Eagles-Ravens snap counts: Time to change the backup quarterback configuration

The official snap counts from the Philadelphia Eagles’ preseason win over the Baltimore Ravens are in. Let’s take a look.

OFFENSE

  • Darian Kinnard’s playing time sure sticks out, huh? Unusual for a sole player to play an entire preseason game like that. Probably not the best thing for his roster chances that he wasn’t pulled earlier. But he’s putting plenty of tape out there to evaluate.
  • Brett Toth played the same amount as Trevor Keegan and Fred Johnson, who are both considered in strong position to make the roster. Perhaps he’s truly on as well?
  • It would be nice to see the Eagles handle the quarterback snaps differently over the next two preseason games. Let’s see what Tanner McKee can do with the second-team offense. If they refuse to outright start McKee, maybe at least rotate drives with him and Pickett?
  • Johnny Wilson saw three targets. He caught one of them for seven yards and a first down.
  • Matt Hennessy was playing late in the game. That doesn’t seem like the best thing for his roster chances? He was paired with the likes of Nick Gates and Max Scharping, who are considered on the outside looking in.
  • Apparently John Ross has two clones but only the first and third versions of him played.
  • Britain Covey caught all four of his targets for 25 yards. That about sums up his game as a possession receiver: efficient but not flashy.
  • Joseph Ngata didn’t catch any of his three targets. Hasn’t been a good summer for him.
  • Nick Sirianni said Tyler Steen got a lot of playing time in part because he missed practice reps with his ankle injury. But it appears Mekhi Becton has firmly overtaken him at right guard.
  • Albert Okwuegbunam dropped a pass and he barely plays special teams, which you need a third-string tight end to do. Not making this roster.
  • Will Shipley made the most of his 19 snaps with 8 total touches for 30 yards and a touchdown.
  • Tyrion Davis-Price, Lew Nichols, and Kendall Milton all looked solid while splitting playing time in the backfield.
  • Getting Becton some actual game snaps at right guard, where he hasn’t played before, was probably a good idea.

DEFENSE

  • Tristin McCollum played a lot and was noticeable in a good way.
  • Jeremiah Trotter Jr. got plenty of playing time both on defense and special teams. He led the Birds in tackles with six total, four solo.
  • Kelee Ringo remained in the game after Isaiah Rodgers left. Ringo flashed more than Rodgers did but the utilization points in favor of the veteran.
  • James Bradberry saw a decent amount of action at safety. But the ball never really came his way; he didn’t even log a stat. He also only played one snap on special teams. Backup safeties typically need to help out on special teams.
  • Jalyx Hunt looked active and athletic out there. He’s certainly a player who stands to benefit from playing in the preseason and racking up more experience.
  • It didn’t take long for Quinyon Mitchell to flash with a near-pick.
  • Nolan Smith was still playing late into the game. Maybe not the best sign.
  • Nakobe Dean didn’t rotate with the first-team defense at all. It was Zack Baun and Devin White until they were done for the night.
  • Apparently Tarron Jackson and Terrell Lewis have joined John Ross in the clone room.
  • UDFA defensive tackle Gabe Hall barely played.

SPECIAL TEAMS

  • Zech McPhearson couldn’t get a defensive snap. Ditto for Shaquille Quarterman.
  • UDFA offensive tackle Anim Dankwah clearly wasn’t trusted to play on offense. I don’t think the Eagles are hiding him from looking great; he’s struggled in practice.

DID NOT PLAY

QB Jalen Hurts, CB Darius Slay, WR DeVonta Smith, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, WR A.J. Brown, QB Will Grier, OLB Josh Sweat, S Sydney Brown, RB Saquon Barkley, DB Cooper DeJean, CB Shon Stephens, LB Oren Burks, CB Mekhi Garner, LB Brandon Smith, TE Armani Rogers, C Cam Jurgens, DE Brandon Graham, OT Lane Johnson, OT Laekin Vakalahi, OT Jordan Mailata, OG Landon Dickerson, WR Parris Campbell, TE Dallas Goedert

  • The Eagles rested most of their offensive starters.
  • The Eagles did not rest most of their defensive starters. The exceptions were Slay, Sweat, and Graham (not a true starter but obviously a key role player).
  • The following players didn’t play due to injury: CJGJ, Sydney Brown, DeJean, Burks, Garner, Brandon Smith, and Campbell.
  • Bottom of the roster guys who didn’t manage to get snaps: Grier, Stephens, and Vakalahi.
  • Newly acquired tight end Armani Rogers didn’t play but that’s not a surprise since he was only claimed by the Eagles on Wednesday. He’s yet to practice with the team.

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