Eagles vs. Vikings: Top photos from preseason finale at Lincoln Financial Field
We’re looking at the top photos from the Philadelphia Eagles preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field
Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
We’re looking at the top photos from the Philadelphia Eagles preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field
Isaiah Rodgers is the frontrunner to start at cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles opposite Darius Slay
The Eagles are one week away from determining a final 53-man roster and a depth chart for a defensive unit looking to regain its status among the NFL’s best.
This summer, the most extensive training camp battles occurred at offensive guard, linebacker, and cornerback position opposite Darius Slay. Quinyon Mitchell has been stout as a rookie, but he’s seen more first-team snaps in the slot. With Cooper DeJean’s initial training camp injury slowing his progress, the outside cornerback battle has come down to Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo, and according to ESPN’s Tim McManus, the former Colts draft pick and reinstated defensive back will start at cornerback after missing a year of football due to a suspension.
The battle for the outside corner spot opposite Darius Slay Jr. between former Indianapolis Colt Isaiah Rodgers and second-year player Kelee Ringo has been a good one. While they continue to split reps, Rodgers has been getting the nod at the start of practice more frequently of late and can probably be considered the front-runner at this point.
Vic Fangio said he “may have to play Mitchell at nickel” for now to get the best combination of players on the field.
Things could change once the dynamic DeJean gets into playing shape and understands the scheme, but for now, the Birds are far and away much improved in the secondary.
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Philadelphia is back at the NovaCare Complex for Week 3 of training camp and is starting to prepare for a joint practice and the second preseason matchup of the summer against New England. The Patriots hosted the Eagles for a joint practice session …
Philadelphia is back at the NovaCare Complex for Week 3 of training camp and is starting to prepare for a joint practice and the second preseason matchup of the summer against New England.
The Patriots hosted the Eagles for a joint practice session on Tuesday, August 13, before their preseason game on Thursday, August 15. Practice will begin at 10:30 AM, and gates will open to fans at 9:30 AM.
Philadelphia has increased the intensity of practice season after the 2023 collapse, and Thursday night’s matchup offers another chance to clarify several high-profile roster battles. Players on the bubble will look to create separation, and we will be watching to see which starters, if any, will play in the first quarter after an intense Tuesday session.
With the Eagles having defeated the Ravens and made three roster moves since last week, we’re unveiling the fourth 53-man roster prediction ahead of cutdown day and the regular season opener.
Hurts will look to reduce the turnovers under first-year OC Kellen Moore.
After being traded to the Eagles, the former Steelers first-round pick has been solid in training camp, but he’ll have to defeat Tanner McKee to maintain the backup job.
McKee would have to fall off the cliff to lose a roster spot to Will Grier, and he could rise up to the backup quarterback spot.
The former Penn State star has yet to play in the preseason.
Gainwell will enter Year 4 looking to lock down the backup running back spot.
The rookie is a jack of all trades and made his mark during his debut against the Ravens.
Smith is firmly entrenched as a ‘Batman’ after signing his 3-year, $75 million contract extension.
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Johnny Wilson should be locked to make the final roster. Covey makes the roster over John Ross, and he’s still the best punt returner on the roster.
You can’t teach size, and Wilson makes the cut as the Eagles work to utilize his unique skill set.
Goedert will look to record his first 1,000-yard season.
Calcaterra is a capable pass catcher, and provides special teams depth.
Okwuegbunam Jr. had no role under former offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, and he’s done nothing to separate himself, opening things up for E.J. Jenkins as the third tight end. Armani Rogers is another player to watch.
Mailata signed a 3-year, $66 million contract extension and is one of the best left tackles in the NFL.
Dickerson signed a new 4-year, $98 million deal and is the best left guard and highest paid in the NFL.
Entering his third season, Jurgens will face enormous pressure after Jason Kelce announces his retirement.
Steen is under pressure, and it looks like Mekhi Becton will unseat him.
