The NFL is back, and Philadelphia has officially begun its march toward another postseason berth with a highly anticipated season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Kenny Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and a touchdown, and the Eagles are tied 6-6 with the Ravens at the end of the first half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Both teams were without key starters, but Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio made sure that key players were used in the first half. Most of the Ravens’ offensive and defensive starters were on the bench, allowing second-year linebacker Trenton Simpson to shine.
On offense, Josh Johnson threw four of 12 passes for 60 yards, while Owen Wright led Baltimore’s running attack with seven carries for 33 yards.
With the second half about to begin, here are insights and observations from the first half in Baltimore.
February 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter (LB24) practices during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Trotter is instinctive and has the advantage of having had dinner and breakfast with one of the best linebackers in Eagles franchise history.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 5: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts during the second quarter in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on November 5, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Nakobe Dean’s first defensive action came with 5:34 left in the second quarter. Philadelphia’s starting linebackers were Zack Baun and Devin White. Dean had one tackle and one pass defensed in the first half.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 31: Kelee Ringo #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Philadelphia gave us a taste of things to come when Quinyon Mitchell and Kelee Ringo got snaps together. Isaiah Rodgers got snaps on the outside with Ringo while Mitchell got the first snaps in the slot. The Eagles gave up 62 yards passing in the first half.
August 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley (39) celebrates his touchdown in the first quarter with wide receiver Johnny Wilson (89) against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Wilson started for Philadelphia and had one catch for seven yards on two attempts and a crucial block on Will Shipley’s touchdown.
July 28, 2021; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton (77) looks on during training camp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Mekhi Becton starts at right guard, while the rest of the Eagles’ offensive line was not used.
August 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) attempts to pass out of the pocket during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and a touchdown in the first half, cementing his status as a backup.
August 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles’ best offensive players, including Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, were inconsistent.
