The Eagles treated tonight’s game like a dress rehearsal in many respects. OC Sean Mannion was back in the booth, and the coaches were solidifying in-game communication.
The players went through the game-day routine; Sirianni stated players were in a hotel overnight.
Why? Because Sept. 13 against Washington will be here before you know it, and the only preseason game at the Linc was treated with importance.
The results on the scoreboard were not as important as leaving healthy, and the final game reps that likely finalized roster decisions for the players who helped or hurt their stock.
Philadelphia concludes preseason 0–3 following a 30–13 loss.
The Eagles gave the fans what they wanted right from the start. Makai Lemon came out in the opening drive for his first game action in the NFL, and Tanner McKee’s first pass went straight to him, good for three yards. He was unable to show off any run after the catch due to having to adjust his body to haul in the off-target pass.
During the in-game interview on CBS, Jalen Hurts addressed his thoughts on Makai Lemon. “We were out in Houston getting a lot of quality work in,” seeming to suggest he is not too concerned about the time he has missed during camp.
The defense struggled to contain Josh Johnson until the Bengals reached the red zone, where they forced three field goals despite allowing 201 yards of offense. The D also forced a turnover at their own 38 with 2:25 left in the half.
The Eagles capitalized when Jake Elliott nailed a 45-yard field goal as time expired on the half.
The half ended Bengals 9, Eagles 3.
Philly started off the second half by forcing a turnover on the kickoff, and another Jake Elliott FG, this time from 56 yards out, which is very encouraging.
Bengals QB Sean Clifford continued to pick apart the Eagles defensive backs with a touchdown in the third quarter, which was quickly answered by Andy Dalton with an impressive 76-yard touchdown drive.
Makai Lemon was the punt returner late in the third quarter and mishandled the roller, resulting in being gang-tackled by the Cincinnati special teams. It initially appeared that he was not going to touch it; that would have been the better decision.
Saquon Barkley described how he feels heading into his ninth year during the broadcast. “My body feels great. Our strength staff, our coaches did a great job of creating a game plan for me. I feel super ready for the season.”
Cincinnati added another touchdown on a 6-yard run where Josh Weru lost contain on the edge.
The Eagles also allowed rookie Jamal Haynes to scamper for a 39-yard touchdown a few minutes later that took the score to the final of 30–13.
The battle for QB2 was rather lackluster, as Tanner McKee was not accurate much of the night; one of his better throws, still a tad high, went off the hands of Lemon for an interception. McKee did lead the team to a field goal. He finished 12/22 for 55 yards, a pick, and a few boos from the crowd.
Andy Dalton started the 2nd half, was gifted a short field on his first possession, and went 0-for-2. Then he turned it around with the aforementioned 76-yard drive he led the Eagles' offense with, which was capped off by a touchdown pass to Carson Steele.
The battle for QB2 ends with more questions than answers, and regardless of who wins, tonight did little to inspire confidence.
Cole Payton came in with 4:25 left in the game and went 0–2 in his only drive.
RB Dameon Pierce’s first carry was a strong run good for 8 yards and a first down. He displayed the strength he has been unable to show this summer due to injury. His second carry went for 16, and his vision and power were evident all night. There should be a spot waiting for him on the practice squad.
RB/FB Carson Steele has forced Howie Roseman to make a tough decision to leave him off the roster. It will be fascinating to see how it plays out, but he has shown versatility and game-day toughness. He finished the game with 76 total yards, a touchdown, and Saquon Barkley calling him “Little Thor.”
Darius Cooper was not dressed for the game, another indication that his strong summer already solidified his roster spot.
Elijah Moore played, which likely means his roster spot isn’t solidified. He hauled in both of his targets, and he has been good all summer, while more importantly developing a rapport with Hurts.
WR Erik Ezuanma returned kickoffs, averaging 31 yards a return on his three opportunities. He will be fighting for a spot on the PS.
DT/NT Zion Wilson, the former four-year ECU offensive lineman who turned defensive lineman in his fifth season, got behind the line and had a nice TFL in the first quarter. He finished the game with 3 tackles.
Edge/Off Ball Keyshawn James-Newby had a sack and two tackles. The seventh-round pick would be a player that makes a lot of sense to continue developing on the practice squad.
CB Mac McWilliams gave up a lot of plays and looked better at camp than during this game. He also did not fare well in the previous preseason game. His roster spot could be in jeopardy.
DB Kupena Gushiken was everywhere on special teams, and plays like his hair is on fire. He did have issues in coverage, but showed solid tackling and finished the game with 6.
S Maximus Pulley had 5 tackles, but did not have any flashy moments.
Andre’ Sam had a good game, including a fumble recovery, but also had an interception go through his hands. He did have solid coverage all night. Unfortunately, he left the game on a cart in the third quarter. He had been one of the standout players all night.
The players that Vic Fangio affectionately calls “exchange students,” Joshua Weru and Uar Bernard, both played in the final preseason game.
Uar had one tackle, but I barely noticed him on the field all night.
Weru was penalized for hands to the head early in the game, but he showed a good burst getting to the QB. In the second half, he gave up a touchdown run when he failed to set the edge. The learning curve continues for the talented Kenyan.
The NFL cut-down day is Sunday. Howie Roseman will be making the final 53-man roster decisions, followed by waiver wire pickups being available immediately after. The practice squad can be set on Monday. As you can see, it will be a very busy and impactful weekend, as the choices made will ultimately shape the 2026 Philadelphia Eagles.
The roster will always be evolving, but a big portion of the work will be done Sunday night.
