Game Report: Five positives to take from loss to Patriots
16 August 2018 Eagles News
The Eagles fell to the New England Patriots 37-20 in their second preseason game. It wasn’t a good performance for the team. Here’s a few of the positives that can be taken out of this game.
- Nate Sudfeld was throwing dimes
After a very underwhelming performance from the Eagles offense, Sudfeld took over and had a very strong outing. Sudfeld has 312 yards passing and three touchdowns. He looked sharp for the most part of the night and his three touchdowns were dimes.
- Shelton Gibson stock is up
Last week he scored a 63 yard touchdown and today, not only was he a very productive wide receiver, he also showed his kick returning ability. On the day, Gibson caught five passes for 90 yards and one touchdown as well as four kick returns for 121 yards. Making the most of his opportunity, Gibson’s spot on the roster seems to be all but locked.
- Ronald Darby in form
Cornerback Ronald Darby has felt the immediate impact of a full offseason with the Eagles. In his limited time, Darby made two nice plays on deep passes. On both occasions, Darby was matched the wide receiver step for step and broke up the pass. He looks like a legit number one cornerback.
- Third safety spot heating up
Safeties Jeremy Reaves and Tre Sullivan both had a team high five tackles. Both players are competing with Corey Graham for the third safety role. Although Graham seems to be ahead, moving forward, the Eagles will have to hope one of the two players develop and take over. If tonight’s game was any indication, they’ll be fine.
- Pumphrey stock rose without him even playing
Tonight was an opportunity for the likes of Wendell Smallwood and Matt Jones to show the Eagles they can play. Unfortunately for them they did not and a player who did not even play probably has a greater chance to make the team because of their bad performances. The Eagles were asking Smallwood and Jones to be a receiver and catch the ball, they were not too great. Donnel Pumphrey fits that role and can play that role when healthy. Although he didn’t play, seeing how they wanted to use those running backs has to make you excited for a healthy Pumphrey.
Photo Credit: JERRY HABRAKEN, THE NEWS JOURNAL-USA TODAY NETWORK
Ryan Neal Donnel Pumphrey, Jeremy Reaves, Nate Sudfeld, Philadelphia Eagles, Ronald Darby, Shelton Gibson, Tre Sullivan