Eagles Fly Past the Ravens in Preseason Game One
Off-Ball Linebacker Jalyx Hunt was drafted by the Eagles round 3 pick #94 and wasn’t expected to see playing time this year as he is inexperienced (Casey Murphy/Unsplash).
Shaking off the rust is never easy, but the Philadelphia Eagles seem to be operating like a new engine.
Article by Hayden Sudall, Junior Sports Analyst
PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles played their first preseason game August 9th, against the Ravens in what ended up becoming a nailbiter. Philadelphia finished with a victory, and final score of 16-13. They narrowly eclipsed the Ravens with a last second forced fumble by Eagles linebacker Patrick Johnson resulting in a field goal by kicker Jake Elliot. Elliot struggled most of the game, missing an extra point, and a 50-yard field goal, but ultimately redeemed himself and led the Eagles to their first victory of the season.
Elliot may be off to a rough start, but the same cannot be said about many of the Eagles rookies. The draft picks flourished on Friday, notable standouts included linebacker Jerimiah Trotter Jr, running back Will Shipley, corner Quinyon Mitchell, and defensive end Jalyx Hunt.
Clemson’s’ Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is the son of famous Eagles Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter; he was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round, pick #155. His father cemented a legacy as a dominant linebacker for the organization, now his son aims to walk in his footsteps. After Friday’s game it’s safe to say he’s en route. With 29 starts/59% of defensive snaps, he flashed with a team leading 5 total tackles, and a sack. His instinctual playstyle comes from his father and negates his issues with acceleration, and speed as he registers/predicts the route of the football immediately.
Will Shipley the second Clemson draft pick was chosen in the fourth round with pick #127. He is fighting for a roster spot in a deep room against names like Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Gainwell and Lew Nichols. Dominating the field in efforts to earn the number two running back position, Shipley finished with 7 carries for 23 yards and a 7-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown. His 7 carries for 23 yards may seem unproductive at first glance. This notion changed after watching film as he fought through linebackers and defensive tackles for each yard as the offensive line didn’t create space for him.
The Birds first draft pick Quinyon Mitchell selected 30th overall has the largest mountain to climb in order to earn a starting position. The former Toledo Rocket is battling against teammates, Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers, Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks. His confidence is unwavering however as he has performed near flawlessly in training camp thus far. During the game he registered 24 starts/49% of defensive snaps and was a ball hawk during each. Quinyon stuck with his assignments and almost created an interception as he jumped a route, however it ultimately resulted in an incompletion. His performance may earn him more first team reps, or perhaps a starting role.
Off-Ball Linebacker Jalyx Hunt was drafted by the Eagles round 3 pick #94 and wasn’t expected to see playing time this year as he is inexperienced. Originally playing safety at Houston Christian University he transferred to the edge position his junior year, and really began to shine as a pass rusher. Now in training camp he has focused on developing his rushing and coverage abilities, excelling in everything he’s been asked to do. Playing for 24/49% of defensive snaps he showed his athleticism on multiple plays. He had two tackles, and one tackle almost registering as a sack on Johnson (Patriots Quarterback) as he scrambled from the pocket. His block shedding and constant pressure were a sight to behold from the inexperienced rookie leaving his upside potential skyrocketing.