Eagles rookies showcase mixed performances in preseason win over Ravens
ICARO Media Group
In their first preseason game of 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles came out victorious against the Baltimore Ravens in an exciting matchup. The game saw several rookie players take the field and make their mark, with some displaying promising skills while others faced challenges.
One highlight of the game was Quinyon Mitchell's performance. The rookie cornerback showed flashes of athleticism and anticipation, ending a drive with an impressive pass breakup that could have easily been an interception. However, Mitchell also found himself in poor positioning, resulting in a big play for the Ravens. This inconsistency is not uncommon for rookie cornerbacks, but Mitchell is expected to steadily improve as he gains more experience. Notably, he started at outside cornerback and also played in the slot in nickel formations.
Unfortunately, Cooper, another rookie defensive back, was unable to participate fully due to injury. The team hopes for a swift recovery for him.
Jalyx Hunt, another rookie, had a mixed debut in the NFL. While he appeared physically overwhelmed when rushing the passer, Hunt's speed and hustle allowed him to contribute through multiple tackles against the run. The team remains optimistic about Hunt's talent but acknowledges that he still has a long way to go in his development.
The battle for the RB2 spot on the roster heated up during the game, and Will Shipley made a strong case for himself. Shipley showcased his ability to navigate through traffic for tough yards as a runner. Moreover, his performance on passing downs stood out, as he made a crucial blitz pickup to convert a third down and scored a touchdown on a short pass. These efforts were highly encouraging and put Shipley in contention for the role.
Jeremiah Trotter Junior, the son of former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, displayed an outstanding performance in his first NFL appearance. As an inside linebacker, Trotter showed great speed, aggression, and awareness on the field. He led the team in tackles and even sacked the Ravens' quarterback on a scramble attempt. Trotter's impressive debut makes a strong case for him to receive more opportunities with the starting defense.
Johnny Wilson, a rookie tight end, made his presence felt with some impressive blocks and an early-game reception. Known for his large frame and exceptional speed, he is expected to receive more opportunities in the upcoming weeks to showcase his skills.
On the other hand, Ainias Smith's performance left much to be desired. The rookie struggled to make an impact on kick returns and had only one positive play on offense. His lackluster performance puts him in a challenging position to secure a spot on the roster.
Among the rookie linemen, Trevor Keegan and Dylan McMahon stood out with their solid performances. Both players received a significant number of snaps and displayed promising potential.
While the Eagles are likely to carry three running backs during the regular season, Kendall Milton faces slim odds of making the roster. Regardless, Milton impressed with his relentless running against the Ravens.
In terms of tight ends, Kevin Foelsch made a memorable one-handed catch, showcasing his athleticism. However, he failed to secure a catch on the next play and did not make any noticeable impact otherwise.
Overall, the Eagles' rookies displayed a mix of promising performances and areas for improvement in their preseason win against the Ravens. As the season progresses, the coaching staff will evaluate these young players to determine their roles within the team.