After one preseason game, we learned a good bit about the 2021 Philadelphia Eagles. And there were certainly a handful of bright spots that deserve recognition. But the team also left a little to be desired, especially from some players who fans are expecting to contribute in big ways this season.
Here are three players that need to perform better in the Eagles second preseason game Thursday night.
Travis Fulgham
Despite suiting up and playing the majority of first team snaps in last Thursday’s preseason opener, Travis Fulgham saw little to no action. He didn’t get any targets during his time on the field.
Fulgham is the team’s only prototypical X receiver on the roster. But with the emergence of Quez Watkins — a player who certainly got his fair share of praise after last week’s game — Fulgham will be fighting for snaps once the regular season rolls around. If Watkins continues to impress while Fulgham slips into obscurity, then the decision on who should see the field more won’t be all that difficult.
Fulgham has something none of the Eagles top wideouts have, and that’s size. If he can hone his skills and earn starting time, he’ll play a pivotal role in how well the Birds’ young wide receiving corps does this year.
Keep an eye on him during Thursday’s contest. He has something to prove.
Genard Avery
Genard Avery got the start last Thursday at the SAM linebacker position, but he didn’t see much playing time. He finished the night with 0 tackles.
This new SAM position in Jonathan Gannon’s defense is going to be interesting to watch unfold, and we probably won’t see its true function until the regular season. Gannon ran a very vanilla defense in his first preseason game as the defensive coordinator. That won’t change in this upcoming contest.
In regards to Avery, it would be nice to at least get some sort of glimpse of what his role will be this season. Utilizing his pass rushing skill set should be able to create matchup problems for opposing offenses. In some extended time this Thursday, keep an eye on Avery’s alignment and what his assignment is on any given down.
Jason Huntley
Jason Huntley led the Eagles backfield in touches last Thursday night, finishing with 15 yards rushing on 4 carries and 1 catch for 4 yards. But he should see some extended time this week with Kerryon Johnson out indefinitely.
Huntley has been turning heads throughout training camp, but his electrifying speed wasn’t on full display last week. Look for Nick Sirianni to get him into open space, possibly on screens or quick routes out of the backfield. I imagine Huntley will get the bulk of carries in the second half. If he’s going to earn himself a roster spot, now’s the time to do it.
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