EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Philadelphia Eagles looked impressive through three preseason games, outscoring opponents by a total of 115-53. The Eagles rested most of their starters Thursday night and their preseason winning streak also took a powder.
The New York Jets beat the Eagles, 24-18, but the most compelling competition was between Tim Tebow and Matt Barkley for the Eagles’ third quarterback spot. Tebow may have nailed down a roster spot.
Here are some quick thoughts on the Eagles’ final preseason game:
QB Depth Chart: Holding Steady? The top two spots were clear as Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez sat this one out. Barkley threw an interception on the second play from scrimmage and never really did anything to erase that early impression. Tebow looked just OK early, then rallied with two touchdown drives. His 45-yard strike to Freddie Martino was the best throw of the night.
Maybe That Dude Could Start: Kiko Alonso made a couple of tackles on the Jets’ first possession. But wait a minute: That dude does start. Alonso was making his preseason debut after missing the first three games with a concussion and knee soreness. Another inside linebacker, Jordan Hicks, broke into the backfield and dropped Daryl Richardson for a 2-yard loss.
Who Got Hurt? The Eagles got through the preseason schedule without any serious injuries. Their only notable injuries occurred during practices – torn ACLs for Travis Long and JaCorey Shepherd, a groin injury for Marcus Smith.
A Player Who Looks Amazing: Linebacker Bryan Braman probably had a roster spot because of his importance to the Eagles’ special teams. But he sacked Matt Flynn for an 8-yard loss. It was Braman’s second sack of the preseason, perhaps making him a candidate for the No. 3 outside linebacker spot.
Rookie Watch: First-round pick Nelson Agholor made the cut of players who were sidelined for this one. Second-round pick Eric Rowe played a lot and was beaten on several passes. Linebacker Jordan Hicks also got a lot of work.
One Reason To Freak Out, Good or Bad: It would be pretty hard to get worked up about this one. The Jets controlled the game, but the Eagles didn’t dress 27 of their best players.
A late surge: The Eagles released Kevin Monangai this week, leaving Raheem Mostert and Kenjon Barner competing for a potential fourth running back spot. Mostert made the most of his chance Thursday, catching six passes for 81 yards and rushing 10 times for 47 yards – all in the first half.
Local hero: Rasheed Bailey is one of the feel-good stories of camp this year. He grew up in Philadelphia and went to Delaware Valley University, a small school in Bucks County. Bailey caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Tebow in the second quarter and took a screen 12 yards into the red zone in the fourth quarter.