5 takeaways from the Eagles’ second preseason game against the Browns.
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The Philadelphia Eagles are back in action on Sunday in their second preseason game. After a late loss to the New York Jets in the first preseason game, the Eagles had another tough battle against the host Cleveland Browns.
Philadelphia got off to a fast start, scoring two touchdowns on its first two drives, but then the offense went cold, scoring just one more touchdown the rest of the game. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew had a solid outing, completing 14 of 17 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns.
Third quarterback Reed Sinnett threw a beautiful ball to Devon Allen for his third score of the day. Allen, an Olympic track and field star, got behind the defense and Sinnett was able to make a great throw.
The Browns had a chance to win the game late with the Eagles leading by one, but the Eagles defense held on for a 21-20 lead to give the Eagles their first preseason win.
Here are five key takeaways from Sunday’s game.
5. The Eagles’ backup offensive line is starting caliber
The Eagles have the best starting offensive line in the NFL.
The elite combination of Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumal and Lane Johnson didn’t play in the Eagles’ second preseason game, but the Eagles offense didn’t miss a beat.
From left to right, Andre Dillard, Jack Anderson, Cam Jurgens, Sua Opeta and Jack Driscoll curved the line of scrimmage and dominated the Browns defense.
One starter is bound to miss some time with an injury, but fortunately the Eagles have enough depth to survive. I’d bet the Eagles’ second-team offensive line is better than some of the other teams’ starters.
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4. Shane Steichen’s game was impressive
When your offensive line is dominant, it makes things easier. And offensive coordinator Shane Steichen was aware Sunday. Steichen was a step ahead of the Browns’ defense, allowing the Eagles’ offense to sustain drives and score points.
The Eagles’ first two races were as follows:
- 14 plays, 76 yards, 7:26, 7 points
- 17 plays, 75 yards, 7:35, 7 scores
The Eagles’ third drive was also impressive, with the Birds driving 12 plays, 72 yards, 5:53, but they couldn’t score after turning the ball over on downs. That turnover was Steichen’s worst decision of the game. The Eagles had 4th-and-goal from the three-yard line, and Steichen forced backup Gardner Minshew to throw a quick out that would have been an interception for a touchdown.
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3. Jalen Reagor’s stock falls while Deon Cane’s stock rises
If you were from space and didn’t know who Jalen Reagor or Deon Cain was and watched them both play on Sunday, you’d think Cain was a first-round draft pick and Reagor was a sixth-rounder.
Kane continued to make flashy catches and show that he is a reliable target and can add depth at the receiver position, while Rheagor did the opposite. Rhaegar was clearly frustrated as he tried to move on. Cain finished the day with five catches for 66 yards, while Reagor had just two catches for 17 yards.
If the final receiver spot comes down to Rheagor and Kane, Kane should be the Eagles’ choice.
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2. Cam Jurgens continues to shine
I have a 2022 2nd round pick, by Cam Jurgens last week, and I’m highlighting it again. I know it’s early days, but Jurgens looks like he’s going to be a starter for the Eagles for a very long time.
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It’s hard not to keep comparing him to Jason Kelce, but the way he pulls and can clear lanes in space is very similar to Kelce. He was also once again breaking down defensive linemen and opening up huge running lanes.
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1. Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell can give the Eagles significant snaps
In 2022, the Eagles are counting on Myles Sanders was their worst move of the offseason. However, it appears that the Eagles will be able to make a running back commit this season to remedy that.
Boston Scott showed off his skills on the first drive, consistently moving the chains and then scoring a touchdown. Scott had 10 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown, adding one catch for 11 yards. After Scott did his thing on the first drive, 2021 fifth-round pick Kenneth Gainwell did his. Gainwell carried the ball 11 times for 46 yards and a touchdown.
Scott and Gainwell may not be starters, but they could give the Eagles significant snaps this season and make sure they don’t have to rely solely on Sanders to carry the load.
Jeremy Klump of The Morning Call can be reached at jklump@mcall.com.
Follow him on Twitter @NUTTYxPROFESSOR
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