The Philadelphia Eagles' 2026 preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens was a forgettable affair, to say the least. The game was a showcase of the team's struggles, particularly on offense, as they managed just 100 yards on their first 31 plays. The final score of 24-7 in favor of the Ravens doesn't tell the whole story, as the Eagles' starters were largely absent, and the game was more of a practice session than a competitive contest.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the game was the performance of the backup quarterbacks, Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee. Both struggled mightily, with Dalton completing only 3 of 6 passes for 20 yards and a 57.6 passer rating, while McKee was 6 of 10 for 35 yards and a 66.7 rating. This QB2 battle has been a topic of discussion throughout training camp, and it seems that neither player has pulled away from the other, leaving the Eagles with a difficult decision to make.
The safety position also saw some action, with Marcus Epps and Michael Carter II both suiting up. Epps, who has been taking most of the first-team reps in camp, got the nod over Carter II, indicating that the coaching staff is closely monitoring this position battle. The punt and kick returners also saw some changes, with Britain Covey and Quez Watkins/Elijah Moore getting their turns.
The first quarter was a tale of missed opportunities and penalties. The Eagles' starting offensive line, featuring LT Fred Johnson, LG John Ojukwu, C Willie Lampkin, RG Drew Kendall, and RT Markel Bell, struggled to find their rhythm, with Johnson committing a false start and the team going three-and-out on their first drive. The defense, however, shone with linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and defensive tackle Ty Robinson making plays.
The second quarter saw the Eagles continue to struggle, with McKee replacing Dalton and the team going three-and-out again. The defense, however, showed some promise with Kelee Ringo and Michael Carter II in coverage, and the offense finally got its first first down of the night with Darius Cooper catching a pass from McKee.
The third and fourth quarters saw some promising moments, with Uar Bernard and Josh Weru making their NFL debuts and showing potential. Cole Payton also stepped up, leading a scoring drive in the fourth quarter, and the defense made some plays with Ambry Thomas and Tarron Jackson. However, the Eagles' injury news was not all positive, with Jakorian Bennett leaving the game early.
The game ended with the Eagles off to a slow start in the preseason, but it's still early days. The team has a few more games to iron out the kinks and find their rhythm. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the team's starting lineup and the fate of the QB2 battle.
