The Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens squared off in the third week of the NFL preseason at Lincoln Financial Field and the game was called early due to inclement weather. The Ravens got the 26-15 win, but the Eagles were able to see great things from Josh McCown and JJ Arcega-Whiteside.
Here are five takeaways from the Eagles preseason loss to the Ravens:
1. Josh McCown will be the Eagles backup QB
The Eagles stuck to the script of keeping Carson Wentz healthy for the games that really count. With no Wentz, the Birds went with Cody Kessler, before he gave way to the show that was Josh McCown. McCown finished his Eagles debut, 17 of 24, for 192 yards, with two touchdowns one sack and one fumble. He also may have ended any controversy about who the Eagles backup quarterback is.
2. JJ Arcega-Whiteside will be a red zone nightmare
Arcega-Whiteside would be a starter on most other rosters and he makes the Eagles a matchup nightmare against any defense in the NFL. He’s supplanted Mack Hollins — is the clear number four wide receiver — and will be a focal point of the red zone offense from day 1. Arcega-Whiteside had his first 100-yard game and looked like he belongs.
3. Jake Elliott on a short leash
Elliott is 2-for-2 from 50 yards and out this preseason but after Thursday nights loss, he’s now 0-for-2 on kicks inside 50-yards, with misses from 40 and 41. He’s inconsistent and those routine misses could eventually cost the Birds late in December or January.
4. Corey Clement will be a factor in Eagles running game
We talked earlier in the week about Clement getting first-team reps with the Eagles offense and the shifty running back made his preseason debut against the Ravens. Clement ran with speed and power and Eagles coaches felt comfortable with his workload, feeding him 7 times for 25 yards. He’s going to make it hard for this committee to not being anything other than a three-headed monster.
5. LJ Fort has a role on this roster
The battle for the final linebacker spot will come down to LJ Fort vs Nate Gerry. Gerry got the start, but Fort has played well and is constantly around the football.
Fort played well and when paired with T.J. Edwards, both linebackers are like magnets towards opposing ball carriers.
6. Rodney McLeod on schedule for the season opener
Thursday marked a triumphant return for McLeod who has been out since last September with a knee injury. McLeod hinted at the third preseason game for his return and he made his presence felt right from the start. McLeod had a tackle for loss and made several big plays that were missing from the Eagles defense last season.
