The Philadelphia Eagles don’t need to play any preseason games this summer because they received their stiffest test over two days of practice with the Baltimore Ravens. Earl Thomas, Lamar Jackson, and company strolled into town and the NFC favorites didn’t flinch while going toe-to-toe with one of the AFC’s toughest outs.
The Ravens and Eagles will matchup on Thursday night in the third preseason game, but here are six takeaways from the two-day joint practice session.
1. Carson Wentz is an elite signal-caller
Men lie, women lie, but the numbers and Earl Thomas certainly don’t. The Baltimore Ravens’ secondary did what we predicted and presented a stiff challenge to the Eagles wide receiver corp. Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz left quite the impression on Ravens all-world safety, Earl Thomas, after he completed a deep bomb over his head to Alshon Jeffery.
“I would tell you, in this league, there’s a small pool of guys that you would classify at an elite level. And I think he’s definitely in that pool.”
2. Eagles could struggle against top TE’s in the league
We know it’s just the preseason, but between blown coverages and mixups in communications, the Eagles looked susceptible to talented tight end groups. The Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson and mostly Trace McSorley, were able to move the ball at will against the Eagles, utilizing their tight ends. Mark Andrews and Charles Scarff led the highlight reels, but all four Ravens tight ends had big Tuesdays. Jim Schwartz may have to adjust his defense or play less nickel when dealing with the oppositions 12 and 13 personnel. The Eagles defense could face the same challenges that their dynamic duo at tight end will present to opposing teams.
3. Corey Clement is back
Clement looks like the 2017 version of himself, showing great burst and acceleration through the holes, while still retaining his shiftiness and hard running style that made him a Super Bowl hero. Clement has the talent to make the Eagles running game a three-headed monster?
4. Josh McCown’s is a legit backup
McCown’s reps as the second-team quarterback are increasing and he’s light years ahead of Cody Kessler already. McCown looked crisp as he went through a period where he completed four straight balls to four different pass catchers.
5. Jordan Howard is making it a trio at RB
As Corey Clement regains his form, Howard has looked just normal among running backs who are more than just a one-trick pony. Howard’s importance may not show up until it matters late in ballgames, but for now, he’s likely to lose touches to Clement and Miles Sanders, who has looked outstanding all training camp.
