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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Instant analysis and recap of Eagles 20-19 loss to Ravens in preseason opener

Philadelphia held Baltimore to 115 yards in the first half, and Eagles rookie Tanner McKee shined as the Birds finished the first half with a 13-10 lead at M&T Bank Stadium.

It wasn’t enough, though, as Baltimore won their 24th straight preseason game after coming away with a hard-fought 20-19 win at home.

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All-Pro quarterback Jalen Hurts, and other key starters on both sides of the football were held out as the team prepares for two joint practice sessions with the Browns this week.

A revamped defense saw young rookies and veterans hold the Ravens to 10 points in the first half, while Jalen Carter had the play of the game.

With all eyes pointing toward Cleveland’s arrival, here’s an instant analysis of the entertaining contest.

Eagles starters held out

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Philadelphia held key starters out on both the offensive and defensive side of the football.

Tanner McKee draft steal

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Tanner McKee won’t be a threat to Jalen Hurts, but he could become a valuable backup and draft capital for the Eagles in the years to come.

McKee Finished his night 10/20 for 148 yards and he played much better than the stat line suggested.

Eagles rushing attack

Aug 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee (10) hands the ball off to running back Rashaad Penny (23) during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia sat Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell, but had plenty of reinforcements.

Rashaad Penny had nine carries for 34-yards, while D’Andre Swift had two carries for 24-yards, including an electric 22-yard scamper.

Trey Sermon had 9 carries for 21 yards.

Tyrie Clevleand

Aug 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland (85) makes a catch in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Kevon Seymour (25) during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The former Florida Gators receiver had five-catches for 68 yards on the night.

Greg Ward

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ward has nine lives and kept his roster chances afloat with 5 catches for 53-yards before exiting with an injury.

Sydney Brown is a vibe

Sydney Brown: Photo credit: Kiel Leggere

Brown led the Eagles with 9 tackles, all in the second-half, as he played with a constant motor and physical presence.

K'Von Wallace

K’Von Wallace: Photo Credit: Kiel Leggere

Wallace made his presence felt, logging five tackles on the night.

Ben VanSumeren

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The rookie from Michigan State was active with six total tackles.

Jalen Carter

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Carter didn’t start the game, but every snap the former Georgia All-American plays will be analyzed and disected for years to come.

During his first three plays of action, Carter made his presence felt, pressuring Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson into an incompletion.

Georgia Boys

Kelee Ringo: Photo credit: Kiel Legerre

Jalen Carter was outstanding on the night, while Nolan Smith was active. Jordan Davis logged meaningful snaps, while Kelee Ringo had one tackle, one pass defended and gave up a score.

Mekhi Garner

Mehki Garner: Photo credit: Kiel Leggerre

Garner plays with a physical presence, and logged three tackles and one forced fumble.

Punter battle

(AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

The Eagles have a competition for the punter job and the first preseason game saw Arryn Siposs log two for 75 yards, while Ty Zentner had one punt for 46-yards.

Eli Ricks

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 12: Cornerback Eli Ricks #39 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates in front of quarterback Anthony Brown #12 of the Baltimore Ravens after intercepting a pass for a touchdown in the second half of preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The former LSU and Alabama cornerback put his stamp on the game with a 31-yard pick-six off Ravens quarterback Anthony Brown.

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