As the curtains closed on the 2025 NFL preseason, the Philadelphia Eagles faced the New York Jets in a pivotal Week 3 matchup. This final exhibition contest served as a critical crucible for players vying for precious spots on the 53-man roster, with coaches making last-minute evaluations across 68 offensive snaps and 69 defensive snaps. Beyond the score, the true victory or defeat for many hinged on individual performances, showcasing talent, or faltering under pressure. Our comprehensive analysis dives deep into the snap counts, individual player assessments, and the looming roster decisions that will shape the Eagles’ path into the regular season.
Eagles’ Quarterback Conundrum: A Week 3 Reckoning
The most pressing question emanating from the Eagles’ final preseason game revolves around their quarterback depth, a concern that has intensified throughout August. Kyle McCord, who handled all 68 offensive snaps, delivered a performance that left much to be desired. He completed a disappointing 15 of 35 passes (42.9%) for only 136 yards, averaging a meager 3.9 yards per attempt. His stat line included zero touchdowns and a particularly ill-advised interception when he targeted a bracketed Darius Cooper. This outing capped a preseason where McCord “simply did not look very good,” mirroring his struggles in Week 2 and failing to build on any consistent progress.
Adding to the complexity, promising young quarterback Tanner McKee is grappling with a non-surgical finger injury on his throwing hand. His hand remained pocketed during and after the game, leaving observers guessing about the nature of his protective device and, more importantly, his readiness for the Week 1 opener against the Dallas Cowboys. This uncertainty is critical, especially considering McKee’s strong start to the preseason, where he threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns against the Bengals’ first-team defense in Week 1. When questioned post-game about McCord potentially stepping into the QB2 role if McKee isn’t ready, Head Coach Nick Sirianni’s attempts at positivity reportedly fell flat, suggesting underlying concerns. With the Cleveland Browns reportedly still sorting out their own quarterback depth, some speculate the Eagles might consider re-signing Kenny Pickett as a QB3 if he becomes available, particularly if McKee’s recovery timeline is extended.
Offensive Players Under the Microscope
Running Backs: Montrell Johnson, often dubbed “Mr. August” for his consistent preseason play, once again performed admirably. He carried the ball 15 times for 57 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown run. While praised for running hard and capitalizing on his blocks, a noticeable lack of “wiggle” in his running style was observed. Despite his strong showing, Johnson is widely projected to land on the practice squad, showcasing the depth of the Eagles’ backfield.
Wide Receivers: The wide receiver group experienced a challenging night, marked by several drops from Terrace Marshall, Ainias Smith, and John Metchie. Darius Cooper, who had an impressive Week 1 with six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown, managed just one catch for eight yards on three targets across the last two preseason games, a significant dip in production. Despite these inconsistencies, the expert prediction leans toward Metchie, Smith, and Cooper securing spots on the initial 53-man roster, although they are expected to see minimal playing time during the regular season. This highlights the tough competition for depth at the position, as noted in general NFL Week 3 previews.
Tight Ends: E.J. Jenkins, a player with theoretical upside due to his size and athleticism, continued to struggle with catching the ball throughout the summer, often described as “fighting the ball in the air.” In contrast, Kylen Granson is seen as the more “play-ready” option and is firmly projected as the team’s third tight end.
Offensive Line: Drew Kendall displayed valuable versatility, playing both center and left guard. His performance suggests he’ll make the 53-man roster and likely be active on game days. Myles Hinton also made a strong case, showing upside throughout camp, leading to predictions that the Eagles will keep him to avoid exposing him to waivers. Trevor Keegan, however, played nearly the entire game but remains a difficult assessment, with the current lean suggesting he may be among the final cuts. The projected eight active game-day offensive linemen include the five starters, Kendall, Darian Kinnard, and Matt Pryor.
Defensive Standouts and Key Injuries
The defensive side of the ball offered both promising plays and concerning injury updates.
Edge Defenders and Interior Line
Antwaun Powell-Ryland, after a quiet camp, delivered a “surprise beast” performance in the final preseason game. However, this late surge is considered “too little too late” for a significant roster push. Patrick Johnson, consistent with his “Mr. August” reputation, continued to make plays, further solidifying his role. In the interior defensive line, Ty Robinson, while showing “nice things in the run game” in Week 2, didn’t quite meet expectations in Week 3. It’s acknowledged that interior defensive linemen often take time to flourish, so early expectations might have been high.
Linebackers and Secondary
Dallas Gant emerged as a true hero with the “play of the night,” stuffing a Jets running back at the goal line on a two-point conversion attempt that would have tied the game late. His clutch performance was a game-saver. Unfortunately, Smael Mondon sustained a right arm injury, and the severity will determine if he requires an IR/DFR (Injured Reserve/Designated to Return) designation.
