The Philadelphia Eagles looked good in several facets of the game during the teams 24-10 preseason victory on the road, over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Carson Wentz and Nick Foles both warmed up before Thursday’s game, with both guys then donning game jerseys as they watched from the sidelines. Miles Sanders showed flashes of brilliance and once again another Eagles signal-caller was knocked out the game with an injury.
With the Baltimore Ravens coming to town early this week, here are 4 takeaways from the Birds preseason victory over the Jaguars.
1. Wentz should sit until the season opener
The Eagles may need to bring in an arm or two while Nate Sudfeld recovers from a broken wrist and Cody Kessler deals with being in the concussion protocol. It’s unknown if Wentz will any snaps against the Ravens, especially since he’ll get an up-close look at the vaunted defense during two days of joint practices. Thorson was efficient and sure of himself on Thursday and may have saved his roster spot with his gutty performance.
2. Jordan Mailata played his best game as a pro
Mailata has some issues in pass protection during the preseason opener, but more than redeemed himself against the Jaguars. Mailata played the entire game, didn’t give up any sacks and flashed the potential that has Eagles brass in love with his size, speed, and natural talent.
We talked about Mailata needing to have a big game this week, and he showed why he’ll be on the 53 man roster.
3. Clayton Thorson showed some character
After an NFL debut that can only be qualified as a disaster, Thorson showed immense character in leading the Birds to a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road. Thorson was forced to play most of the ballgame after Cody Kessler was knocked out with a concussion. He looked unsure in the beginning, but by games end, Thorson had taken huge strides as a pro and showed why the Eagles saw a developmental prospect in the fifth-round pick.
Thorson finished the game 16-26 passing, for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
4. Eagles running game will be formidable
The Eagles have faced criticism in recent years, for a lack of a formidable running game to complement Carson Wentz and the passing game. That will not be the case in 2019, as the Eagles have a loaded and versatile group of running backs, all capable of doing different things well. Miles Sanders started on Thursday and was dynamic and the first half of action that showed why so many view him as the most talented running back on the roster. Jordan Howard will get his share of the carries and both players should complement each other well. Wendell Smallwood looked good at times and Josh Adams even found the end zone.