The All-Pro will play his first season without Jason Kelce and be called upon to anchor a retooled offensive line.
The big ticket offers potential, and he could earn the starting right guard spot.
Johnson is Mailata’s primary backup and can play both offensive tackle positions.
Matt Hennessy has done nothing to stand out over the first three weeks.
The rookie offensive guard will compete with Tyler Steen for the right guard spot and bring toughness to the roster.
The rookie from North Carolina State has outplayed Matt Hennessy.
Huff was essentially swapped for Haason Reddick, and he’ll be counted on to produce more than a situational ten sacks.
Sweat will play in the final year of his deal, and he’ll look to secure double-digit sacks.
Smith will see an uptick in snaps and should carve out a rotational pass-rusher role.
Graham will play his final season in Philadelphia before retiring.
The rookie linebacker will make the roster and will land a role as a situational pass rusher.
The pass rusher has always been stout on special teams, and his strip-sack in the preseason opener did not sway opinion.
The runner-up for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, Carter will see his snaps and accountability increase as Fletcher Cox retires.
Like Jalen Carter, the expectations will rise for the 3rd year defensive tackle.
Williams is entering the final year of his deal and could have a breakout season at defensive tackle.
The 2023 seventh-round pick will look to carve out a role alongside a stout defensive line.
Dean enters a critical third year and competes with multiple players, including rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
The former Buccaneers linebacker could transform the Eagles’ defense if he can regain his 2020-2021 form.
Baun is already a favorite of DC Vic Fangio and could carve out a role in multiple positions.
Trotter Jr. will enter his rookie system with the perfect support system, and he flashed during the preseason opener.
The second-year linebacker has been consistent this summer. He’s a special teams standout who makes the roster ahead of Oren Burks.
Slay returns as the Eagles top cornerback, but at 33, he could be set for his final chance at winning a Super Bowl.
The rookie has been as good as advertised and should start at cornerback opposite Darius Slay.
The rookie from Iowa is listed as a cornerback and is dealing with a hamstring injury, but he’ll see snaps at every position. He could allow Philadelphia to carry one less safety and move on from Avonte Maddox.
Rodgers has returned to the gridiron after serving a one-year suspension and will compete for a role as cornerback and as the primary kick return specialist.
Ringo appears to be the more impactful player than Eli Ricks and will land a roster spot after impressive rookie development. He’ll battle Quinyon Mitchell for the starting cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay.
Special teams play is essential, and Jobe is one of the best gunners in the NFL.
Blankenship signed a two-year extension, and he’s developed into one of the top young safeties In the NFL.
Gardner-Johnson returns to Philadelphia after spending one season in Detroit, and he’ll bring swagger and big-play potential to Vic Fangio’s secondary.
Brown will start the season on the PUP list while rehabbing his torn ACL.
After not having Bradberry on our initial 53-man roster predictions, the Eagles’ newest safety could make the roster if he’s not traded in late summer. Sydney Brown starting camp on the PUP list could bode well for Bradberry’s future in Philadelphia.
The veteran cornerback can play in the slot and he can play safety, ensuring his role on the roster.
The All-Pro signed a four-year contract extension.
Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio says Eagles may play Quinyon Mitchell at Nickel CB to get best players on field
Quinyon Mitchell was the 22nd pick in April’s NFL draft, and although he likely won’t be a Day 1 starter on the outside at cornerback, the former Toledo star will be a starter somewhere against the Packers in Brazil.
Anytime Darius Slay is not in the lineup, Mitchell plays outside cornerback in base formations opposite Isaiah Rodgers and moves to the slot in nickel packages.
Through three weeks of training camp, Mitchell’s time with the first-team defense has primarily been in the slot, and it’s most likely the place from which he’ll debut in September. On Sunday, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio provided insight into how the Eagles will deploy Mitchell.
