Eagles vs. Ravens preseason game preview and predictions

The Philadelphia Eagles will play the penultimate game of their 2019 NFL preseason schedule tonight when they face the Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field.

It’ll be very exciting to watch.

Except not really.

It might’ve been a little fun to watch if the Eagles were actually treating the third preseason game like a dress rehearsal. But it doesn’t appear that’ll be the case. Philadelphia’s offensive starters haven’t played thus far in the preseason. Doug Pederson doesn’t seem eager to put those guys out there, especially after having his starters get a lot of reps during the Eagles’ joint practices against the Ravens this week.

Maybe it’s not entirely impossible we see the Eagles’ offensive starters play, though? Starting left tackle Jason Peters offered a curious quote (via the Inquirer):

But the headliner was his response when asked if joint practices take the place of preseason games for him. Peters allowed that they give the starters better work than they usually get in preseason games. Then he said, “We don’t know, but I’m thinking I’m gonna play a half [Thursday]. I’m not sure, but I’m preparing myself like I’m going to play the whole game.”

I can’t see why a 37-year-old Peters would need to play in the preseason at all, let alone an entire half. I’m really not sure what to make of this quote other than I’m still not expecting to see the starters at all. It’d be pretty surprising if Carson Wentz actually played.

And so we should expect another preseason game dominated by the Eagles’ backups getting a majority of the playing time. It could be a good test for them, too, with the Ravens’ starters potentially getting some action. The odds-makers are certainly expecting Baltimore’s starters to get some good run considering the Ravens are five-point road favorites.

In any event, here’s hoping the Eagles have a showing closer to last week’s performance against the Jaguars than their ugly preseason debut against the Titans. It’d be nice to see some of the young players continue to stand out. Oh, and no more injuries, please.

Just 17 more days until the Eagles’ first real game takes place against Washington on Sunday, September 8.

Suggested format:

Score prediction:

Bold prediction:

Na Brown candidate prediction:

My predictions:

Score prediction: 23-10, Eagles lose.

Bold prediction: Mack Hollins actually catches a deep passing attempt

Na Brown candidate prediction: T.J. Edwards logs an interception

Your predictions:

Leave your own predictions in the comments.