Philadelphia Eagles News

Game Recap: J.J. Arcega-Whiteside shines as Eagles fall to Ravens 26-15 in weather-shortened game

Aug 22, 2019 at 10:59 PM

Chris McPherson

Don't worry about the score. Yes, the Eagles lost 26-15 to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field as quarterback Trace McSorley was 19-of-28 for 203 yards with two touchdowns in the air and another on the ground in a game that was terminated due to weather with 11:43 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Ravens have crafted a preseason dynasty by not losing an exhibition game since 2015, a win streak that extended to 16 games with this latest victory.

What's important is that the vast majority of the starters for the Eagles shook off the rust in what is likely their last game action before the regular-season opener on September 8. Running back Corey Clement and safety Rodney McLeod made their preseason debuts, as their comebacks from last year's season-ending knee injury took another major step forward.

Quarterback Josh McCown played in his first game since signing with the team last Saturday. He grew more comfortable as the game went along, finishing 17-of-24 for 192 yards with a pair of touchdowns. His highlight throw was a beautiful touch pass into the end zone for rookie J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, a 20-yard score early in the third quarter that put the Eagles on the board.

Arcega-Whiteside was a jolt of lightning on Thursday night for the Eagles with a game-high for eight catches for 104 yards in a game delayed 26 minutes before being called. His touchdown came on a sweet post-corner route. Arcega-Whiteside paced the Eagles with eight catches for 104 yards and the touchdown. Later in the third quarter, Arcega-Whiteside took a short pass over the middle from McCown and turned it into a 35-yard gain that sparked another touchdown drive that ended with a 9-yard catch by tight end Alex Ellis.

The Eagles wrap up the preseason next Thursday night in their annual showdown at the New York Jets. Here's other news and notes from the game:

1. The Eagles got the ball first and Cody Kessler started at quarterback. The Eagles played the majority of their starters on offense minus quarterback Carson Wentz and running backs Jordan Howard and Darren Sproles. Miles Sanders' only role was as a kick returner. Kessler went 3-of-5 for 34 yards in two series before giving way to McCown.

2. Corey Clement started at running back, getting his first game action of any kind since a knee injury prematurely ended his 2018 season. His first carry went for a 4-yard run up the middle. Clement finished with 25 yards on seven carries, with a long gain of 11. He showed good burst as he looks to earn a roster spot.

3. DeSean Jackson was moved all over the field in his one series of action. He didn't catch a pass (one Kessler attempt sailed over his head) but he was aligned out wide to the left, wide to the right, and in the slot.

4. Zach Ertz looks to pick up right where he left off from his record-setting 2018 campaign. He hauled in a 13-yard over the pass over the middle on the opening drive.

5. McSorley started for the Ravens at quarterback, as Lamar Jackson was given the night off. Defensive end Brandon Graham sniffed out a handoff to wide receiver Marquise Brown, who ran across the backfield before the snap. Graham used one arm to get the rookie first-round pick for a loss of 4 yards.