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.
Check out the best photos from the Eagles' preseason tilt against the Baltimore Ravens.
WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
S Malcolm Jenkins
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
TE Will Tye and RB Miles Sanders
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
TE Zach Ertz
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
CB Ronald Darby
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
CB Avonte Maddox
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
WR DeSean Jackson
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
S Rodney McLeod
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
CB Sojourn Shelton
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
CB Jeremiah McKinnon greeting fans on his way to the field
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
DT Tim Jernigan shouting some last words of encouragement
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
S Johnathan Cyprien and fellow S Deiondre' Hall
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
K Jake Elliott, S Rodney McLeod, and G Isaac Seumalo at midfield for the coin toss
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp delivering some last-minute instructions
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
Eagles Cheerleader Kayla singing the National Anthem before the game
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
QB Cody Kessler
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
DE Vinny Curry chasing down a Ravens ballcarrier
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
TE Zach Ertz
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
WR Alshon Jeffery
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
Head coach Doug Pederson
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
DT Hassan Ridgeway
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
DT Treyvon Hester
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
RB Corey Clement
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
WR Greg Ward
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019.
QB Josh McCown
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
QB Josh McCown
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
WR Greg Ward
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
RB Josh Adams
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
RB Josh Adams celebrates a successful two-point conversion with fans
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
TE Alex Ellis catching a touchdown pass from QB Josh McCown
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
RB Josh Adams
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019
6. Rodney McLeod started at safety alongside Malcolm Jenkins for the first time since Week 3 of the 2018 season when McLeod suffered a season-ending knee injury.
7. Justin Tucker put the Ravens on the board with a 49-yard field goal with 8:26 left in the first quarter, taking advantage of a turnover on downs from the Eagles' offense when Kessler was sacked on a fourth-and-3.
8. Tucker added a 32-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Miles Boykin caught a pass from McSorley, shook off a tackle attempt from Rasul Douglas, and raced 42 yards down the left sideline to get into field goal range.
9. McSorley scored a touchdown on a 4-yard run with 11:41 remaining in the first half. Tight end Mark Andrews took a few Eagles defenders along for the ride on a catch-and-run for 25 yards to the Eagles' 5-yard line. McSorley's first touchdown throw was a 28-yard dime down the left sideline for Michael Floyd over Jeremiah McKinnon. An unsuccessful two-point conversion left it 19-0 with 6:35 to go in the first half.
10. McSorley's second touchdown pass was a 7-yard touchdown to Jaleel Scott with the receiver isolated to the left side against McKinnon to make it 26-0 at halftime.
11. Tight end Alex Ellis was signed in the middle of Training Camp. A native of Delmar, Delaware, Ellis caught McCown's second touchdown pass of the night, a 9-yard strike in the middle of the end zone. Maybe even more impressive is that Ellis made the tackle on the ensuing kickoff return. Ellis has eight NFL games under his belt in time with Jacksonville and Kansas City. With Richard Rodgers sidelined with an injury, there could be a roster spot open behind Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert.
12. Josh Adams punched in the two-point conversion following Ellis' touchdown to make it 26-15.
13. Clayton Thorson entered the game at quarterback for the Eagles with 58 seconds left in the third quarter.
14. Lightning flashed around Lincoln Financial Field at 10:13 p.m. Twenty-six minutes later the remainder of the game was terminated by the league.
