Philadelphia Eagles Preseason Takeaways: Winners and Losers After Two Games
By William Weir | NILvana Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl run, have used the first two preseason games to evaluate roster depth, rookies, and potential breakout players. With two exhibition contests in the books, some names have risen to the occasion, while others have left more to prove. Here are the biggest winners and losers so far.
Winners
Tanner McKee Proves He Belongs
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee has been one of the brightest spots in the preseason. Against the Bengals, he delivered a near-flawless performance, completing 20 of 25 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns while facing stretches against Cincinnati’s starting defense. McKee has already proven he can step in when called upon, playing well last season in relief appearances against the Cowboys and Giants. His preseason dominance further solidifies the trust that he can be a steady presence behind Jalen Hurts if injuries strike again.
Jihaad Campbell Flashes First-Round Potential
Rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell is wasting no time making an impression. In the opener, he nearly hauled in an interception, showing the instincts coaches rave about, and followed it up with a sack in the second game. Campbell’s emergence is crucial with Nakobe Dean sidelined after a torn patellar tendon and beginning camp on the PUP list. Lining up next to Zach Baun, a first-team All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year finalist, Campbell could carve out a starting role that bolsters an already formidable defense.
Eli Ricks Competes for CB2
Cornerback depth was a major storyline entering camp, and Eli Ricks has done his part to insert himself into the conversation. In the first preseason game, Ricks broke up two passes and looked sharp in coverage. While his opportunities were limited in the second game, his performance suggests he could contend for the CB2 role, a critical position after the departures of Darius Slay and Isaiah Rogers.
Young Receivers Make Their Case
Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson, and Darius Cooper are turning heads among the Eagles’ young wideouts. Smith, now healthy after beginning his rookie year on IR, has looked dynamic both as a returner and in the passing game, catching two touchdowns this preseason. Wilson, at 6’6”, finally showcased his size as a red-zone weapon, adding another dimension to the offense. Cooper had an explosive first game with six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown, though injuries and inconsistent quarterback play limited his second outing. If even one of these receivers translates preseason flashes into regular-season production, the Eagles’ offense will become even more versatile.
Losers
Cornerback Competition Stalls: Adoree’ Jackson and Kelee Ringo
The battle for the second outside cornerback spot remains unsettled and not in a good way. Adoree’ Jackson and Kelee Ringo have struggled in the first two preseason games. With rookie standout Quinyon Mitchell locking down one side and Cooper DeJean thriving in the slot, CB2 will be heavily targeted throughout the season. While Jackson has taken more reps recently and still has a chance to separate himself, neither player has done enough to ease concerns.
Backup Offensive Line Struggles in Game Two
Philadelphia’s offensive line depth looked steady in the first preseason game, but regression in the second matchup raised questions. The unit failed to generate push in the run game and struggled to provide consistent protection, stalling the offense. While the Eagles’ starting line remains one of the best in football, preseason reps show the reserves still need development to ensure they can step in without a significant drop-off.
Final Outlook
The Eagles’ first two preseason games have revealed promising development and lingering concerns. Tanner McKee looks like one of the NFL’s most reliable backup quarterbacks, Jihaad Campbell is pushing for a starting role, and young receivers are showing real upside. On the flip side, the CB2 battle remains wide open, and offensive line depth must improve. With championship expectations in Philadelphia, these roster battles will be critical in determining whether the Eagles can sustain their dominance deep into 2025.
Comments
3 responses
Great article. #TitanUp
Let’s see one for the 49ers !!!!
[…] Philadelphia Eagles opened the 2025 NFL season at home and won, but their performance was anything but routine. From an […]