Eagles vs. Jets: Who shined and who were duds
It was the final game of the preseason, and the Eagles came away with a win.
Finishing as the “Preseason Champs”. We saw a lot of players scratch and claw their way into a roster spot as this game was their last chance to make the Eagles 53-man roster. Here are those who left a good impression on us, and those who didn’t look inspiring at all
Ball
Paul Turner is the definition of a player who is willing to do everything to receive a roster spot. Last night was not any different for the former Louisiana Tech wideout. Turner reeled an six receptions for 66 yards last night. Not only that, but he also returned a 77 yard punt for a touchdown to show how much of a versatile playmaker he can be.
Head Coach Doug Pederson made a statement saying ” He’s put him self in a good position.” Turner also received praise from QB Chase Daniel. During a post game interview, Chase had said, “I don’t think you can make a stronger case, absolutely deserves a roster spot.” Turner also leads the NFL in receptions in the preseason with 17. Turner is making it really hard on the coaches, and there is a big chance that he guaranteed his roster spot after his performance against the Jets.
DGB looked like a 1st down machine last night in the time he played. Ripping off big gains, beating press coverage with ease and not to mention running his routes well. While this game is virtually meaningless (unless your trying to grab a roster spot) this definitely is going to help DGB build his confidence in Pederson’s offense heading toward the season. He’s going to be a big time target for Sam, and an upgrade over some of the wideouts from last season.
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Since being drafted a few years back, Ed Reynolds has always been in this situation when he is on the verge of losing a roster spot. After hear nothing about the former Stanford safety almost all offseason, he stepped up when it mattered most, having a 90 yard pick six against the Jets, while consistently making plays each drive. He might not be a guy Schwartz or Doug drafted, but he could have shown enough to be the back up at the other safety spot.
When the game diets started, it almost looked like Gause was going to be one of the players on the Fall list.
Why you may ask?
Well, Gause made a perfect read on a screen. As he was closing in, he whiffed the tackle. That’s never good to hear at all, but it’s what he did after that impressed me and others. He let it go and didn’t let it effect his game. After that play, he was second on the team in tackles (6) and played a big part in how well the Eagles defense played. Gause said he was very confident in his play on the field and on special teams, that he could grab a roster spot. Also, with the lack of linebacker depth, Gause making the roster looks more and more like a reality.
Fall
What can I say? With Pantale’s play last night, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Pederson knows that he needs four tight ends on the roster for the upcoming season (especially if he wants to run 3 tight-end sets), Pantale looks like he could have very well lost that spot—dropping bad passes, blocking ineffectively—just was a really bad game for him. This wasn’t necessarily the game to play horrible when your roster spot is hanging in the balance.
O’Neal was signed as an extra body for the Eagles final preseason tilt against the Jets. And Doug, being the nice guy he is, wanted O’Neal to put out some tape so he might have a good chance signing on with another team. But did O’Neal seize this opportunity?
No, unfortunately he did not.
O’Neal coughed up the ball multiple times against the Jets, and ran 15 times for 32 yards.
Chase Daniel was doing typical Chase Daniel things. Playing inconsistently like he’s had the last few preseason games. Daniel would make good throws, then bad throws and bad decisions. Daniel gave up two of the Eagles’ five turnovers last night. Daniel threw two picks against the Jets defense and couldn’t lead a successful offensive drive. Not one. In fact, the only points scored were scored by the defense and special teams. Daniel is very lucky that he is not in a position to be cut and that his spot is safe.
After a promising offseason last year, Shepherd was suppose to be a break out slot corner for the Eagles. Since he injured his ACL, that hasn’t been the case. Nobody has really heard about JaCorey all offseason, and when he gets a chance to show us what he can do on the field last night, he gets burnt like toast. With a crowded position such as the cornerback spot and the good play by guys like Aaron Grymes and CJ Smith, things don’t bode well for Shepherd.