Philadelphia’s 30-13 loss to Cincinnati was less about the final score and more about players making their closing arguments before roster cuts.
Here are the Eagles’ biggest winners and losers from the preseason finale.
Winner: Carson Steele
Steele finished as Philadelphia’s leading receiver, catching eight passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. He also carried eight times for 24 yards. His ability to line up in multiple roles gives the Eagles a legitimate reason to keep him.
Winner: Andy Dalton
Dalton completed 12 of 19 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown. His 11-play, 76-yard scoring drive provided Philadelphia’s best offensive stretch and offered a reminder of the stability an experienced backup can provide.
Winner: Jake Elliott
Elliott converted both of his field-goal attempts, connecting from 45 and 56
yards. His seven points accounted for more than half of Philadelphia’s scoring.
Winner: Darius Cooper
Cooper was not in uniform after entering the finale as an expected member of the initial roster. His absence offered another indication that the Eagles had already seen enough during his strong training camp.
Winner: Eagles kickoff returners
Erik Ezukanma averaged 24.7 yards on three returns, while Tahj Washington averaged 24.3 yards on three opportunities. Both provided Philadelphia with consistent field position.
Loser: Tanner McKee
McKee completed 12 of 22 passes for 55 yards with an interception. He failed to produce a touchdown and finished with a 41.1 passer rating during an important appearance.
Loser: Philadelphia’s defense
The Eagles allowed 420 yards, including 211 on the ground. Cincinnati averaged 6.6 yards per play and controlled possession for more than 34 minutes.
Loser: Punt coverage
Cincinnati averaged 11.5 yards on four punt returns. Charlie Jones produced a 31-yard return, adding to the Bengals’ advantage in field position.
Loser: Backup offensive line
Philadelphia surrendered three sacks and finished with only 140 net passing yards on 43 attempts. The Eagles averaged 3 yards per passing play.
Loser: The safety competition
Andre’ Sam’s injury created an unfortunate ending to a productive preseason. His status could affect Philadelphia’s decisions at one of the roster’s most unsettled positions.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles winners and losers from preseason finale vs. Bengals
