A little more than five months after trading for Sam Bradford, and all signs are pointing to the 27-year-old making his Eagles debut tonight against the Baltimore Ravens.
Bradford is set to see his first live-game action since the St. Louis Rams' third preseason game against the Cleveland Browns last season, where the quarterback suffered a torn ACL for a second-consecutive season.
For Bradford, this game is crucial for his confidence and to simply shake off the rust. Since 2013, Bradford has only played in seven regular season games.
Perhaps the biggest test for Bradford will be facing an actual pass rush without a red jersey on. The first hit he takes will be important, but for Bradford, getting up afterwards will be even more key. Bradford is welcoming that first hit, and wants to prove to himself that he'll be okay.
"I wouldn't hate going to the ground once, getting up, and knowing I'm going to be OK," Bradford told Zach Berman of Philly.com.
Another new Eagle that is looking to make his team debut is DeMarco Murray. Murray, like Bradford, was held out of last Sunday's preseason game, and is active for tonight.
"It's obviously Chip's decision what he wants to do," Murray told Philly.com. "But I feel good and definitely open to playing."
With Marcus Smith out for 2-3 weeks with a hamstring injury, defensive end Vinny Curry should see some reps at OLB, a position that the Eagles are severely thin at following Smith's injury. Veteran linebacker Brad Jones, who can play both inside and outside, should see extended time at OLB as well.
ILBs DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks are also expected to make their 2015 debuts tonight after missing last Sunday's game. Kiko Alonso, who has missed a couple of weeks due to a concussion, could also make his debut for the Eagles tonight.
At the nickel position, rookie Eric Rowe should continue to get looks, but E.J. Biggers could see extended time in the slot corner position as he impressed last Sunday and looked strong during camp this week. He could battle second-year player Jaylen Watkins for the starting nickel job, with Rowe getting some time on the outside.
The Eagles' offensive line should be tested against a strong Ravens' front-seven. Andrew Gardner, who seems to be separating himself from the pack in the right guard competition, will look to solidify his status as the team's starting right guard tonight.
The battle for the third quarterback job will continue between Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow. We will see plenty of both quarterbacks, especially in the second half of tonight's game.
Barkley looked good in last Sunday's game, finishing 12-0f-20 for 192 yards, but threw an interception on a tipped pass.
According to ESPN's Dianna Marie Russini, however, Chip Kelly has grown "increasingly excited" about Tebow, and says he could make the team if he can avoid "major errors." Tebow will look to avoid those major errors when he gets on the field tonight.
For the Ravens, quarterback Joe Flacco will lead the first team offense with 15-year veteran Steve Smith at receiver against the Eagles' revamped secondary, featuring former Seattle Seahawk Byron Maxwell and 28-year-old Nolan Carroll.
Veteran Justin Forsett will be the Ravens' starting running back. The 28-year-old is coming off a solid 2014, where he rushed for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns on 235 carries.
Backing up Flacco will be former Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, who the Eagles should see plenty of in tonight's game.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Lincoln Financial Field.
Game Note:
- Saturday night's game will be the first meeting between the Eagles and Ravens since week two of the 2012 regular season. The Eagles beat the Ravens, 24-23, on a touchdown run by Michael Vick with 1:57 left in regulation. The Ravens would go on to win the Super Bowl, and the Eagles would finish 2012 with a 4-12 record.
Injury Report:
Eagles:
Out:
- OLB Marcus Smith (hamstring)
- TE Zach Ertz (core)
Ravens:
Out:
- WR Breshad Perriman (knee)
- TE Dennis Pitta (hip)
- CB Ladarious Webb (hamstring)
- LG Kelechi Osemele (achilles)
Where To Watch
TV: NFL Network | NBC10 (Scott Graham, Mike Mayock)
Radio: 94 WIP (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick, Howard Eskin)
