Eagles’ Offense Shines in Preseason Win Over Bengals
The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their 2025 preseason with an impressive 34-27 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Eagles’ offense was the highlight of the night, performing exceptionally well even when going up against Cincinnati’s starting defense. The team’s offense put on a show, racking up a total of 432 net yards without a single pre-snap penalty and maintained excellent ball security. While the defense had a few lapses against Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, those mistakes will be used as important learning opportunities.
Key Takeaways from the
Eagles’ Offense Shines in Preseason Win Over Bengals
The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their 2025 preseason with an impressive 34-27 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Eagles’ offense was the highlight of the night, performing exceptionally well even when going up against Cincinnati’s starting defense. The team’s offense put on a show, racking up a total of 432 net yards without a single pre-snap penalty and maintained excellent ball security. While the defense had a few lapses against Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, those mistakes will be used as important learning opportunities.
Key Takeaways from the Victory
- Tanner McKee’s Stellar Performance: Quarterback Tanner McKee was outstanding, playing deep into the third quarter. He completed 20 of 25 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. He also scored on a fourth-and-goal “Tush Push” play. McKee consistently threw accurate passes, showed great anticipation, and demonstrated solid pocket presence. Given his strong play at the end of last season, the team now has high confidence in him as the No. 2 quarterback.
- Receiver Corps Steps Up: The young receiving group had a huge night, especially second-year players Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith. Wilson made three impressive catches for 73 yards, and Smith scored a touchdown in addition to a 46-yard punt return. Darius Cooper caught six passes for 82 yards and a score, and Jahan Dotsonwas highly effective early against the Bengals’ starters. The receivers delivered exactly what the team was hoping to see from them.
- Tyler Steen’s Strong Start: Playing at right guard, Tyler Steen performed well in pass protection and made a crucial block to spring running back Will Shipley on a 38-yard run.
- Rookie Ty Robinson’s Impact: Rookie defensive tackle Ty Robinson had an active and impactful game. He recorded an early sack and consistently created interior pressure.
- A.J. Dillon’s Dynamic Debut: Running back A.J. Dillon had a solid game with 27 rushing yards on five carriesand another 27 yards on three receptions. He looks to be a key piece in what will be a potent three-man running back rotation alongside Will Shipley and Saquon Barkley.
- Patrick Johnson’s Clutch Interception: Outside linebacker Patrick Johnson had an eventful sequence. After a sack was nullified by a penalty, he quickly made up for it by tipping and intercepting a screen pass from Jake Browning, setting the Eagles up with excellent field position.
- Braden Mann’s Powerful Punt: Late in the game, with the Eagles holding a tight lead, punter Braden Manndelivered under pressure, launching a 65-yard punt to pin the Bengals deep in their own territory.
- Missed Interception Opportunities: The defense had at least three chances to get more interceptions, something the coaching staff will certainly focus on during practice this week.
- Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s Solid Play: Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was his usual self, consistently putting himself in the right position to make plays. He finished the game with six total tackles and demonstrated why he’s considered such a cerebral and technically sound player.
- Tariq Castro-Fields’ Late-Game Performance: Cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields had a strong fourth quarter, breaking up three different passes.
- Injury Report: Safety Sydney Brown left the game and went into the medical tent but later returned to the sideline. Wide receiver Elijah Cooks had to be carted off the field, and the team will provide an update on his status at a later time.
- Looking Ahead to a Busy Week: The Eagles have a packed schedule coming up. They’ll hold a public practice on Sunday night, followed by joint practices with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday and Thursday. The team’s second preseason game, against the Browns, is scheduled for the following Saturday.
- Tanner McKee’s Stellar Performance: Quarterback Tanner McKee was outstanding, playing deep into the third quarter. He completed 20 of 25 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. He also scored on a fourth-and-goal “Tush Push” play. McKee consistently threw accurate passes, showed great anticipation, and demonstrated solid pocket presence. Given his strong play at the end of last season, the team now has high confidence in him as the No. 2 quarterback.
- Receiver Corps Steps Up: The young receiving group had a huge night, especially second-year players Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith. Wilson made three impressive catches for 73 yards, and Smith scored a touchdown in addition to a 46-yard punt return. Darius Cooper caught six passes for 82 yards and a score, and Jahan Dotsonwas highly effective early against the Bengals’ starters. The receivers delivered exactly what the team was hoping to see from them.
- Tyler Steen’s Strong Start: Playing at right guard, Tyler Steen performed well in pass protection and made a crucial block to spring running back Will Shipley on a 38-yard run.
- Rookie Ty Robinson’s Impact: Rookie defensive tackle Ty Robinson had an active and impactful game. He recorded an early sack and consistently created interior pressure.
- A.J. Dillon’s Dynamic Debut: Running back A.J. Dillon had a solid game with 27 rushing yards on five carriesand another 27 yards on three receptions. He looks to be a key piece in what will be a potent three-man running back rotation alongside Will Shipley and Saquon Barkley.
- Patrick Johnson’s Clutch Interception: Outside linebacker Patrick Johnson had an eventful sequence. After a sack was nullified by a penalty, he quickly made up for it by tipping and intercepting a screen pass from Jake Browning, setting the Eagles up with excellent field position.
- Braden Mann’s Powerful Punt: Late in the game, with the Eagles holding a tight lead, punter Braden Manndelivered under pressure, launching a 65-yard punt to pin the Bengals deep in their own territory.
- Missed Interception Opportunities: The defense had at least three chances to get more interceptions, something the coaching staff will certainly focus on during practice this week.
- Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s Solid Play: Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was his usual self, consistently putting himself in the right position to make plays. He finished the game with six total tackles and demonstrated why he’s considered such a cerebral and technically sound player.
- Tariq Castro-Fields’ Late-Game Performance: Cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields had a strong fourth quarter, breaking up three different passes.
- Injury Report: Safety Sydney Brown left the game and went into the medical tent but later returned to the sideline. Wide receiver Elijah Cooks had to be carted off the field, and the team will provide an update on his status at a later time.
- Looking Ahead to a Busy Week: The Eagles have a packed schedule coming up. They’ll hold a public practice on Sunday night, followed by joint practices with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday and Thursday. The team’s second preseason game, against the Browns, is scheduled for the following Saturday.