August 16, 2017
After what felt like a quiet training camp, Derek Barnett was excellent in the Eagles’ preseason debut against Green Bay last week. Barnett finished with a couple of sacks and flashed the type of talent that made him a handful for his three seasons at the University of Tennessee.
Nobody breaks down Eagles games more thoroughly than Tommy Lawlor, who was impressed by the rookie:
Had 2 sacks. First came when he got into the LT and then cut inside. That was against the starting LT. Loved the way he used his hands to get free. Showed good closing speed on the play and then got the QB down. The ability to finish is underrated skill for pass rushers. 2nd sack wasn’t as impressive. GB tried to run screen. Barnett got back there too fast and tripped the QB. Used good get-off to push TE back and blow up 3rd Qtr run, creating TFL for Brooks. Beat LT with speed/dip to hit QB on screen in mid-3rd. Dropped into coverage on 3rd down zone blitz play when Grymes got his sack. Barnett covered WR on crossing route.
Barnett showed physical ability and positional ability. He is going to contribute this season. He will push Curry for the starting role if he continues to play like this.
Shot 1 - Derek Barnett's first professional sack. Beats Jason Spriggs inside. He has been working on similar rushes all offseason pic.twitter.com/ckdmrOuxyJ
— Fran Duffy (@fduffy3) August 15, 2017
Both ESPN’s Tim McManus and NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks noted Barnett’s performance from last week as well:
"He's a slippery guy," defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. "There are some things he can do better. ... But obviously, two sacks on a limited number of reps -- that kind of production, you expect from a first-rounder." He will be a part of the defensive line rotation and could eventually push for a starting spot depending on how veteran Vinny Curry performs...
The rookie pass rusher quickly made his presence felt as a disruptive defender off the edge. Barnett showed impressive hand skills and closing quickness collecting a pair of sacks against the Packers. On his first sack, in particular, he used a powerful two-hand swipe to slip inside and take down the quarterback.
Barnett will get a shot to play in front of the home fans Thursday night at The Linc.
1. 53-man projection: Even with the Jordan Matthews trade, Jimmy has seven receivers on the Eagles roster.
2. Training camp notes: This post includes the most accurate NFC East prediction you will find.
3. So long, Ryan: Duh. As Jimmy tweeted, if the Eagles had a “Mattthews” on the roster, that person would be in trouble.
4. Injury report: Alshon Jeffery and Ronald Darby will likely make their Eagles debut on Thursday night against Buffalo.
5. Locker room seating chart: The most important post of the season, bar none.
6. Golf clap: Howie Roseman did an excellent job managing the Eagles salary cap this offseason.
7. Great expectations: Here is what Doug Pederson is expecting in the Eagles’ second preseason game (hint: less fumbles).
The Perfect NFL Roster: Bill Barnwell, ESPN
Non-first round rookie review: Preseason Week 1: William Moy, Pro Football Focus
Mack Hollins got some love, cracking Barnwell’s All-NFL roster for his special teams prowess and getting the following write-up from PFF:
The debut of Hollins will give Eagles fans plenty to get excited about. A team that has been crying out for playmakers at the wide receiver position saw one in full flow against the Green Bay Packers, with Hollins catching a pass, delivering a couple of stiff arms and ploughing his way 38 yards for a touchdown the highlight of his day. He finished the game with four catches for 64 yards and a touchdown, breaking three tackles along the way and a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeted.
Preseason Power Rankings: ESPN.com
NFL Preseason Power Rankings: Elliot Harrison, NFL.com
Preseason is weird. In one of these power rankings, the Eagles moved up five spots. In the other, they moved down two.
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