Eagles vs. Ravens: 10 Things To Watch For in the Preseason Opener

The Philadelphia Eagles will travel to Charm City to visit the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night. The Eagles will open the team’s three-game preseason slate against one of the top teams in the AFC. This will be the first of several opportunities for Eagles players to prove themselves against competition that is outside of their own teammates. Here are 10 things to watch for the Eagles during Philadelphia’s preseason opener.

Tanner McKee vs. Andy Dalton

Prior to the start of Eagles training camp, it seemed like Tanner McKee would easily win the QB2 job. Yet through the first three weeks of practice, McKee has split second-team reps with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton during training camp. Saturday night’s game will likely feature each quarterback receiving multiple drives to prove themselves with the Eagles. McKee has reportedly started to regain the lead at QB2 in recent days but he’ll have to continue to play well against the Ravens in the preseason opener.

The Cole Payton Experience

While McKee and Dalton will battle it out for the QB2 job in Philadelphia, rookie quarterback Cole Payton will likely receive a hefty amount of snaps in the preseason. Payton has reportedly had a lot of ups and downs throughout training camp, including a few deep touchdown passes and five interceptions. Yet given Payton’s running ability and gunslinger mentality, the preseason stage could allow him to shine for the Eagles. I’m excited to watch the Cole Payton experience on Saturday, for better or for worse.

Can Will Shipley Separate Himself As RB3?

Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby are clearly the top two options at running back in Philadelphia. While third-year running back Will Shipley is expected to be RB3 in 2026, it doesn’t seem like he’s clearly won the job in training camp yet. Veteran running back Dameon Pierce was making things interesting in training camp before suffering a hamstring injury. If Shipley can separate himself as the clear option at RB3 during the preseason, it would be encouraging. Otherwise, the Eagles could wait for Pierce to return or make an outside addition at the position.

Who Will Emerge at WR?

DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon and Darius Cooper are locks to make Philadelphia’s final 53-man roster, in my opinion. Therefore, the final spot or two will likely be won during the preseason. Hollywood Brown has an edge due to his $5 million in guaranteed money, yet he still needs to prove it on the field. Elijah Moore has built a strong connection with Jalen Hurts but needs to showcase his value on special teams as well. Johnny Wilson has shown flashes but is constantly battling an injury. Who will emerge at wide receiver and win a roster spot?

It’s Time for Eli Stowers To Shine

Eagles rookie tight end Eli Stowers has struggled to standout during training camp in Philadelphia. The 23-year-old is stuck behind Dallas Goedert and Johnny Mundt, as he hasn’t received reps with the first-team offense. While Stowers hasn’t been able to shine during practice, he could thrive in a true game environment against the Ravens. Stowers has reportedly mostly caught short passes during training camp, yet he has the speed and athleticism to turn those into big gains during the preseason.

Can the Backup OL Show Promise?

The Eagles have one of the most talented starting offensive lines in the NFL, if healthy. Yet that second part of the sentence is most important, especially given the team’s uncertain depth. Philadelphia has invested several day two and day three draft picks in the offensive line in recent years. Now it’s time for a few of those players to show promise, especially Markel Bell and Drew Kendall. Philadelphia could feel a lot better about their depth in the room if a few of the young offensive linemen play well in Baltimore.

Second-Year Defenders Must Contribute

The Eagles have the luxury of being able to draft a year or two ahead in the NFL Draft. While Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba started as rookies, they’ll need a few of their draft mates to step-up in 2026. Both Ty Robinson and Mac McWilliams have reportedly shown promise during training camp but the Eagles will need that to continue in the preseason. If Robinson and McWilliams can fill key backup roles, that would be huge for the Eagles.

Don’t Sleep on Undrafted Rookies

The Eagles are on a hot streak when it comes to identifying role players in undrafted free agency. Darius Cooper is Philadelphia’s most recent undrafted free agent success story and there could be more coming in 2026. While the Eagles have already waived two of the bigger names that they signed as undrafted free agents this year, there are still a few players that are worth keeping an eye on during the preseason. Zion Wilson, Deontae Lawson, Kapena Gushiken and Maximus Pulley are players that I’ll be monitoring closely on Saturday night.

International Men of Mystery

I’m excited to see what the Eagles are going to do with both of their international defensive rookies, Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru. Both players have shown promise at times during training camp, especially Weru, who has reportedly already received reps with Philadelphia’s second-team defense in training camp. Yet the Eagles will have to walk a fine line of getting these players game reps and also exposing them to the rest of the NFL. If Philadelphia is hoping to pass either Bernard or Weru through waivers during final cuts, it might be best to keep them off the field during the preseason. If either player takes the field in Baltimore, it will be a special moment.

Special Teams Contributions

It’s basically impossible to actually practice special teams during training camp. Full contact isn’t truly permitted and players aren’t going full speed like they will during an actual game. Therefore, Saturday night will provide the Eagles with their first opportunity to see who can contribute on special teams. I remember being blown away by Cameron Latu’s ability on special teams during the preseason last year and that eventually led to him having a role in Philadelphia. The Eagles also have yet to identify who will be the kick returner and punt returner in 2026. Hopefully, Philadelphia will start to find answers to those questions on Saturday night.