Eagles prepare for preseason debut against Ravens amid quarterback competition and roster battles
The Philadelphia Eagles will open their preseason against the Baltimore Ravens, with coaches focusing on play-clock timing, the No. 2 quarterback race and depth-chart evaluations.
Philadelphia – The Eagles begin their three-game preseason on Saturday in Baltimore, using the exhibition to assess timing, roster depth and the quarterback hierarchy after two weeks of intra-team practice. New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is emphasizing quicker huddles and aggressive snap timing, a shift the team highlighted in a recent report on its league-wide play-clock strategy.
Head coach Nick Sirianni said the offense will run “vanilla” play-calling to avoid giving opponents film, while also monitoring how swiftly players reach the line of scrimmage and whether pre-snap penalties arise.
The competition for the backup quarterback spot is a focal point. Veteran Andy Dalton has reportedly performed better in camp, but rookie Tanner McKee, who threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns in last season’s preseason opener, will also receive significant reps.
"Dalton looks most comfortable in our system, but McKee will have plenty of work to prove he can start," said an analyst.
Both quarterbacks could see action, and their performances may influence trade considerations.
Coaches also expect several depth-chart players to make an impression. Undrafted safety Maximus Pulley, Kenyan-born rookie Joshua Weru, and offensive lineman Myles Hinton are among those slated for notable snaps.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio praised quarterback Jalen Hurts for adapting to the new offensive scheme, noting the quarterback’s willingness to seek input from defensive staff.
The Eagles’ preseason approach, which has kept key starters healthy and maintained an unbeaten record in season openers under Sirianni, will continue without major changes, according to team insiders.