Eagles-Jets Recap: Mostert Shines, Tebowmania Alive And Well

The Philadelphia Eagles took on the New York Jets tonight in their annual preseason finale. Here are the highlights of the players who suited up in hopes of securing a roster slot in their final opportunity of the 2015 NFL preseason:

Kiko Alonso suited up for the first time this summer, and played a single series to start the game, flashing on several occasions. Alonso was caught out of position early on, but rebounded and got in on 3 tackles before being pulled. The important takeaway here is that Alonso appeared healthy and limber, showing no ill effects of the knee tendinitis that forced the staff to hold him out against Green Bay. Alonso moved well laterally on several plays, stacking and shedding blockers and using his athleticism to get to the ball carrier. I’d expect the third-year linebacker to play a role in the Eagles season opener, in some capacity. It’ll be interesting to see how the staff divides carries between Alonso and DeMeco Ryans, as I’d tentatively expect Mychal Kendricks to get the full-time nod out of the gate.

A focal point in tonight’s finale was undoubtedly the third quarterback competition, and #Tebowmania was on full-steam ahead, while #Barkleymania was, well, not. Matt Barkley got the starting nod in this one and quickly set a poor precedent, badly under-throwing an open Josh Huff on the right side and dropping the ball right into the waiting arms of CB Darrin Walls. Barkley did have one sharp throw, however, as he delivered a strike to TE Trey Burton on a crosser, absorbing a hit to the lower half in the process. All together, it was an incredibly poor outing for Barkley, who may have seen his last opportunity to secure a roster spot slip firmly out of his grasp, finishing just 4/9 for 45 yards and an Interception.

Tim Tebow, conversely, rose to the occasion and had his best performance of the preseason. Tebow is never going to be what one would describe as a technically proficient and fundamentally sound passer, but he got the job done tonight, throwing the ball well en-route to a 11/17 189 and 2/1 line, and adding 32 yards on 4 carries. Tebow absorbed a pair of sacks on the night, but avoided several others with his athleticism and mobility. Tebow had several impressive throw in this one, including a touch pass on a deep throw to Freddy Martino, a well threaded touchdown pass to Rasheed Bailey, and then a second touchdown throw to Martino who made a fabulous one-handed grab, while dragging his feet in bounds to complete the process of the catch. I wouldn’t look much into the interception, as Tebow had to force the issue on 4th down.

If the Eagles are indeed going to keep a third quarterback, I tend to agree that Tebow should get the opportunity.

Sticking with the offense, Raheem Mostert had another impressive showing, touching the ball a team-high 23 times, converting 15 carries into 69 yards (4.6 ypc) while adding 9 receptions for 93 yards. Mostert again showed patience and burst on his way to another compelling performance, consistently grinding out yards and conversions both on the ground and through the air. As a return man, the UDFA narrowly missed hitting the hole for a huge gain as he was tripped up by the coverage unit. Mostert isn’t likely to stick on the final-53, but I’d be shocked if the Eagles neglected to add him to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

On the defensive side of the ball, rookie 3rd-rounder Jordan Hicks flashed instincts and athleticism tonight, closing quickly on a tackle for loss, and limiting a receiver in the flat after the catch. Hicks is locked into a reserve/special teams role in his 1st season.

The other prominent rookie draft pick competing in this one, Eric Rowe, did not have a great showing. Rowe was beaten consistently on the night with shoddy footwork and a few missed jams. Rowe looks the part and flashes at times, but he must maintain consistency from a technical standpoint. Where Rowe did shine, however, was on special teams, where he beat a double-team to accelerate downfield and force a fair catch. Rowe will compete during the regular season both inside and outside, but he’s primarily a ‘teams threat until further notice.

Jaylen Watkins made a great read in the second quarter, jumping the route and stepping in front of his man in the shadow of the Jets’ end zone for the interception. Watkins has had a lapse or two in coverage this preseason, and has had his fair share of inconsistencies in the run-game, but is vastly improved as a cover corner. I don’t see a way that Watkins is left of the roster, as he will likely be in the mix to start at slot corner.

Rasheed Bailey made his case to sneak onto the back-end of the final-53, hauling in an impressive touchdown grab and flashing on an inside screen, where he put his foot in the ground, blew an arm-tackle, and got upfield to convert the first down. Bailey has had a very active preseason, and should make the practice squad. If it weren’t for the dearth of receivers on the roster, I think Bailey would be firmly in the conversation to stick at final cuts. Chip Kelly has spoken highly of Bailey, however, and Miles Austin has his fair share of injuries yet again this summer, so you never know.

ILB Najee Goode had another solid outing, however, I think he’ll be a casualty of the numbers game. Goode has played well yet again this summer in spite of recovering from a pectoral injury that sidelined him for all of 2014, but the versatility of Brad Jones will like have him on the outside looking in when cut-downs are announced.

Not much to report tonight in terms of the battle for the 4th/5th(?) safety slots. Ed Reynolds, Chris Prosinski, and Ed Reynolds had fairly quiet nights, although Reynolds and Couplin both had a moment or two in run support. This one will likely come down to coach’s tape, and who was most assignment-sound throughout. The loser(s) of the battle will likely be relegated to practice squad duties.

That’s it for Eagles preseason, stay tuned for news and analysis leading up to the opener against Atlanta.

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