Last night saw the Philadelphia Eagles run rampant in a dominating 40-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens. There were plenty of highlights to talk about but we have summarised the best from the win at the Linc.
Bradford's back..back again
The day could not have gone more perfectly for Sam Bradford. Going 3 for 5 in the games opening drive that lead Ryan Matthews to a touchdown. Bradford said he wanted to get hit again, Terrell Suggs illegally targeted him in a tackle that was absolutely despicable. But as despicable as it was, it gave Bradford confidence and reassurance that he can indeed take a big hit, get up and carry on. He looked composed, he looked dangerous. A huge pass to Jordan Matthews stole the show for me on the drive. We didn't get to see a lot of Bradford..but what we did see was a winning quarterback who looked comfortable in the pocket and comfortable in Chip's Offense.
Defensive Dominance
Walter Thurmond and Byron Maxwell also started their games perfectly, each getting an interception in the Ravens' first two drives. Flacco was picked off by the two new acquisitions and desperate to turn his game around...but three drives and no score for the Baltimore Ravens. The Defense looked good against the Colts, it looked intimidating against the Ravens. They gave the Ravens a huge headache..and all of it without their starting inside linebackers..not a bad start at all. The Eagles are two games into their pre-season and haven't allowed a pass over 21 yards..
Safety isn't safe
Jerome Couplin had missed a lot of camp and the pre-season opener due to an appendectomy. Ed Reynolds picked up two interceptions last week but this week we were to see what Couplin could do. He amassed five tackles, recovered an onside kick and looked very complete out there..Reynolds doesn't have the spot just yet.
Curryed away
Vinny Curry had to step up last night with the team struggling for depth at OLB. He came in as a defensive end before lining up at the OLB position with the seconds. He looked brilliant in both positions and it will be a breath of fresh air to the Eagles, knowing that someone so versatile can really help the team out.
Sanchize returns
After a dismal showing against the Colts, Mark Sanchez stepped up to the mark last night. Sanchez went 14 for 20 and threw for 118 yards. Nelson Agholor dropped an easy pass as did Ajirotutu whilst Mostert had a ball bounce off of him. Take those away and Sanchez is 14 for 17...a MUCH better outing compared to what we saw just over a week ago.
Running wild
Today we got the first look at how the Eagles running back roster could work. Murray, Matthews and Sproles all took reps early on and just look how effective it was. Both Murray and Matthews had running touchdowns from inside the red-zone, an area in which the birds struggled last year..there is no doubting Murray's health now..he looks fantastic out there.
Barner does it again
It still remains unclear whether or not Barner will make the final roster, but another kick return?! He has been lighting up both games he has played in so far and if he didn't have your attention after the Colts game..he does now.
