Eagles vs. Ravens instant analysis: Wild finish as rookies shine, not ...

10 Aug 2024

The News Journal

Eagles vs Ravens instant analysis Wild finish as rookies shine not

BALTIMORE − The remnants from Hurricane Debby have cleared out of the Baltimore area well before the start of the Eagles preseason opener against the"...

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BALTIMORE − The remnants from Hurricane Debby have cleared out of the Baltimore area well before the start of the Eagles preseason opener against the Ravens on Friday night.

That would have cleared the way for starters to play, as was reported earlier Friday by various outlets. But that didn't happen as Jalen Hurts and others sat out.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said he held out Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown, and four of the starting offensive linemen because he didn't want to risk playing them in wet field conditions.

"I just wanted to have a clean operation," Sirianni said. "I didn’t want to put them on something that … the weather could have been a little messy. I wanted to give them a clean track."

But there was plenty to see among those who played as the Eagles beat the Ravens 16-13 after a wild finish.

The Eagles got the ball with 5:46 left in the fourth quarter, and slowly worked their way down the field, mostly behind Kendall Milton's running. That set up a 50-yard field goal try by Jake Elliott. But for the second time in the game, Elliott's kick hit the upright, and the game stayed tied 13-13 with 16 seconds left.

But on the very next play, Patrick Johnson sacked Ravens quarterback Emory Jones, forcing a fumble that Johnson recovered at the Baltimore 32. After running a play to the middle of the field, Elliott this time drained a 49-yard field goal with no time left for the win.

"I knew that was gong to be able to hit the edge real fast and get a chance to get after the ball," Johnson said. "I just took advantage of the play call."

It capped a game that showcased the Eagles' rookies, beginning with first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell, who played the entire first half and nearly had an interception.

Mitchell played on the outside when the Eagles were in their base defense, then moved inside to nickel. But it was his play when he dove in front of Ravens receiver Malik Cunningham that he regrets. Mitchell had the ball in his hand, but couldn't hold onto it.

"I really want that back. I was kind of mad at myself," Mitchell said. "This week in practice, I gotta keep working hard and just bring it in next time."

Mitchell wasn't alone. Edge rusher Jalyx Hunt played well, as did linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who had a sack and tied for the team lead with 5 tackles. On offense, running back Will Shipley scored a touchdown and sixth-rounder Trevor Keegan started and played the entire first half.

Kenny Pickett started at quarterback, and he went 13-for-21 for 90 yards in the first half. Pickett played the first series of the second half and the Eagles went 3-and-out. Pickett finished 14 of 22 for 89 yards.

Tanner McKee took over for Pickett when the Eagles got the ball back with 9:47 left in the third quarter, and methodically led the Eagles down the field on a 17-play drive that lasted 7 minutes, 31 seconds.

Lew Nichols capped the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, giving the Eagles a 13-6 led with 2:16 left in the third quarter.

McKee completed 5 of 9 passes on the drive for 32 yards. His longest pass was only 11 yards. But McKee was in control as he turned to the running attack. Tyrion Davis-Price had 30 yards on 5 carries on the drive.

Like Pickett, McKee couldn't sustain it. McKee finished 6-for-16 for 39 yards.

Will Shipley scores Eagles first TD

Rookie running back Will Shipley scored the Eagles' only touchdown in the first half, on a 7-yard pass from Pickett with 30 seconds left in the first quarter. Both Shipley and Kenny Gainwell had 23 yards rushing in the first half.

That was Pickett's only sustained drive of the night. The Eagles went 75 yards on 15 plays, using up 8:50. But Jake Elliott's extra-point attempt hit the upright.

But the game was also noticeable for who didn't play, at least right away. Nakobe Dean didn't get a chance at linebacker until late in the second quarter, when he and Jeremiah Trotter came in together.

In addition, Mekhi Becton started at right guard, with Tyler Steen coming in after the first series. Steen was called for holding in the second quarter.

Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell played the entire first half, rotating between nickel and outside cornerback. He had a pass breakup in the first quarter.

Trotter, meanwhile, had a sack late in the first half when he tackled Ravens QB Josh Johnson on 3rd-and-2.

Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, Jordan Mailata and Darius Slay didn't play. Neither did center Cam Jurgens, safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who's injured, and edge rusher Brandon Graham.

The Eagles didn't get off to a great start defensively as the Ravens quickly marched down to the Eagles' 29 with a first down.

But Devin White, starting at linebacker, stopped Owen Wright for no gain. Then Jalen Carter deflected Josh Johnson's pass on second down. On the next play, Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell dove and broke up a pass over the middle intended for Malik Cunningham.

Mitchell had a chance to intercept the pass, but couldn't hold it. Ravens kicker Justin Tucker then hit a 46-yard field goal for a 3-0 Ravens lead with 9:20 left.

The Eagles then went down the field and scored, taking a 6-3 lead on Pickett's 7-yard TD pass to Will Shipley with 30 seconds left in the first quarter. Jake Elliott's extra-point try clanged off the upright.

This is an interesting preseason game because there are key jobs up for grabs, such as at right guard, inside linebacker and cornerback.

That's why I'm focusing on these 13 players. That includes perhaps the most under-the-radar battle − to battle to serve as Hurts' backup between Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee.

5 Eagles who need to step up in Eagles game at Ravens

Through two weeks of practice, we have seen some strong performances, but we have also seen some players struggle, such as these five. And these are players who could be in danger of losing competitions for either starting jobs or roster spots. That's what makes the game against the Ravens a big one for those who have gotten off to slow starts.

There is still time to turn it around, and performing well against the Ravens will certainly help.