#Eagles DC Vic Fangio on Quinyon Mitchell on cross-training at outside and slot CB. He was asked if he wants him to major in one position:
“That would be ideal. It may not be practical. We may have to play him at nickel.” pic.twitter.com/EUg0HpnWho
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) August 11, 2024
Slay and Rodgers have taken the majority of first-team reps at outside cornerback this summer, while 2023 fourth-round pick Kelee Ringo has been battling for snaps and a role in the rotation.
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We’re looking at the top 100 photos from the Philadelphia Eagles 16-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Friday night
The Eagles returned to live game action for the first time since their embarrassing 32-9 defeat to the Buccaneers in the NFC wild-card game.
Philadelphia traveled to Baltimore to face the Ravens in a preview of their Week 13 matchup, which looms later in the regular season. Both teams held out the majority of the starters, allowing key rookies and veterans on the bubble to shine and create separation in roster battles.
Eagles All-Pro kicker Jake Elliott made a 49-yard field goal with no time remaining to give Philadelphia a 16-13 victory on Friday night. Elliott missed an extra point off the left upright in the first quarter, and his 50-yard kick hit the right upright with 16 seconds remaining in the game.
With Philadelphia set to start preparation for the Patriots on Thursday night, here are the top 100 photos from the big win.
***
The NFL is back, and Philadelphia officially started its march toward another postseason berth with a much anticipated preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Kenny Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown, and the Eagles are tied 6-6 …
The NFL is back, and Philadelphia officially started its march toward another postseason berth with a much anticipated preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Kenny Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown, and the Eagles are tied 6-6 with the Ravens to end the first half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Both teams held out key starters, but Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio ensured key players saw snaps in the first half. Most of the offensive and defensive starters sat out for the Ravens, allowing second-year linebacker Trenton Simpson to shine.
On offense, Josh Johnson was 4-12 passing for 60 yards, while Owen Wright led the Baltimore rushing attack with seven carries for 33 yards.
With the second half set to begin, here are takeaways and observations from the first half in Baltimore.
Trotter is instinctual and has the benefit of sharing dinner and breakfast with one of the greatest linebackers in Eagles franchise history.
Nakobe Dean’s first defensive snaps came with 5:34 remaining in the second quarter. Philadelphia’s starters at linebacker were Zack Baun and Devin White. Dean had one tackle in the first half and one pass defended.
Philadelphia gave us a preview of the future with Quinyon Mitchell and Kelee Ringo getting snaps together. Isaiah Rodgers got snaps on the outside with RIngo, while Mitchell got the initial snaps in the slot. The Eagles surrendered 62 yards passing in the first half.
Wilson got the start for Philadelphia and had one catch for seven yards on two targets and a crucial block on the Will Shipley touchdown.
Mekhi Becton gets the start at right guard, while the rest of the Eagles starting offensive line didn’t dress.
Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown in the first half, and solidified his status as the backup.
The Eagles’ top offensive starters, including Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata, were not uniform.
Nate Wiggins has two pass breakups on the Baltimore Ravens’ first preseason possession
Two cornerbacks were drafted ahead of Nate Wiggins in April’s NFL draft. Still, the Ravens’ rookie cover made the biggest impression on the opening night of the preseason for Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Wiggins started the preseason opener with the bulk of the Ravens’ starters sitting out, and he made a tremendous statement, breaking up two Kenny Pickett passes on the opening drive.
LOCK DOWN!! @WigginNathaniel
Tune in now on @wbaltv11! pic.twitter.com/uEXxiqsmJh
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 9, 2024
Wiggins is battling Jalyn Armour-Davis and Damarion Williams for snaps, and the opening possession showed his speed, quickness, and big-play potential.
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown goes 1-on-1 against Quinyon Mitchell in an epic red zone matchup
Iron sharpens iron, and All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown and Quinyon Mitchell have spent the summer trash-talking and improving each other.
For the past few days, we’ve heard about their epic red zone showdown, and the Eagles released one of the matchups just moments before the open practice at Lincoln Financial Field.
