Though two preseason games, Philadelphia Eagles fans don't have a reason to be optimistic about the 2021 season. Philadelphia hasn't scored a point in its last six quarters, being outscored 52-0 during that stretch as the exhibition portion of the schedule couldn't have started any worse.
The first team hasn't played much in either of the contests, as head coach Nick Sirianni views the joint practices with the New England Patriots and New York Jets -- the the actual preseason game reps -- as indicators of how his team will perform on Sundays. The Eagles have joint practices next week, so expect the same minimal first team reps in the preseason finale against the Jets.
Jalen Hurts has played in only one preseason game, but the Eagles offense did get a boost against the New England Patriots with DeVonta Smith making his debut. There wasn't much to write home about at the conclusion of this game, even though some players have shown over the last 10 days of practice that they are going to be critical contributors on this roster in 2021.
As the Eagles head into their preseason finale, these are the players to invest stock in -- and players to sell before their value reaches an all-time low.
Stock up
Jalen Reagor
Reagor didn't have the best of performances in Thursday's preseason game against the Patriots, but the whole team has to hit the reset button after that loss (plans changed after Hurts was inactive and sent to the hospital with a stomach infection). Heading into the game, Reagor had performed very well in camp and emerged as the No. 2 option to DeVonta Smith.
The highlight reel catches are what's trending on social media, but Reagor has been making contested catches and becoming a reliable asset in the passing game. Amazing what chemistry with a quarterback and a healthy offensive line can do for a player who's just 22 years old.
Philadelphia's wide receiver group is formidable if Reagor lives up to his first-round talent. He's looked the part over the past two weeks.
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Quez Watkins
The Eagles needed one of John Hightower, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, and Quez Watkins to develop in camp. Watkins lapped this field -- and is playing his way into a starting receiver role in the process. After an excellent preseason opener, Hurts said Watkins "isn't a secret anymore" -- and he's right.
The Patriots saw first hand in joint practices how dangerous Watkins' speed can be, as he beat cornerback JC Jackson for a touchdown down the sideline in the first of two joint practices. Watkins is emerging as a legitimate deep threat in this offense and already has excellent chemistry with Hurts.
Have to temper the expectation on Watkins a bit, but it's hard not to get excited regarding his potential in this offense.
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Alex Singleton
Singleton has been outstanding since he was removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list, living up to the expectations of a starting outside linebacker in Jonathan Gannon's defense. When there's a tackle to be made, Singleton is there to make a play.
The Eagles linebacker showcased his presence on the field in the first quarter against the Patriots on consecutive plays. On the first play, Singleton blew up a run that resulted in a 1-yard loss. On the second, he recorded a tackle on a screen that would have resulted in a first down if he doesn't make the stop. The Patriots were forced to kick a field goal two plays later, which resulted in a miss. That's the impact Singleton has on this Eagles defense.
Singleton is a player, and one of the bright spots to look forward to on this Eagles team in 2021.
Stock down
Travis Fulgham
Fulgham barely saw the field Thursday night, not even cracking the first team in an anemic first half by an offense comprised of mostly second team players. Fulgham was on special teams in the fourth quarter of a preseason game, a sign he's competing for a roster spot. Starting the game on kickoff coverage isn't a good sign he's in the plans as a first or second team receiver either.
Fulgham played just 14 snaps in Thursday's loss and received just one target. Watkins has passed him on the depth chart and both Hightower and Arcega-Whiteside may be next.
At this point, it wouldn't be a surprise if Fulgham doesn't make this roster. Just brace yourself, Eagles fans.
Matt Pryor
In an offensive line deficient league, some team would probably give the Eagles something for Pryor -- who has become expendable. Pryor looked lost picking up blitzes at right tackle against the Patriots, appearing overmatched on certain plays.
Nick Mullens wasn't close to average against New England, but Pryor didn't help matters. The Eagles have a lot of depth on the offensive line, one Pryor has played his way off the unit. Time for Philadelphia to move on.
Nick Mullens
The Eagles can't really go with Mullens as the third quarterback, can they? Mullens was dreadful in the preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers -- and wasn't much better against the Patriots. He went 5 for 10 for 27 yards and an interception against a third team defense, looking lost and indecisive about where to throw the ball.
Philadelphia is going with the most vanilla offense possible, but Mullens was bad. If he makes the roster, he is a lock for being a game day inactive.
