Eagles Edge Ravens 16-13 in Thrilling Preseason Opener with New Faces Shining Bright

In an unpredictable and thrilling first preseason game, the Philadelphia Eagles edged the Baltimore Ravens 16-13, showcasing a mix of new talent and strategic plays. The game, marked by a bizarre ending, saw Eagles kicker Jake Elliott miss a 50-yard game-winner only to redeem himself with a 49-yard kick, thanks to a pivotal play by linebacker Patrick Johnson who forced a fumble on Ravens quarterback Emory Jones. With a wet field contributing to a cautious approach, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni decided to rest his starters. As a result, the spotlight shone on newcomers and backups vying for roster spots ahead of the regular season. Fourth-round rookie running back Will Shipley made an immediate impact, scoring the first touchdown of the preseason on a 7-yard pass from backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. The offensive playbook, led by new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, revealed glimpses of what fans can expect, although the team stuck primarily to a two-tight end set. Rookie receiver Johnny Wilson, while showing potential with his size and blocking ability, struggled to find separation against Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins, indicating the learning curve he faces as he transitions to the NFL. Defensively, rookie cornerback Eli Mitchell showcased promise, playing both outside and in the slot, nearly snagging an interception against Ravens receiver Malik Cunningham. Despite a missed opportunity, Mitchell’s performance reinforced his ability to compete at a high level, particularly in man coverage. With veteran corner Darius Slay absent, the competition for cornerback roles is heating up, with Kelee Ringo also putting in solid performances. The offensive line featured a rotation of players, most notably at right guard, where Mekhi Becton and Tyler Steen battled for the starting spot. Both players had moments of brilliance, but Steen's costly holding penalty highlighted the need for continued improvement, especially as the Eagles aim to avoid the mistakes that plagued them last season. As for the quarterback situation, Pickett displayed efficiency, completing 14 of 22 passes for 89 yards and a touchdown, though his struggles with deep throws were evident. Meanwhile, second-year player Tanner McKee showed flashes of skill, completing 6 of 16 passes, but he, too, faced challenges as the offense grappled with Ravens’ blitz packages. Special teams also saw their share of ups and downs, with a few miscommunications on kickoff returns and some solid coverage plays. Rookie edge rusher Jalyx Hunt stood out with a crucial tackle in coverage, underscoring the depth of talent being assessed as the Eagles prepare for the regular season. As the preseason unfolds, fans and analysts will be watching closely as the Eagles continue to evaluate their roster. With new coordinators at the helm and a host of young players eager to make their mark, the journey toward a successful season has officially begun, with this nail-biting win providing an exhilarating start.