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Knee-Jerk Reactions: Ravens vs. Eagles

By Andrew Porter
 
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Saturday, August 23rd, 2014. Almost exactly one-year to the day.

It was the last time Sam Bradford has played in an NFL game. Of course, it was a preseason game, and Bradford devastatingly tore his ACL in his left leg that night---his second straight ACL tear in two seasons. After playing just seven games in 2013, Bradford missed the entire 2014 season for the Rams.

On Saturday night, August 22nd, 2015 in South Philadephia, the former number one overall pick out of Oklahoma University, now an Eagle, returned.

Here are my knee-jerk reactions from the Eagles' 40-17 preseason win over the Ravens.

  • Well, Bradford was welcomed back hard, twice. The first time, on a handoff. Terrell Suggs, I hope, thought Bradford kept the ball and went low on him.
  • Jason Peters went off on Suggs after the game, calling the hit a "cheap shot."
  • Next, it was Brandon Williams who smoked Bradford on a hesitation-throw, a completion over the middle to Josh Huff.
  • 3-5, 35 yards for Bradford, but more importantly he looked comfortable on his only series. The offense was humming, moving fast, and went 84 yards in 11 plays (3:55), ending in an electric 14-yard Ryan Mathews TD run.
  • Bradford's best throw was a bullet over the middle to Jordan Matthews. He hit Matthews right between the 8 and the 1.
  • To set up Bradford's first drive, Nolan Carroll blanketed Ravens WR Kamar Aiken all the way down the field, looked back at the ball, made a terrific play to break it up...and Walter Thurmond was there to pick it off.
  • After Mathews' TD run, another new Eagle Byron Maxwell came up with a poorly thrown Joe Flacco ball for another interception...
  • ...leading to a TD for another new Eagle, DeMarco Murray, a two-yard run.
  • So, how are those offseason moves doing for Chip? Thurmond pick, Mathews TD, Maxwell pick, Murray TD. Pretty good, I guess.
  • Mark Sanchez (14-20, 118 yards) was very sharp, a total-180 from preseason game number one. He completed his first nine passes of the game.
  • Jordan Matthews, who had a touchdown nullified by a Julian Vandervelde hold, and Nelson Agholor seem to get open on every play. Seriously.
  • Give Rasheed Bailey four more catches. Unfortunately, Bailey injured his shoulder and left the game.
  • Oh, I guess I have to mention Tim Tebow right? He did have a 26-yard run on a read-option keeper, but he also did this. And this.
  • The Eagles' starting defensive front was without Kiko Alonso, Mychal Kendricks, and DeMeco Ryans once again, but continues to dominate the line of scrimmage.
  • Vinny Curry, from the outside linebacker position, had multiple QB hurries and looked explosive.
  • Bryan Braman continues to do Bryan Braman things.
  • For what it's worth, Diaheem Watkins (the other Watkins) stood out in the second half at outside linebacker. Watkins was active and made a few noteworthy plays.
  • Another noticeable backup was safety Jerome Couplin. Coup made some plays.
  • Speaking of Jaylen Watkins, his inability to tackle was evident again. I like his coverage ability, but he has to be able to tackle.
  • For the second straight preseason game, rookie corner Eric Rowe was unimpressive. Row got the start in the slot, but was shaky in coverage throughout the game. It's early, but the kid has a long way to go.
  • Kenjon Barner did it again, another punt return touchdown late in the first half (68 yards). Barner to Chip, A Bronx Tale style: "Now yous can't cut me."
  • Cool moment between Kelly and Barner here.
  • Backup punter/kicker Kip Smith was the funniest player of the game, and it wasn't close. Chip compared him to famous knuckle-ball pitcher Tim Wakefield after the game.
  • As good as the Eagles looked, that's how awful the Ravens looked. There were nine first half Baltimore penalties, totaling 82 yards (not including the ones the Eagles declined) and 17  penalties totaling 139 yards for the game. Yeah, that's a lot.

 

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