Eagles Trail Bengals at Half in Preseason Finale
Philadelphia fell behind Cincinnati 9-3 after two quarters. Quarterback Tanner McKee struggled, but running back Dameon Pierce gained 44 yards on four carries before leaving with an apparent limp. Safety Andre Sam impressed with strong coverage and a fumble recovery.
The Eagles' backup quarterback competition remains unresolved after McKee's uneven outing, as he completed barely half his passes and missed a potential touchdown before halftime. His passer rating of 41.1 reflects a performance that likely complicates the team's decision between him and veteran Andy Dalton for the number-two role behind Jalen Hurts.
Pierce's apparent leg injury adds concern to an otherwise encouraging showing, given his 11-yard-per-carry average. Meanwhile, Sam's fumble recovery and coverage work strengthen his case for a roster spot after two seasons primarily on the practice squad. The Eagles' starters sat out entirely, leaving evaluation of depth players as the primary purpose of this exhibition.
Preseason performances like these carry limited weight for regular-season outcomes, but they shape roster decisions that affect players' careers and team depth. For fans, the backup quarterback question and injuries to running backs could influence expectations heading into the season. The Eagles' winless exhibition record may generate mild concern, though the absence of key starters tempers any meaningful conclusions about the team's competitive prospects.