Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard
Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

Three Eagles on the way up — and three on the way down — after the Patriots game

by Jeff Neiburg
Tap to see more

The Eagles rested most of their starters during Thursday night’s 14-13 win in Foxborough, Mass., but it was an important second preseason game for a handful of players who are still trying to make an impression during training camp and running out of time to do so.

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

After Thursday, the Eagles have just one more week of practices and one more preseason game before it’s time to cut the roster down and determine the depth chart. Here’s a look at three players whose stock went up Thursday, and three whose stock went down ...

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

Up: Tanner McKee, quarterback

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

McKee looked comfortable running the offense, moved well in the pocket, and made some nice throws. He completed 15 of his 19 passes for 140 yards and led a go-ahead drive late in the fourth quarter. QB2? We’ll see at practice Saturday.

Down: Kenny Pickett, quarterback

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

It’s worth noting Pickett played behind the second-team offensive line against a first-team defense, but he didn’t look good. He completed 11 of his 13 passes and was sacked four times. He’s averaging 4.5 yards per attempt this preseason.

Up: Mekhi Becton, right guard

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

Becton got the night off, which means it might be time to call the race for right guard. The big man played briefly in last week’s preseason opener, and has gobbled up all of the first-team reps in recent practices.

Down: Tyler Steen, right guard

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

Steen’s stock was down when Becton didn’t dress, but his night got worse, even after playing a few solid drives. Steen has been battling an ankle injury during camp, and was carted to the locker room in the first half.

Up: Avonte Maddox, safety

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

Maddox isn’t the only one making a transition to safety (more on that in a moment). The Birds lack depth there and had to like his first-half interception. He was physical and used good instincts to step in front of tight end Austin Hooper.

Down: James Bradberry, safety

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

Vic Fangio recently praised Bradberry’s transition to safety from corner. But Bradberry didn’t look the part Thursday, especially during one drive. He missed a tackle in space, and later looked lost as Drake Maye waltzed into the end zone.