4 Eagles with simultaneously the most to gain and lose in preseason finale

We often say that preseason games don’t matter much. Maybe they don’t, but we certainly all have memories of a few and the Philadelphia Eagles who made them special. Who remembers the Paul Turner experience, Reed Blankenship’s bone-crushing tackle, or Donovan McNabb’s bomb to Terrell Owens on the first play from scrimmage?

None of those moments is part of any stat collection. All of those moments made us smile. No one is saying you should change your stance on how you view the preseason. Week 2 vs. the Cleveland Browns probably ruined that for you, but what is being said is that career-defining plays and the flat-out exciting can come at any moment.

Everyone playing in Philly’s final preseason game will be doing so vs. the New York Jets. They all have a lot on their minds. That’s especially true of all those who will still be playing in the fourth quarter. It’s an essential game for everyone involved. For four Birds, it may be the most crucial game of their lives.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson

After entering the league with so much potential and crafting a 1-4 record as the Cleveland Browns starter, Dorian Thompson-Robinson was given a new leash on life. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles as part of a deal that included Kenny Pickett and a 2025 fifth-rounder.

Things became more interesting when the Eagles drafted Kyle McCord. It seemed the ceiling for Thompson-Robinson was a spot in the practice squad. Then, Thompson-Robinson often outplayed McCord during practice, and he played reasonably well in Philadelphia’s first preseason game vs. the Cincinnati Bengals.

Neither Thompson-Robinson nor McCord played well vs. the Cleveland Browns, so here we are. If there is a stalemate or draw, a roster spot would be given to the draftee. McCord.

Who knows if that’s true, though? All we know is this. Thompson-Robinson needs things to work out more than Kyle McCord. Both will end up somewhere, but this seems like their best opportunities to succeed.

Patrick Johnson

Maybe those of us who are Patrick Johnson fans know something that the rest of the world doesn’t. It seems doubtful that the eyeball is tricking us. He seemingly shows up and shows off when given an opportunity.

So, what are we missing? Is this always about the numbers game? Maybe it is, but all we know is this. Training camp and the preseason are supposed to be about making the most of opportunities. It’s hard to find someone on any roster who has done that more often than Patrick Johnson. We hope Philadelphia finds room for him.

Kylen Granson

Will the Eagles keep five wide receivers or six on the initial 53-man roster? Will they keep three tight ends or two? The answer to the second question will probably determine whether or not Kylen Granson ends up with a job in Philadelphia.

He has proven during camp and the preseason that he is talented. Unfortunately, his second preseason game (two targets and zero catches) didn’t measure up to his first (three targets, three catches, and 28 yards receiving).

Then again, 95% of the Eagles’ roster looked bad in that second game. We’ll give him a pass, but he can’t afford another pass at MetLife Stadium. He needs a strong and definitive showing.

Darius Cooper

Darius Cooper seems like the easiest cut candidate on this list. He’s the guy whom the Eagles may most easily sneak through waivers, but he certainly has loftier ambitions than returning to the practice squad. If you forget everything known about him and focus on his performance, he seems worthy of a roster spot.

He hasn’t presented himself as an undrafted rookie free agent who played at a small school. He has performed like a highly-touted draftee who made a name at a traditional power. Now comes the question. Does he have one more nice showing in him?

We’ve found great UDFAs during the Eagles’ preseason slate before. We want to reintroduce you to everyone’s favorite dark horse.

His preseason numbers: Seven targets, six receptions, 82 yards receiving, one touchdown, and a million new fans. As is the case with Johnson, we hope Philadelphia finds space for him. He seems to have established himself as the fifth-best wide receiver on this roster, but the Eagles may give that job to Ainias Smith?

So, we ask again? Will they keep six? If memory serves, the only five were kept on the initial 53-man roster last year. One can’t help but wonder what happens to Cooper if Philadelphia elects to do so. Truth be told, it’s hard to forecast the futures of any of these guys if things don’t work out with the Eagles.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 4 Eagles walking the tightrope in final preseason game vs. Jets

4 Eagles with simultaneously the most to gain and lose in preseason finale

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