Freddy's Preseason Halfway Report - Edge of Philly Sports Network

The Philadelphia Eagles have two preseason games down with two more to go until their regular-season opener. Which counting today is exactly 4 Sundays away! Many of the starters do not play but a lot is on the line for the players that are playing as this is their dream and hopefully a career. Here are some thoughts on some of the camp battles going on below.

Defensive End – Deshon Hall My Gosh! At this point, unless a total flop I cannot see how he doesn’t make the team. I also didn’t realize he was a 3rd round pick playing at Texas A&M with Myles Garrett so that means he must have been rated pretty high as far as tools to make it in the NFL. Outside of Hall, Vinny Curry looking great as well with the pass rush and stopping the run. Josh Sweat looks like the odd man out right now.

Offensive Line – After a so-so 1st game at Guard and amid reports of trade rumors, Halapoulivaati Vaitai comes out and plays outstanding at guard on Thursday night. I think to make this team he is going to have to succeed at guard and tackle. Matt Pryor has played fine showing the ability to play both but has been a penalty machine so he could be the guy who gets cut as well. Andre Dillard and Jordan Mailata are playing very well at tackle too. Also, have to remember this is only preseason football and Big V has regular-season experience while playing the playoffs and the Superbowl as well.

Quarterback – Injuries piling up here which proves, even more, it’s the right decision to keep Wentz off the field and it has nothing to do with him specifically. It’s an absolute hazard and would be reckless to have any starter out there with first, second and third-year lineman learning the NFL game. Also, I like the Josh McCown signing for camp as well as having a veteran that has been in this league for Carson to talk with on the sidelines in-game.

Running Back – Miles Sanders is making the right reads and already picking up the Blitz correctly. We all know he has the talent and athleticism showing promise as a runner and pass-catcher but for significant playing time this year, he has to pick up the blitz. This is great news and can be a game-changer for his role in the offense this season. We still don’t know who the 4th spot is going to right now. Is Corey Clement really on the way out? I still think he holds onto that 4th spot and it’s up to the other backs to convince Howie and Doug to keep 5.

Malcolm Jenkins – I love the leadership he showed by asking to play in the preseason. He is not the only player to do so but given his contract situation I thought that was pretty awesome. He didn’t disappoint either in the 13 snaps he played with 2 tackles flying around all over. I guess if he got injured we would all be saying why is he out there but he didn’t get injured and looked hungry hopefully setting the tone for how it’s going to be this season. Hey, Eagles Pay the Man!

Wide Receiver – Greg Ward looked great on Thursday and Mack Hollins was balling on special teams. Marken Michel had what could have been a very big gainer on a screenplay but Thorson missed it. A veteran quarterback like Josh McCown should help figure this 5th or 6th wider receiver spot as well. That’s all for now! Go Birds!

Fred Hugo
Co-Host & Writer for Edge of Philly Sports
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