Who won the rep? AJ or Q? pic.twitter.com/UcTD08eaIJ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 31, 2024
An All-American at Toledo who turned down NIL deals to stay loyal, Mitchell hit the ground running after being drafted by the Eagles. He immediately talked trash to All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown. Mitchell garnered Brown’s attention during Day 2 of the Eagles minicamp; Brown told a hilarious story about Mitchell’s first words to him being a bit of trash talk.
During his Thursday interview, Brown clarified that Eagles coaches aren’t forcing the interaction; it’s just Brown taking the initiative to push Mitchell.
Mitchell spent four seasons at Toledo, playing 46 games (40 starts). Mitchell racked up some impressive numbers at cornerback: 6 Interceptions, 2 Interceptions returned for touchdowns, 122 tackles, 46 Passes defended, and 6.5 Tackles for loss. Mitchell led the FBS with 25 passes defended in 2022 and ended his career with the most passes defended in program history.
Mitchell has been engulfed in a training camp battle featuring Kelee Ringo and Isaiah Rodgers, with the rookie and first-round pick starting to pick up momentum for the job.
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown says one-on-one battles with rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell was his idea
Philadelphia landed a complete baller in Quinyon Mitchell, and the quiet rookie cornerback seems to do his most talking when he’s on the field.
An All-American at Toledo who turned down NIL deals to stay loyal, Mitchell hit the ground running after being drafted by the Eagles. He immediately talked trash to All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown. Mitchell garnered Brown’s attention during Day 2 of the Eagles minicamp; Brown told a hilarious story about Mitchell’s first words to him being a bit of trash talk.
That trash talk has found its way to training camp one-on-one matchups between the two, and during his Thursday interview, Brown made it clear that Eagles coaches aren’t forcing the interaction; it’s just Brown taking the initiative to push Mitchell.
A.J. Brown says his 1-on-1s with Quinyon Mitchell are his doing. He likes to compete against the rookie and seems impressed that Mitchell doesn't back down. pic.twitter.com/vuuICOJ0Gk
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) August 1, 2024
Mitchell spent four seasons at Toledo, playing 46 games (40 starts). Mitchell racked up some impressive numbers at cornerback: 6 Interceptions, 2 Interceptions returned for touchdowns, 122 tackles, 46 Passes defended, and 6.5 Tackles for loss. Mitchell led the FBS with 25 passes defended in 2022 and ended his career with the most passes defended in program history.
Mitchell has been engulfed in a trilateral training camp battle featuring Kelee Ringo and Isaiah Rodgers, with the rookie and first-round pick starting to pick up momentum for the job.
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Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie Quinyon Mitchell’s intense battles with A.J. Brown will pay dividends during the 2024 regular season
Pressure bursts pipes, but it also makes a diamond. As rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell gets ready to face the likes of Ceedee Lamb, Malik Nabers, and Terry McLaurin in the NFC East, he’s receiving baptism by fire during his daily battles with All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Since the start of off-season workouts, Brown and Mitchell have enjoyed a competitive back-and-forth that has seen the former Toledo cornerback trash-talk Philadelphia’s star pass catcher while showing just how talented he is at the cornerback position.
Mitchell’s matchups with Brown will pay dividends late in the season when the Eagles face the Cowboys, Giants, and other big-name opponents.
#Eagles rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell had a couple of strong 1-on-1 reps vs. A.J. Brown. There appeared to be some talking between the two. Mitchell said he would keep their conversation private.
In the spring, Brown said Mitchell once told him he ran a “trash route.” pic.twitter.com/9liK0MZYTn
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) July 30, 2024
Mitchell’s rise started at the Senior Bowl, and his place as a top draft pick was solidified when he tied the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.33 seconds) in the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
He’ll now see snaps in the slot and on the outside for the Eagles, who could be forced to name him the opening-night starter against the Packers in Brazil.
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