The first real football action of the year came and went in surprisingly entertaining fashion. For a day of preseason games, there was some real excitement. From Saquon Barkley busting out a big run on his first carry to Baker Mayfield lighting it up, it was a fun day for fans of every team. The day was not quite as exciting for the Philadelphia Eagles as they fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-14. That being said, the preseason is not about winning or losing. It is about analyzing players, sorting out the depth chart and finding out who should be kept on the roster. There were still some standout performers for the Eagles.
Dallas Goedert
Goedert looked really good in the limited time he was on the field. He showed off his silky smooth route running, ability to get open and he showcased his potential as a red zone target. In fact, somewhat surprisingly, Goedert even blocked well in his time on the field. That was one of the areas that was a concern coming out of college but it now looks like those concerns were overblown.
Overall a positive debut for a player that could have a pretty large role this year as the second tight end. Eagles’ Head Coach Doug Pederson is a huge believer in having multiple tight ends on the field to create mismatches. Goedert will be a huge asset for him for the foreseeable future.
Kamu Grugier-Hill
Grugier-Hill was absolutely flying on Thursday night. He was always around the ball and disruptive. His speed really stands out. Nathan Gerry is currently getting the first-team reps at the WILL spot but if he keeps his performances like these, Kamu Grugier-Hill should end up being the starter as the WILL.
Fletcher Cox
Cox may have hardly played, but when he did he was a force. He registered a sack and caused all kinds of chaos for the Steelers offensive lineman. He was in for less than two series (which were both three and outs) and still recorded 2 tackles and a sack.
Fletcher Cox deeeeep penetration! That was against David DeCastro too. pic.twitter.com/SjJzzN6aFf
— Kansas More Chaints (@AdrianFedkiw) August 9, 2018
Landry Jones had no chance of avoiding this sack. DeCastro is one of the best offensive linemen at his position in the whole NFL. The fact that Cox just destroyed him one on one just highlights how dominant of a player Fletcher Cox is.
Cameron Johnston
All the worry about Johnston not looking good in practice appears to have been unwarranted. He was stellar in the game. His punts were consistent and booming. Once he even punted an 81-yard bomb. The punt traveled from the Philadelphia 15 all the way to the Steelers four-yard line before it was called back for a penalty. Even though it didn’t count, an 81-yard punt is just crazy and worthy of a highlight.
A penalty took this 81-YARD PUNT from Cameron Johnston off the box score, but this highlight still exists.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/sbzSwxPMQH
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 10, 2018
What a stud.
Featured image from ESPN
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