The Philadelphia Eagles showed offensive improvement against New England. The final preseason game offers an opportunity to determine whether those encouraging moments can become more consistent as the team prepares for the regular-season opener. Cincinnati’s reserves will provide the opposition Friday night, with Philadelphia still evaluating its backup quarterbacks, offensive line depth and final skill-position roles.
Actual matchups will depend on the players who dress and how both teams rotate. These 10 potential encounters are worth watching.
1. Tanner McKee vs. Cincinnati’s reserve safeties
McKee’s strong performance against New England increased the pressure on Andy Dalton in the backup quarterback competition. Against players such as PJ Jules and Russ Yeast, McKee's job is to take what
the defense gives him vertically and make decisions without taking unnecessary risks.
2. Myles Hinton vs. Isaiah Foskey
Hinton needs to show that Philadelphia can trust him in pass protection. Foskey presents an opportunity to evaluate his initial set, hand placement and recovery when a rusher challenges the edge. An otherwise productive night cannot include repeated breakdowns.
3. Cameron Williams vs. Cedric Johnson
Williams needs a better finish after Philadelphia’s final possession against New England ended with pressure from his side. Johnson could test whether Williams maintains his technique late in a drive and responds effectively when a defender changes his approach.
4. Drew Kendall vs. Howard Cross III
Kendall has helped his standing through his work inside at multiple positions. Against Cross and Cincinnati’s other interior defenders, the evaluation includes handling movement, maintaining the pocket and working with adjacent blockers.
5. Jake Majors vs. Jordan Jefferson
Majors can strengthen his case for the roster by helping Philadelphia establish movement in the running game. Jefferson could test his ability to sustain blocks and remain balanced when the defensive front changes gaps.
6. Darius Cooper vs. Josh Newton
Cooper has produced enough throughout camp to become a serious roster candidate. The next step is continuing that work against outside coverage. Philadelphia needs to see separation, dependable catches and routes that place the quarterback’s throw where it should be.
7. Elijah Moore vs. DJ Ivey
Moore needs productive snaps in a crowded receiver competition. Ivey offers a potential test inside, where timing and leverage can determine whether a short completion becomes a drive-sustaining play.
8. Britain Covey vs. Jalen Kimber
Covey’s offensive contribution could decide a close roster call. Working against Kimber or another reserve nickel defender, he needs to demonstrate that his value extends beyond returning punts. Getting open on third down would help considerably.
9. Cameron Latu vs. Shaka Heyward
Latu’s audition includes more than receiving. Against Heyward, Philadelphia can evaluate his blocking assignments, releases and ability to find space underneath. A versatile role requires dependable execution across all those responsibilities.
10. Carson Steele vs. Joe Giles-Harris
Steele showed against New England that he can contribute as a receiver. Cincinnati’s reserve linebackers offer another test of his ability to uncover, finish catches and handle protection assignments.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. Bengals: 10 offensive matchups to watch in preseason finale
