Eagles whose stock is soaring following Philly's preseason win over the Patriots
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All we can hope for is that guys stay healthy and, when the games begin counting toward the win-loss total, some of this magic follows the Philadelphia Eagles into the 2024 NFL season. How about that finish?
For the second time in as many weeks, the Birds erased a fourth-quarter deficit and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. The game wasn't as exciting as we had hoped, but it's preseason. It never is.
These games aren't about wins and losses though. They're more about development and each player's attempt to make an impression. All you can ask is that guys make the most of opportunities, and the guys on this list did exactly that.
Here are ten Eagles who are enjoying seeing their stock rise following a win over the New England Patriots.
Aside from the 14-13 final score, there were other things to note. Philly's defense held the Patriots' offense to 159 yards of offense and 11 first downs on 11 drives.
It was a great night for the Eagles on this list. They, again, certainly helped themselves with some outstanding performances.
A reception on a two-point conversion attempt proved that Ainias Smith may not be a lost cause, but even though he deserves to be mentioned, we won't place him in the 'stock-up' tier. We need to see more before we place him on our list of risers, but we'll certainly give the nod to the guys that follow.
Also read: Eagles roster projection 3.0 with practice squad
Tanner McKee, quarterback
We said for Tanner McKee to eclipse Kenny Pickett on the depth chart, the former would have to be outstanding while the latter would have to disappoint.
Isn't that what we're seeing though?
At the risk of being disrespectful to his teammates, McKee has done more through two weeks with less. Throw the stats out. Watch these guys play.
McKee hasn't overtaken Pickett on the depth chart, but he's the second best QB on this roster. Ignore the resumes. Trust your eyes.
Avonte Maddox, cornerback
We've never questioned Avonte Maddox's ability. We've only questioned his ability to stay healthy. Some of that is for selfish reasons, one being we see his talent. His first-quarter end-zone interception halted a Patriots scoring drive. It was a big play for a familiar face trying to make this team following a position switch.
Nakobe Dean, linebacker
Nakobe Dean may have lost the faith of some of Philly's fan base, but he hasn't lost the esteem of his coaches. He's still behind Devin White and Zack Baun on the depth chart, but at times, he appears to be outplaying both of them.
Again, trust your eyes. Dean struggles in coverage, but he's looked like a starter through two games. In Week 2, he led the team in solo (4) and combined tackles (5).
Trevor Keegan, offensive lineman
Trevor Keegan isn't going to win a starting job. As a matter of fact, it doesn't appears that he was ever competing for one. This coaching staff likes what it is seeing though, and so do we. He played all 68 offensive snaps and two more on special teams during Week 2's action.
Joseph Ngata, wide receiver
This, without question, was the best game we have seen Joseph Ngata play. He led the Eagles in receptions, catching all five of his targets. He led the team in receiving yards (88) and was on the receiving end of the longest pass play from scrimmage, a 28-yarder.
We doubt he'll make the roster, but he did himself a solid with this performance.
E.J. Jenkins, tight end
E.J. Jenkins has distanced himself from C.J. Uzomah, Albert Okwuegbunam, Kevin Foelsch, and Armani Rogers. He has enjoyed a good training camp. He is the third best tight end on the Eagles roster.
Now, there's a ways to go. There are more practices. There is one more preseason game. We know Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra are safe. We can also see that E.J. is the only other tight end worthy of a roster spot. He caught five passes for 47 yards on Thursday.
Zack Baun, linebacker
Zack Baun was the starting off-ball linebacker lined up next to Devin White on Thursday. Truth be told, we aren't certain that he is better than Nakobe Dean.
That's okay though. Both will contribute, and Baun looked much better on Thursday than he did in Week 1 during the preseason opener. He had a solid night with two tackles. Keep an eye on him as we continue on.
Mekhi Becton, offensive lineman
It's hard to improve one's stock without playing, but Mekhi Becton is a rare exception. He didn't dress for the game which typically indicates a starting job, and now that Tyler Steen is hurt, he's even more valuable as Philly, despite all of the available bodies, seems to have a depth issue along the front.
Will Shipley, running back
Another week passes, and another passing grade is turned in for Will Shipley. Don't quote us, but we may have seen him struggle in pass protection once. Still, after seeing the explosion on a 19-yard screen pass reception during a 2nd-and-22 situation, we're willing to let him slide.
Come to think of it, he's actually here for more of the latter than the former.
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