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

Key takeaways from first half of Eagles preseason matchup vs. Colts

Nick Sirianni sat most of his starters and key contributors, allowing rookies and select veterans to put production on film one last time ahead of roster cutdowns.

The Colts played their starters for the entire first half, but only led the Eagles 17-13, with Jake Elliott keeping the home team in the game with two massive field goals.

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Marcus Mariota played one series at quarterback for Philadelphia, while rookie and No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson, played the entire first half.

With the third quarter set to start, here are the key takeaways from the first half.

Devon Allen

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The Olympic hurdler and speedy wide receiver is finally healthy after a pre-training camp calf injury.

Allen opened things up with a 73-yard kickoff return to put Philadelphia in prime field position.

Overall, Allen also had 1-catch for 7 yards in the first half.

Trey Sermon

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Sermon is the only one of the big five to dress for the preseason finale, and he opened the first drive with four carries, for 6-yards and another touchdown.

Overall, Sermon had a frustrating first half, logging 12 carries, for 19 yards and the lone touchdown.

Sermon also had three catches for 25 yards.

Nicholas Morrow

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Morrow needs a big game and flashed his potential, dropping Colts running back Deon Jackson for a loss on third down.

Morrow had one tackle and one tackle for loss in the first half.

Roster battles

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Reed Blankenship is the clear starter at one safety spot, while Justin Evans and Terrell Edmunds got the start ahead of K’Von Wallace.

Kelee Ringo and Mekhi Garner were the starting cornerbacks with Josh Jobe in street clothes.

Anthony Richardson

Aug 24, 2023; Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The rookie found his rhythm on the Colts’ second drive, going 2-4 for 36 yards while leading Indianapolis on a 6-play, 52-yard drive that ended with a Deon Jackson three-yard touchdown.

Richardson played the entire first half, going 6-17 passing, for 78-yards.  A true dual threat, Richardson also logged 5 carries for 38 yards.

Deon Cain late surge

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The 2022 training camp standout, Cain missed time upon signing with Philadelphia, and has stood out in the finale.

Cain has 6-catches, on 8 targets for 62-yards.

Jake Elliott is boomin

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Jake Elliott is already in midseason form, hitting field goals of 59 and 52 yards in the 1st half.

Tanner McKee is legit

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The rookie was impressive under the lights again, going 15-27 passing, for 139-yards, while making some big time throws.

McKee is pushing Marcus Mariota for the backup quarterback job and has locked down the third quarterback job.

Tyreek Maddox-Williams

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The newly signed linebacker and Philadelphia had an active first half at the linebacker position.

Maddox-Williams had five tackles, one tackle for loss, two passes defended and one quarterback hit in his debut.

Tyree Jackson

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The former quarterback and tight end prospect 2 catches, for 28-yards on two targets.

Joseph Ngata

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

It hasn’t been the best night for Joseph Ngata who had an earlier drop, and then just fumbled after making a reception in traffic.

In all, Ngata had two catches on six targets in the first half for 28-yards.

Random Notes

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia had 11 first downs in the first half, 41 total plays and 165-yards.

Tyreek Maddox-Williams led the Eagles with five tackles, while undrafted rookie free agent Ben VanSumeren had four tackles.

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