Eagles report card: How we graded Philadelphia in preseason loss to Ravens

The Philadelphia Eagles' preseason opener was never going to determine how the 2026 season ultimately unfolds, but Saturday night's 24-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens exposed plenty of areas that need attention. Philadelphia rested most of its projected starters and kept the offensive game plan relatively basic, making the final score less important than the individual evaluations from the game. Still, there was little to celebrate during the first three quarters.

The Eagles managed only 159 total yards, six first downs and 13 completions. They went 0-for-9 on third down and committed 10 penalties for 96 yards. Baltimore, meanwhile, controlled possession for more than 41 minutes and finished with 440 yards and 31 first downs.

There were individual bright spots, including a strong defensive performance from Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and encouraging moments from some of Philadelphia's younger players. Cole Payton also provided the game's lone offensive touchdown for the Eagles when he connected with Erik Ezukanma late in the fourth quarter.

Here's how we graded the Eagles' major position groups.

This was not the night Philadelphia wanted from its backup quarterback competition.

Andy Dalton started and completed just 3 of 6 passes for 20 yards. Tanner McKee followed with 6-of-10 passing for 35 yards, while Cole Payton completed 4 of 9 attempts for 37 yards and added 45 rushing yards. Payton ultimately provided the biggest spark, leading the Eagles on their only touchdown drive and throwing a six-yard touchdown pass to Ezukanma.

The numbers were ugly overall, but the Eagles also didn't put their quarterbacks in an ideal situation. With a vanilla offensive approach and little help from the surrounding offense, it was difficult for Dalton or McKee to generate much rhythm.

Still, neither player separated himself in the QB2 competition.

Will Shipley led Philadelphia with seven carries for 22 yards. Tank Bigsby added five yards on two carries, while Carson Steele had two yards on one attempt. The overall rushing numbers were respectable at 76 yards on 14 attempts, but much of that production came from Payton's 45 rushing yards.

Philadelphia will need more consistency from its running backs as the preseason continues, particularly as the competition behind Saquon Barkley develops.

The Eagles generated very little through the passing game.

Darius Cooper led the group with two catches for 21 yards, while E.J. Jenkins also caught two passes for 20 yards. Ezukanma finished with one catch for six yards, but it was the most important reception of the night because it produced Philadelphia's only touchdown. The bigger concern was the lack of explosive production. Philadelphia averaged only 3.7 yards per pass attempt as a team.

That number is unlikely to remain remotely similar once the starters return, but the young receivers competing for roster spots missed an opportunity to make a major statement.

Eli Stowers caught three passes for 12 yards, providing one of the more consistent targets in the passing game. Grant Calcaterra added one reception for eight yards, while E.J. Jenkins contributed two catches.

Stowers' involvement was encouraging, but the position group didn't create much downfield.

Philadelphia's offensive line allowed Baltimore to generate three sacks, although the Eagles' quarterbacks were rarely given much opportunity to establish a rhythm. The Eagles also struggled to sustain drives, producing only six first downs.

The preseason is about evaluating individual players, and the line will be worth monitoring closely as more reps become available. The performance in Baltimore wasn't disastrous across the board, but it wasn't particularly convincing either.

The Eagles didn't get enough pressure on Joe Fagnano, who completed 22 of 28 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown.

That is the biggest concern from the front.

There were some positive individual moments, including a sack from Tarron Jackson and encouraging work from rookie Uar Bernard in his NFL debut. Bernard's appearance was particularly noteworthy given how new he is to organized football.

The front needs to be more disruptive as the preseason progresses.

This was one of Philadelphia's better position groups.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. recorded five tackles and a sack, while Deontae Lawson finished with five tackles and a quarterback hit. Jose Ramirez also recorded five tackles.

The Eagles got plenty of snaps for young linebackers, including Smael Mondon Jr. and Jihaad Campbell, giving the coaching staff an extended look at the depth of the group.

Trotter's performance was the standout.

Kelee Ringo gave Philadelphia one of its biggest defensive highlights by intercepting Fagnano.

Mac McWilliams also played a team-high 65 defensive snaps, while Ambry Thomas logged 57. The Eagles got extensive work from players competing for depth roles, including Kapena Gushiken and Shaun Wade.

The interception was encouraging, but the secondary ultimately allowed Baltimore to complete 30 of 37 passes for 298 yards.

That's an area that needs to look much better in the next preseason game.

Braden Mann punted eight times for 381 yards, averaging 47.6 yards per punt with a long of 53. Erik Ezukanma averaged 25.7 yards on three kick returns, while Quez Watkins averaged 18 yards on two. Jake Elliott converted his only extra-point attempt.

There wasn't much drama from the specialists, but Mann consistently flipped field position.

The preseason requires context.

The Eagles weren't showing their full offensive playbook, and most of the team's established starters didn't play. The purpose was evaluation, not winning a preseason game. But 10 penalties for 96 yards and a 0-for-9 performance on third down are difficult to completely dismiss. Sean Mannion's new offense was extremely limited in its debut, and that's understandable. Philadelphia has plenty of time to refine the system before the regular season.

Still, Saturday provided a reminder that installing a new offense comes with some early growing pains.

The score isn't the concern. The lack of execution is.

Philadelphia was dominated statistically, finishing with 159 total yards compared with Baltimore's 440. The Eagles had only six first downs, compared to 31 for the Ravens, and possessed the ball for just 18:43. At the same time, it's important not to overreact.

The Eagles sat most of their starters. The offensive scheme was intentionally basic. The backup quarterback competition remains unresolved, and numerous young players were receiving their first meaningful NFL opportunities.

There were positives to take away, particularly from Trotter, Ringo, Payton and some of the young defensive players.

But Philadelphia's preseason opener was ultimately a reminder of how much work remains before the Eagles can turn their collection of talent into a cohesive football team.

The result doesn't matter much. The lessons do.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles report card: How we graded Philadelphia in preseason loss to Ravens