10 Eagles who improved their stock during Philly's 2nd preseason game versus Browns
It wasn't always pretty, but that's what Eagles preseason games are for, to work out the kinks.
It didn't feel like it, but the Eagles racked up 313 yards of total offense versus the Browns, this despite only converting two of their ten third-down attempts (and one of their pair of fourth-down attempts). Only running 59 offensive plays and giving up six sacks will do that for you.
Fingers are crossed in hopes that we'll see stronger showings in the preseason finale, but we managed to find some guys to tip the caps toward.
1. Tanner McKee, quarterback
Tanner McKee has outplayed Marcus Mariota again. Expect to hear about that this weekend.
The rookie signal-caller led two TD drives (and probably should have put a capper on a third), but there was an issue. Despite completing ten of 18 passes, tossing a TD, and compiling a 100.9 rating, his numbers could have been better as four of his incompletions were placed properly but dropped by the intended receiver.
2. Trey Sermon, running back
Trey Sermon enjoyed an up-and-down affair, but he did what every coach wants to see. He bounced back from adversity (a fumble and a bad rep in pass protection that led to a sack). He later scored on a 33-yard dash to the end zone.
Sermon has scored TDs in both preseason games, but all roads probably lead to the practice squad here.
3. Rashaad Penny, running back
Rashaad Penny didn't get a ton of work, but he looked good when given the work he earned. Two carries led to 18 yards and a nine yards per rush. We don't care if the game doesn't count toward the win-loss total. That wins you a mention, especially when you're a former first-rounder that has taken most of your practice reps with the third team offense.
4. Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles
We realize that some of you will never admit that Greg Ward is better than you say he is. That's fine. We'll keep beating the drum without you.
Expect to hear about his drop on one of the few good-looking passes that Marcus Mariota threw, but he hauled in three of his four targets. That's more than you can say about a lot of Philly's other receivers.
5. Joseph Ngata, wide receiver
Joseph Ngata is an undrafted rookie. It's as simple as that. Does he have talent? He absolutely does, but often guys go undrafted for a reason.
In Ngata, Philly has a guy they'll want to continue developing. He failed to haul in that TD in the preseason opener, but despite there being a few plays he'd like to have back, he improved his stock by showing improvement in his second NFL game.