In the secondary, Adoree’ Jackson’s absence from the game is a strong indicator that he is locked in as a Week 1 starter. Kelee Ringo was also sidelined due to injury. Mac McWilliams played nearly the entire game but is not considered a threat for a starting role at this point. Parry Nickerson made an impressive interception, but his likelihood of being claimed off waivers if cut is low, suggesting a safe path back to the practice squad for the Eagles. Lewis Cine also recorded an interception but was seen on crutches after the game, raising injury concerns for him as well. This highlights the ongoing secondary health concerns across the league, as mentioned in Week 3 previews.
Roster Bubble Watch: Final Decisions Loom
Preseason Week 3 is always a high-stakes affair, marking the last opportunity for players to solidify their place on the active roster or showcase enough talent for another team. For the Eagles, many decisions are finely balanced. Players like Myles Hinton, Drew Kendall, and Dallas Gant significantly boosted their stock, making strong cases for inclusion. Others, such as Trevor Keegan and several depth receivers, face an uphill battle. The quarterback situation remains fluid and undoubtedly the most critical, with McKee’s health and McCord’s performance creating real uncertainty. The 53-man roster deadline is rapidly approaching, forcing coaches and general managers to make agonizing choices that will define the team’s depth and capabilities heading into the formidable NFC East schedule.
Special Recognition: Game Ball & Three Stars
In recognition of their impactful performances in the final preseason contest, here are the standout Eagles:
Game Ball: Awarded to LB Dallas Gant. His heroic two-point conversion stop late in the game was not just a critical defensive play; it preserved the Eagles’ win and spared the post-game analysis team from significant revisions. A truly game-changing moment.
Three Stars of the Game:
⭐⭐⭐: LB Dallas Gant – For his pivotal, game-saving goal-line stand.
🌟🌟: EDGE Patrick Johnson – Consistently delivered strong performances throughout the preseason, living up to his “Mr. August” moniker.
* ✨: EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland – Despite the “too little too late” assessment, his late-preseason surge was a notable individual effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the major concerns for the Eagles’ quarterback depth after Preseason Week 3?
The Eagles’ quarterback depth faced significant challenges following Preseason Week 3. Kyle McCord, who played the entire game, delivered a subpar performance, completing under 43% of his passes with no touchdowns and a costly interception, consistent with his struggles throughout camp. Compounding this, Tanner McKee, who showed promise in Week 1, is dealing with a non-surgical finger injury on his throwing hand, raising serious doubts about his availability for the Week 1 regular season opener. Head Coach Nick Sirianni’s public comments on McCord as a potential QB2 lacked confidence, indicating a genuine concern at a crucial position.
Which Philadelphia Eagles players significantly boosted their chances for the 53-man roster in the final preseason game?
Several Eagles players made strong cases for inclusion on the 53-man roster in the Preseason Week 3 game against the Jets. Linebacker Dallas Gant was a standout, making the “play of the night” with a game-saving goal-line stop on a two-point conversion. Offensive lineman Drew Kendall impressed with his versatility, playing both center and left guard, increasing his likelihood of not only making the roster but also being active on game days. Myles Hinton, another offensive lineman, showcased enough upside throughout camp that the team is expected to keep him to avoid losing him on waivers. Edge rusher Patrick Johnson continued his consistent “Mr. August” performance, further cementing his spot.
What strategic roster moves might the Eagles consider following their Preseason Week 3 evaluations?
Following their Preseason Week 3 evaluations, the Eagles face several strategic roster decisions. The most immediate and significant concern is at quarterback, particularly if Tanner McKee’s finger injury sidelines him for Week 1. This could prompt them to explore adding a veteran QB, with the suggestion of re-signing Kenny Pickett if he’s cut by the Browns. For depth positions, the Eagles will weigh the risk of exposing players like Myles Hinton to waivers versus keeping them on the 53-man roster. They’ll also finalize decisions on players like Trevor Keegan and several depth wide receivers, determining if their camp performance warrants a spot or if they’ll target the practice squad for development.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Eagles’ Preseason Week 3 clash with the New York Jets provided a final, intense proving ground for players and coaches alike. While a victory was secured, the real takeaways centered on critical roster decisions, particularly the concerning quarterback situation. Kyle McCord’s struggles and Tanner McKee’s injury cast a shadow, while players like Dallas Gant and Patrick Johnson rose to the occasion, making strong cases for their place on the team. As the 53-man roster deadline looms, the Eagles’ front office faces tough choices, aiming to assemble a squad capable of making a deep run in the upcoming regular season. The coming days will reveal the final composition, setting the stage for Week 1 and beyond.
