BALTIMORE – This wasn’t precisely the beginning of one thing like a Miracle at M&T Financial institution Stadium, however it was fairly darn enjoyable and particular and an effective way to open the preseason. The Eagles defeated the Baltimore Ravens 16-13 on Friday night time on Jake Elliott’s 49-yard subject purpose as time expired, however that does not inform the half of what transpired within the final minute of play.
To recap: The Eagles, with Tanner McKee at quarterback, moved from their 33-yard to Baltimore’s 32 in 13 performs (and two penalties) to set Elliott up for a 50-yard subject purpose try with 21 seconds remaining and rating tied, 13-13. His kick hit the best upright (he had earlier hit the left upright on a PAT within the first quarter) and the sport remained tied.
However Patrick Johnson got here to the rescue.
On the very subsequent snap, he strip-sacked quarterback Emory Jones for an 8-yard loss and recovered the unfastened ball on the Ravens’ 32-yard line and the Eagles have been, amazingly, again in enterprise. McKee gained 1 yard on the Brotherly Shove (the Eagles used it with nice success all through the sport) to present Elliott one other probability and he nailed the kick to present the Eagles the highway victory.
“It felt nice! Whooooo yeahhhh,” Johnson yelled as he got here off the pure turf at M&T Financial institution Stadium. “It was superior to step up.”
It positive was. The Eagles did loads of good issues to open the preseason and on an evening when the beginning offense warmed up after which spent the night time on the sidelines and far of the projected beginning protection performed only one sequence, it simply felt good. Very, superb. A number of the issues that stood out on an evening that began a slam-bang preseason schedule that’s supposed to present the Eagles their finest view of your entire roster.
One factor is obvious: There are going to be some very robust choices, as a result of this is a superb roster, and among the youthful gamers – and a few new veterans, as properly – are exhibiting one of the best variations of themselves …
1. The offense performed ground-and-pound with a punishing working recreation that accounted for 146 yards on 38 carries. Draft choose Will Shipley gained 23 yards on 7 carries and had a 7-yard catch-and-run for a landing. Kendall Milton gained 39 yards on 9 carries and Tyrion Davis-Value picked up 34 yards on 6 carries. These have been robust yards, inside yards, and the working again depth confirmed up. Kenneth Gainwell had 4 carries and 23 yards and continued his excellent summer time. Great things with Saquon Barkley watching from the sidelines.
2. Cherished seeing rookie broad receiver Johnny Wilson do some good issues early on. He had one reception for 7 yards and likewise did a pleasant job blocking on two Britain Covey bubble screens. Wilson is coming alongside properly.
3. Covey, for his half, had a really good recreation with 4 catches for 25 yards, together with a 26-yard punt return.
4. Kenny Pickett performed into the third quarter at quarterback and accomplished 14 of twenty-two passes with the scoring play to Shipley. He will be an impressive backup to Jalen Hurts and if he must play, Pickett has all of the instruments to win and make large performs.
5. The brand new kickoff rule? Nothing to essentially go loopy over as each groups performed it fairly straight. There have been six returns on seven kickoffs – the Eagles averaged 22.3 yards on their three returns and Baltimore averaged 27 yards on three returns.