Eagles Beat the Patriots Until They Saw Stars In Preseason Game
Thomas Booker may have solidified a roster spot for himself this week registering a sack, and assisted sack against the Patriots (Casey Murphy/Unsplash).
A new preseason record for the Bird’s, and outstanding performances leave many restless for the regular season to begin.
Article by Hayden Sudall, Junior Sports Analyst
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Eagles won their second preseason game on Friday with a score of 14-13, a new preseason record for Head Coach Nick Sirianni. The first team offense once again did not participate due to injury related concerns and precautions. This sentiment was not shared by the defense as competitions for the first team are still raging. The Eagles trailed the Patriots by seven with a score of 3-10 at the half thanks to a four-yard touchdown by rookie quarterback Drake Maye. However, one yard rush touchdown by Kendall Milton, and two-point conversion caught by Ainias Smith positioned the Eagles in the lead. Then a snap fumble and recovery from linebacker Brandon Smith sealed the victory for Philadelphia.
Game Highlights
Bryce Huff received extra snaps against the starting Patriots Offensive Line as he looks to refine his pass rush and coverage abilities. Huff’s goal is to work hard and learn how to best improve his game, he puts his talents to use against one of the NFL’s premiere right tackles, Lane Johnson. It’s safe to say the effort isn’t going unnoticed as Huff was removed from the game early due to injury worries as he was deemed too valuable. During his first two snaps stopping a run play for only a 4-yard-gain, the next play he rushed, reversed, and tackled receiver DeMario Douglas on a 1-yard-gain.
Avonte Maddox was switched to safety this year after a five-year stint at cornerback. It seems like the experiment is paying off as he showed his ball hawking abilities. Maddox intercepted a would-be touchdown pass intended for Patriots tight end Jacoby Brissett, changing the tide of the game.
Tyler Steen suffered an injury on the field, reaggravating his previous ankle injury that cost him the starting right guard spot. Hopefully he can recover and be a productive backup during the regular season.
Tanner McKee shined in this game by outplaying other Eagles backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. McKee kept his composure during blitzes and maneuvered fluently within the pocket executing passes at high efficiency. He ended the game completing a total of 15/19 passes for a total of 140 yards and a 97.4 QB rating. If he continues this level of efficiency in the upcoming Vikings-Eagles preseason game, the job of backup quarterback to Jalen Hurts will most likely be his.
Thomas Booker may have solidified a roster spot for himself this week registering a sack, and assisted sack against the Patriots. The defensive tackle has been working to earn a name for himself after being released from the Houston Texans.