tackle. You gotta wonder if he’s feeling the roster bubble pressure, especially with Willie Lampkin starting at center before shifting to right guard. Andy Dalton started at QB, followed by Tanner McKee, then Cole Payton in the fourth. Drew Kendall and Fred Johnson also started but didn’t stay in long, possibly lining up as the sixth and seventh offensive linemen behind the starters.
Defensive Backfield Woes and Pressure Points
On the defensive side, second-year corner Mac McWilliams had a rough go of it. PFF charted him allowing four targets for four catches, 37 yards, a 105.2 passer rating against, and two penalties. Not exactly a confidence-builder for the secondary. On the flip side, Smael Mondon Jr. was active as a blitzer, tying for a team high with three pressures. Ty Robinson also played a lot and delivered three pressures, including a sack. It sounds like he’s making a strong case to stick around. Undrafted rookie linebacker Deontae Lawson saw action on defense and special teams, but with how loaded the Birds are at linebacker, it’s hard to see him making the final cut. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. looked pretty solid in his snaps and probably doesn’t need to play much more in preseason. Kapena Gushiken, or “Gush” as Vic Fangio calls him, showed versatility, moving between the box, slot corner, and safety.
Look, it’s preseason for Philly, and these early looks matter big time. Players are fighting for their spots, and coaches are evaluating every single snap. And speaking of early looks and things that matter, our Seattle Seahawks just dropped a 17-7 final to the Dallas Cowboys. Not the start we want to see in the regular season, but it’s a reminder that every game counts, right from the jump.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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