Eagles-Colts PFF Grades: Players on Philadelphia's roster bubble are stepping up big

Pro Football Focus is everyone's favorite site that grades NFL player performances. Let's take a look at what they had to say about the performances from the Philadelphia Eagles' preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

PFF offers explanation on their grading system on their website. Read more about that here.

OFFENSE

Best

Eric Tomlinson +2.5
Allen Barbre +1.3
Jason Kelce +1.3
Miles Austin +1.1
Jordan Matthews +1.1
Rasheed Bailey +1.1
David Molk +1.0
Raheem Mostert +1.0

Analysis:

I'm going to guess that most people didn't expect Eric Tomlinson's name to be at the top here. The undrafted rookie free agent tight end stood out in a good way, though. He had five receptions go for 61 yards. PFF also gave him a favorable run blocking grade. It's only one game, but the rookie could but pushing for a fourth tight end spot on the 53-man roster.

Allen Barbre and Jason Kelce graded out well. Andrew Gardner, meanwhile, was average. The Eagles starting offensive line was solid as a whole.

Miles Austin earned a positive grade with two receptions on two targets for 41 yards. The veteran did a great job of positioning himself in the air on the Matt Barkley pass where he had to slow down. Jordan Matthews, meanwhile, made a few tough catches over the middle. He would have had a big touchdown if Mark Sanchez didn't overthrow him when he was wide open. Rookie receiver Rasheed Bailey made a really impressive one-handed catch at one point.

David Molk actually graded out pretty well as a blocker (+1.8) but was marked down for two penalties.

Rookie running back Raheem Mostert didn't impress as a runner so much as he did as a receiver.

Worst

-4.3 Kevin Graf
-3.5 John Moffitt
-2.8 Dennis Kelly
-2.8 Julian Vandervelde
-1.9 Matt Tobin
-1.8 Freddie Martino
-1.3 Josh Andrews
-1.1 Darren Sproles
-1.1 Jeff Maehl

Analysis:

Concerned about the Eagles' offensive line depth? These PFF grades won't do much to make you feel better. Kevin Graf finished the worst of the blockers thanks to committing a penalty and allowing a quarterback hurry. John Moffitt and Dennis Kelly each allowed three quarterback hurries. All backup offensive linemen received negative run blocking grades.

Freddie Martino and Darren Sproles were marked down for each dropping a pass. PFF didn't like Jeff Maehl's blocking.

DEFENSE

Best

Ed Reynolds +5.3
Bryan Braman +4.0
E.J. Biggers +2.6
Diaheem Watkins +2.1
Brad Jones +1.7
Bennie Logan +1.6
Brandon Graham +1.5
Eric Rowe +1.4
Chris Prosinski +1.2
Randall Evans +1.2

Analysis:

Ed "Reed" Reynolds really exceeded expectations with two interceptions and one pass defensed. He was targeted seven times but only allowed two receptions for seven yards.

Bryan Braman's suplex alone should have earned him a +infinity rating. He feasted on backups by stopping the run and getting to the passer.

E.J. Biggers has struggled in Washington in recent seasons but he had a good showing with the Eagles here. Go figure. Biggers was targeted three times but didn't allow a reception. He also had a nice pass breakup.

Diaheem Watkins ... that's a guy who most probably don't even realize is on the team. He signed with the Eagles after Travis Long was placed on injured reserve. He was credited with one QB hurry, four tackles, and two run stops. Not bad, especially for being a complete unknown.

Brad Jones really impressed. He made a couple of real solid open field tackles. He led the team in tackles with eight.

Bennie Logan is a beast in the middle. You are NOT running on him. Brandon Graham also received a high grade against the run.

Eric Rowe was marked down for his run defense but his pass coverage was high. The rookie forced a fumble on Phillip Dorsett.

Chris Prosinski didn't excel in any one area; he was solid overall.

Randall Evans stood out in run defense with two solo tackles. The rookie also had a fumble recovery.

Worst

Najee Goode -4.7
Brian Mihalik -2.2
Jordan Hicks -1.8
Travis Raciti -1.8
Jaylen Watkins -1.6
Taylor Hart -1.3

Analysis:

Najee Goode was not so good. He missed three tackles.

Rookie defensive end Brian Mihalik contributed as a pass rusher with one sack and one hurry but struggled against the run. Jordan Hicks, Travis Raciti, Jaylen Watkins, and Taylor Hart were also marked down for bad run defense. Watkins missed two tackles, including a really bad whiff which allowed the Colts to score a touchdown.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Best

Kenjon Barner +1.5

Analysis:

Barner finished with 131 punt return yards and one touchdown on six attempts. His longest return went for 92 yards and a score.