The Eagles’ preseason schedule will be two-thirds of the way done after Thursday, meaning the pressure is on for those fighting over a roster spot. A strong performance against the Browns could afford some cut candidates an extra couple of days to prove their worth, or allow others to lock themselves into a job for the upcoming campaign.
With that in mind, here’s three players to keep an eye on against Cleveland.
Eagles Players Fighting for Their Jobs vs. Browns
1. Sydney Brown
Sydney Brown makes the list not because he needs to make a case to stick around. Instead, he has the chance to lock down the other starting safety spot after his performance in training camp.
Brown has been one of the Eagles’ standouts in early practices, impressing the coaching staff with tenaciousness on defense. His high motor is apparent, especially after the third-round pick led the team with nine tackles in Philly’s first preseason game.
Sydney Brown wants to be FEARED! #Eagles 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/i62koAoHLa
— Philly Talk Podcast (@Philly_Mike25) August 16, 2023
The rookie sounds like the exact kind of competitor that could ensure this secondary keeps chugging along after some offseason losses. Not only does he play hard, but his effort never wanes. That’s a special trait for someone so young.
Now it’s time for Brown to turn the heat up and turn in another great outing. He’s been earning more first-team reps in practice as he starts to pull away in this position battle, and showing out for second straight time a live-game situation could help him seal his spot atop the depth chart.
2. Ian Book
As roster cutdown day approaches, Philadelphia will be taking a closer look at each position group, starting at quarterback. Right now the team is carrying four players, so at least one will be on the chopping block.
Unfortunately for Ian Book, he appears to be the most likely to be cut loose at the moment. For starters, the Eagles already invested in a QB3 this offseason by selecting Tanner McKee in the sixth round. That speaks to the front office’s belief in Mckee’s potential, making him a frontrunner to stick around.
There’s also the fact Book has done nothing to make Philly reconsider its third-string quarterback plans. He earned little playing time in the Eagles’ preseason opener with McKee (10 completions for 148 yards) impressing, attempting just four passes against the Ravens. Book connected one just one of those throws for a measly 11 yards, and he struggled with his pocket presence, as evidenced by the two sacks he took.
Book’s ability to make plays with his legs in intriguing, and it’s obvious how he could fit a system designed around Jalen Hurts’ rushing abilities. However, he needs to prove he’s worth keeping around. A big game against Cleveland is best way to make it to the preseason finale.
3. Trey Sermon
Philadelphia is spoiled at running back right now, and that’s going to lead to at least one unfortunate victim by cutdown day. Those around the team are split on who will be let go, but Trey Sermon is certainly one possibility.
The former 49ers RB has the draft pedigree (third-round pick in 2021) and prior experience with the Eagles that gives a shot to make the roster. However, Sermon’s failed to consistently impress at camp by almost all accounts, with his busy start falling off after the first week.
Going off of his preseason debut, it’s difficult to say he’s done enough to warrant a roster spot either. Sermon was incredibly inefficient despite tying for the team high in attempts (9), recording just 21 yards. Yes, he found the end zone, but it was a simple score from two yards out for a team that is incredible in the red zone — not exactly anything special.
The question is has Sermon done enough to earn a roster spot, and the answer appears to be a no right now. The deck is already stacked against him with two explosive veterans in D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny ahead of him, plus the flexible Kenneth Gainwell. There’s also the incumbent Boston Scott, whom Philadelphia gave over $1 million guaranteed to re-sign this offseason.
If Sermon is to make the roster, he’ll need to clearly beat out Scott. A breakout against Baltimore could help him pull ahead in the RB4 race.
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