RECAP – Preseason: Eagles vs Indianapolis Colts – First Half Thoughts
The Eagles hosted the Indianapolis Colts for their third and final preseason game tonight, welcoming former Offensive Coordinator Shane Steichen back to Lincoln Financial Field for the first time since the NFC Championship Game in January.
1st Quarter
Trey Sermon’s Showcase
Nick Sirianni’s favorite RB saw most of the action in the 1st Quarter. 14 Yards on 9 Attempts. With an extra 17 receiving yards on 2 catches.
We’ve seen little of Gainwell, Swift, and Penny in the preseason. After a report that Rashaad Penny might be the odd back out, this heavy dose of Sermon seems to convey the opposite.
Special Teams Positives
The return unit was a bit of a nightmare last season.
Britain Covey was a human crash test dummy on most of his 43 returns that were filled with massive hits—an average return of 11.95 yards. Not much of a change from 2021’s Greg Ward returns.
Seeing Devon Allen’s 73-yard opening return sparked a question. Is the former Olympian going to see any action this regular season?
Backups On Backups
The Eagles were wise to keep the starters off the field for their final preseason game. After 6 injuries in the preseason match against the Browns, it’s no surprise the Eagles kept everyone on the sideline.
Marcus Mariota played 1 drive. Have you locked up QB2? Or straight to the Tanner McKee show?
2nd Quarter
Anthony Richardson’s Mediocre Day
Anthony Richardson made some plays against the Eagles Practice Squad.
He finished the half 6/17 for 78 Yards, 38 Rushing yards and 1 Fumble. But the Colts kept the majority of their starters in the entire half. The fact Steichen’s starters couldn’t bury the Eagles this early either says something about the Eagles’ defense or the Colts’ offense. You can determine which.
We’ll see if Richardson starts the 2nd half.
3rd Down Sack Miss
Lol.
Devon Allen’s Big Day
Allen got even more involved in the 2nd Quarter.
A screen for 7 yards shows that the Eagles might have something in the former Oregon Duck.
Tanner McKee’s 2 Minute Drill
Suppose you weren’t already sold on Tanner McKee, the Eagles’ 6th-round rookie. You should be after this. 5 Straight completions for 45 Yards…
It’s just a shame Joseph Ngata fumbled the 6th completion.
Freddie Swain’s Unfortunate Returns
Freddie Swain attempted to return 2 Punts for a total of 1 yard. Swain had minimal support as 3 Colts surrounded the former Seahawk before he even got his hands on the ball.
The fact Swain is getting playing time just 1 day after joining the team says something about the move. With not many Watkins or Zaccheaus in the preseason, it’s a wonder what might be going on with the Eagles’ WR depth.
We’ve hit half-time. The Colts lead 17-13.
Stay tuned for 2nd half-thoughts
Photo: Hunter Martin Photography
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