When the Eagles travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars this evening, writers will have their pick of eye-catching headlines, even if it is just the preseason. Nick Foles (who won't play), Cody Kessler (who will play a lot) and Malik Jackson (who will play some) face off against their former teams. Eagles fans may very well get their first sight of Desean Jackson, Paul Worrilow and newest Eagle Eli Harold in midnight green, and starters along the offensive line -- and maybe even Mack Hollins and Corey Clement -- might take some snaps as well. For a long list of things to keep out for, check out Liam Jenkins' preview below:
https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2019/08/14/ff-5/
For those of you looking for other interesting storylines to keep your eyes peeled, there are a few overlooked pieces to the puzzle as well. With certain players and position battles getting all the preseason pomp -- the quarterbacks, the rookies -- some key names could go unnoticed.
C Keegan Render
Stefen Wisnieski was not good snapping the football last Thursday. While his versatility as a backup swing guard makes him nearly indefensible to the team, and Isaac Seumalo experience at center should put the powers that be on offense at ease, the Eagles will likely look for a center to keep on the practice squad as a last resort option. With a good showing, Render could carve out a path for himself to cement that spot. Otherwise, there should be plenty of available options on the waivers after teams make their final cuts.
RB Jordan Howard
The preseason is generally for the players fighting to make the last handful of roster spots and rookies to have some game time minutes before the start of the season. Likewise, LJ mentioned the fierce running back battle happening at the bottom of the chart, but what about at the top? New addition Jordan Howard wasn't on the field for long against the Titans (9 offensive snaps), but was still able to give a glimpse of how he will fit in this offense. Even with a second-team offensive line, we got a small taste of how Howard's patient and forceful running style will pair with both the offensive scheme and the ultra-athletic offensive line. That being said, three carries for eight yards isn't much and left us all wanting more.
The fact that the new recruit suited up when a majority of the starters got the night off means the Eagles plan on giving him every opportunity to acclimate to the offense before the season gets into full swing. He should get more run as the preseason goes on. The Birds face two very good defensive schemes in Jacksonville and Baltimore and a few big plays from Howard could ensure him a good amount of carries early on in the season. The hope is that with a rotation of running backs, fresh legs will mean more explosiveness out of Howard's game. Nevertheless, if he can't muster more than three yards per carry, there will be a lot of people hopping on the Miles Sanders train early.
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Mandatory Photo Credit: Matt Patterson via AP
WR Marken Michel
Here's that name again . . . we'll take any excuse for bringing up the CFL transfer. While he's been getting a lot of deserved attention after a big first game, Michel may fly under the radar in week two of the preseason. Last week's 75-yard scamper put Eagles fans on notice, but he'll have to some more impressive performances to lock in a spot on the final roster. The coaching staff clearly felt that they had seen enough out of the speedy receiver and yanked him after only 15 plays. It will be interesting to see who starts the game in the slot for Philadelphia. There are a few other talented young players vying for that role that didn't get a ton of opportunity last Thursday. Quarterback play will be a catalyst for how well they can show their stuff.
As much as the offensive staff covet their burners, Michel will have to display some versatility to have a legitimate shot at the roster. One long touchdown will not be enough to guarantee a space on the roster. His deep threat value may also see a drop with check-down king Cody Kessler taking the reigns. Some after-the-catch flashes and solid possession catches could mean a lot for him making the team. He should also get another chance at returning kicks, where the position battle is still ongoing and could mean the difference between a roster spot and the chopping block. As positive as his first impression was, there is a fine line separating a Paul Turner-like preseason hero from the final 53.
Greg Ward Jr.
He didn't do much in 27 offensive snaps last week, but Ward will get another shot at making an impact in Jacksonville. With conservative Kessler calling the shots, the intelligent possession-focused receiver may have a leg up over his competition. Although he has some speed to stretch the field, while playing in the AAF, most of Ward's 22 receptions came relatively close to the line of scrimmage. Also aiding Kessler will be Ward's deceptively long catch radius for a 5'11" receiver, as you may remember from the catch below. He's also a special athlete after the catch and brings some return value should the Eagles give him a chance. He has become a very valuable practice squad player because of his ability to emulate opponents on the scout team. This year, however, the Eagles are especially deep at the receiver position and Ward's scout team value may not be enough.
https://twitter.com/BirdsInformer/status/1035324145029066752
CB Ajene Harris
Spotty corner play against the Titans from the other backup CBs on the roster left the door wide open for Harris to make an impact in Jacksonville. Unsurprisingly, he didn't get a whole lot of playing time in week one, just two days after being added to the roster. Still, in just 17 defensive snaps, the undrafted rookie registered three tackles including a sack. He should get more opportunity this week and will have to show up in coverage to earn a spot on the practice squad.
S Tre Sullivan
After cutting ties with the injured Blake Countess, the Eagles left the door wide open at the backup safety position. Many believe that this spot will go to the recently acquired Johnathan Cyprien, but don't expect Sully to lay down without a fight. While he had his ups and downs against the Titans, many forget that Tre is only 24 years old and has played a grand total of 220 regular season defensive snaps before being thrust into a heavy role in the postseason. Making some splash plays in preseason is all he can do in an uphill battle to make the Eagles' final cut.
Mandatory Photo Credit: Matt Patterson via AP
