Eagles vs Ravens preseason Week 1: Five storylines fans must monitor

There's nothing like football. Absolutely nothing... How in the heck is it possible that a Philadelphia Eagles team can draw nearly 50,000 fans for a public practice session? While you're mulling that over, riddle us this.

Name another sport that draws more viewers for games that won't count toward the regular-season win-loss total. You can't think of one, can you? Again... There's nothing like this beautiful game of football.

The preseason came quickly. It seems like we just started practice. No... Wait... We did... Things are about to accelerate now though. The Birds have a game to play on Friday evening.

The Baltimore Ravens are the opponent as they were in the first preseason game last season. Here are five of about ten storylines we'll be watching.

Also read: Projected Philadelphia Eagles depth chart entering preseason

Sunday kicks off a stretch of four straight practice sessions.

Practice sessions will begin taking on a regular-season feel now. Sunday, the Eagles will participate in four practice sessions during four days. They'll travel on Thursday and set up shop for a game scheduled for 7:30 pm EST on Friday. The Ravens are again the opponent. M&T Bank Stadium is the venue.

Can Britain Covey, John Ross, and Parris Campbell keep it up?

Much has been made about the depth at wide receiver (or the lack thereof). Philly may not be in dire straits as most may have believed them to be.

Sure, there's a drop-off in talent once you look past AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, but come on. Are we really going to compare guys to DeVonta and AJ?

Britain Covey, John Ross, and Parris Campbell have all impressed while taking snaps with as the third wide receiver. All are in the mix for a roster spot. Can they keep the momentum going?

Is it the defense's turn to make a statement at Eagles training camp?

Typically, at this juncture of training camp, NFL defenses are ahead of their teammates on offense. Philly has new coordinators on both sides of the ball, but Kellen Moore's unit seemed to get the best of Vic Fangio's guys early.

It took a few practices, but eventually, Philly's defense would take the measure of their teammates on offense. The lone open practice of camp ended with an interception courtesy of Eli Ricks (who also returned a pick-six in Week 1 of the preseason versus Baltimore last year).

Can Vic Fangio's defense make a statement this week before the trip to Baltimore? We'll see, but we'd be more impressed by them dominating when the games begin counting.

How much will the Eagles starters play on Friday?

Maybe we'll see the offense for a series? You never know with these things. No team has been more careful with their guys than Philadelphia.

There are only three preseason games now. Philly will have to make them count, but expect to see many of the reserves in this one.

Can any of the fringe players make a name for themselves and climb the ladder?

Practice is important, but the preseason is where guys like Reed Blankenship and Josh Jobe earn roster spots... and where guys like Super Bowl hero Corey Clement earned a job on this Eagles roster before them.

Here are a few names you'll want to keep on the forefront of your mind: James Bradberry IV, Mekhi Garner, Zech McPhearson, Eli Ricks, Patrick Johnson, Matt Hennessy, Ben VanSuemeren, Joseph Ngata, etc.

Their performances during the preseason could determine whether they sneak on the roster, earn a spot on the practice squad, or wind up seeking an opportunity elsewhere.