August 29, 2015
WISCONSIN -- The Eagles are now three games deep into the preseason, and once again they performed in style, blowing out the always-talented Green Bay Packers, 39-26, in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the score would indicate. Win or lose, as always, our 10 post-game awards!
10 for 10, 121 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 156.7 QB Rating.
A perfect QB rating is 158.3. I've received word from the official statisticians that Bradford was docked 1.6 off his QB rating because his sleeves remain awful.
In the first three preseason games, the Eagles have outscored their opponents 86-17 in the first half. That would be a point differential of +69.
Eagles fans were excited to see Kiko Alonso play for the first time in a game against other living, breathing humans on another team, but those hopes went out the window when Kiko was dressed in street closes as the Eagles stretched before the game.
Per Chip, Kiko's leg was the reason he was out. Chip said it's nothing serious, and not his ACL.
During the game, there was spirited debate over whether or not Cody Parkey was injured. Turns out he tweaked his leg. Hence, Kip Smith got all the kickoff duties, as well as PAT and FG attempts. Chip said Parkey would have gone if it were the regular season. Also, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com, Lane Johnson has a sprained MCL, which Chip said is not a concern.
Burton had two TD receptions, one on a man-beating crossing route, and the other on a zone-beater. Burton started camp slowly, but has really picked it up in the preseason games. He has an intriguing skill set, and is just one more tool in the toolbox at Chip's disposal.
Five Eagles running backs all had two catches:
Eagles backs roasting linebackers could be a common theme this season.
That #34 dude had some success running the football in the second half, but when the Eagles' first and second teams were playing in the first half, Eddie Lacy and James Starks combined for 9 rushes for 5 yards (0.6 YPC).
A season ago, the Eagles gave up the third most pass plays of 20+ yards in NFL history. Against the Packers, the Eagles were beaten on a bunch of passes that went for long gains, but they weren't of the "over the top" variety. Rather, they were beaten on a number of screen plays. That's less concerning than if the corners were simply being roasted deep, a la Bradley Fletcher. But typically, the Eagles' defensive linemen do a good job of sniffing out screens and are athletic enough to chase them down.
14 players caught passes against the Packers. 14! Obviously, it's a preseason game and a lot of guys get to play, but everyone was involved.
A big reason for Sam Bradford's huge night against the Packers was that the offensive line gave him all day to throw. The two new offensive guards have not led to more pressure so far this offseason.
Follow Jimmy on Twitter: @JimmyKempski
