The third preseason game is often the last chance for starters to show their value and solidify their place as a starting member of the team.
Saturday’s game in Green Bay, though a preseason game, takes the Eagles back to a place where they suffered a shellacking to the Packers last season, just one of the losses that started to derail a season that had such a positive start.
While Aaron Rodgers will be getting his final tune-up before the regular season begins, what happens with Sam Bradford?
Here are tonight’s six keys to the game.
Is Bradford In? – Chip Kelly used the weather as one of several factors to Sam Bradford playing on Saturday night. The weather forecast on Saturday morning called for morning rain showers that turned to clouds in the afternoon. The chance of rain is currently at 40 percent and the high temperature is a modest 73 degrees. If all of those hold up, Bradford may get his chance to play after all. But if something changes even the slightest in the weather, it could mean another longer look at Mark Sanchez.
More Starters – In a similar way, this could be the first game action for Mychal Kendricks, DeMeco Ryans and Kiko Alonso. All could use it before likely seeing slim to no game time in next Thursday’s preseason finale.
Continued Success for Defense – As for the rest of the defense, they have been impressive thus far. It will be something to admire if the addition of the Eagles three starting inside linebackers can take the rest of the defense to another level. Additionally, this is yet another test for a defense that has made huge strides in improving this offseason. Another good game may be enough to keep confidence going strong into the season opener.
Another Running Back Show – Just as this could be another chance for Sam Bradford to show himself to fans, this is also another chance to see the three-headed monster in action. How much playing time DeMarco Murray gets is still a question, but we could see a much larger preview of the Murray-Mathews tandem.
Returnman Kenjon Barner – Barner showed off his return skills in each of the first two preseason games. Does he have a third one in him? He’s already opened eyes with the first two. A third could lock up a roster spot.
Bubble Players – Barner is just one of several bubble players who have two more chances to earn roster spots. However, the maximum roster size will shrink from 90 to 75 in the days following this game. There are some guys that are still working on being one of the final 53 that don’t have to worry about the Top 75, but still need a big game and continued success to set them apart. Look for guys like Eric Tomlinson, Rasheed Bailey, Ed Reynolds and Jaylen Watkins in this game. They could make a roster push with good performances.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
