Forgive Chris Polk if he had trouble containing his excitement.
Standing by his locker, it was clear this night was special. Only the preseason? Not after the path he’d taken to get here.
Andy Reid said as recently as two days ago that the phones are “very active” this time of year as teams try to shape their rosters before the deadline to get down to 53 Friday night.
According to one analyst, the team could look to deal a running back.
The Eagles have until 9 p.m. Friday to cut their roster down to 53.
That means 22 players currently on the squad will be told not to show up next week.
Keeping that in mind, here are 10 players who are sitting squarely on the roster bubble.
A look at how King Dunlap, Demetress Bell and the rest of the offense performed against the Patriots, after having re-watched the game.
In no particular order, here’s what I’ll be keeping an eye on tonight when the Eagles take on the Patriots in their second preseason game.
The idea of using Chris Polk as a lead blocker for the Eagles has been batted around by the powers that be.
“Certainly that’s been discussed and thought of,” said offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. “He is a physical player, isn’t he? I think Chris Polk is an excellent football player. I think he is an excellent ball carrier, I think he could be an excellent blocker as well.”
The Eagles have an interesting decision to make when it comes to Bryce Brown. Despite a concerning collegiate path, they selected him in the seventh round because of his undeniable talent. His ability to tote the ball has shone through, and his mind appears to be in the right place.
Still, the pass-protection issue lingers. Brown was not used as a blocker at Tennessee or Kansas State, and remains raw in that area.
“I’m still a work in progress because I haven’t done it before,” said Brown. “I’m starting to realize that the more you are able to recognize the blitzes before they come, it’s going to help you a whole lot in picking things up.”
From Demetress Bell to Bryce Brown, here’s a player-by-player breakdown of the Eagles’ offense against the Steelers, after having re-watched the game.
Football in Philadelphia makes its long-awaited return tonight as the Eagles host the Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast locally on 6-ABC.
Tim and I will be there, and we’ll be hosting a live chat right here, so be sure to join us.
Meanwhile, here’s a cheat-sheet for you: 10 things to keep an eye on this evening.
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