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8 Studs, 3 Duds From First Half of Eagles Preseason Game At Patriots

Who were the studs and duds from the Eagles in the first half against the Patriots?
Jeff Kerr|
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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Philadelphia Eagles

The second preseason game for the Philadelphia Eagles started off significantly better than the first. Not only did the Eagles score points, they dominated the line of scrimmage and moved the ball downfield.

This was a fun first half of football for second team players, and perhaps some roster spots were solidified. These were the studs and duds in the first half.

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Studs

Markel Bell

On Will Shipley's 18-yard run in the first quarter, Bell was able to get leverage on Gabe Jacas -- dominating the pass rush from Jacas and created the hole for Shipley's run. This was an outside zone run, set up by Bell and Jake Majors sealing the inside. Willie Lampkin also had a nice block to set up the run too.

Bell set up a couple Shipley runs in the first quarter, two of which combined for 23 yards. He's massively improved as a run blocker this summer, and it's showing at a new position in right tackle.

Gabe Hall

Didn't take long for Hall to make his presence felt at defensive tackle. Hall had back-to-back tackles on his first two plays of the game, getting into the backfield and making two tackles on the first two snaps of the game.

For Hall to have that awareness and instinct early in the game is a good sign. He should be on a 53-man roster somewhere.

Will Shipley

Did Shipley benefit from the right side of the Eagles offensive line? Absolutely, but this is why Shipley is going to make the roster. Shipley hit the hole hard in the first half, responsible for a lot of big runs that paced the Eagles offense.

Shipley had nine carries for 51 yards in the first quarter. He had nine carries for 33 yards on the Eagles' 13-play, 77 yard touchdown drive in the second quarter -- capped by a 5-yard touchdown run. Shipley and the Eagles offensive line were simply dominant in the first half.

Willie Lampkin

Lampkin was impressive in the first half at center, getting leverage on Patriots defensive tackle Eric Gregory in spite of his small stature. The Eagles have a backup center and guard in Lampkin, who has the technique and tenacity to thrive in the NFL.

Lampkin played a massive role in the Eagles averaging 5.1 yards per carry on their first two possessions.

Darius Cooper

Where would the Eagles passing game be without Cooper? Getting a longer look as the top wideout on Saturday with Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore getting the night off, Cooper made some plays that may have sealed his spot on the roster.

A 25-yard catch from Cooper on a playaction was the highlight, as Cooper was able to get open on a crossing route underneath to beat Patriots linebacker Chad Muma and turn that into a big gain. Cooper had three catches for 44 yards in the first half -- and was open on other routes too.

Ty Robinson

Another preseason game Robinson has "come alive," per Vic Fangio. Robinson played late into the first half, but had three quarterback hits and two sacks for the Eagles. Robinson was arguably the best defensive lineman on the field in the first 30 minutes.

Robinson is expected to make the team since he's a fourth-round pick from last season. He beat Mehki Butler and Jacob Rizy on a third-down sack in the second quarter, a play that demonstrates how to make a roster.

This was an impressive first half for Robinson. He should have a roster spot locked up.

Jake Majors

For weeks in practice, the chatter was what the Eagles see in Majors. The answer came on Saturday night, as Majors was dominant in blocking at right guard.

Majors was just as vital towards creating the holes for Shipley as Willie Lampkin and Markel Bell were. The right side of the Eagles offensive line were excellent in the first half. Majors may have a shot at making this team.

Carson Steele

If the Eagles are looking for a fullback, they may have found one in Steele. Entering the game in the second quarter for Will Shipley, Steele had three catches for 33 yards -- including an impressive hurdle on a 14-yard reception that wowed the Eagles sideline.

Steele also had four carries for 15 yards. If the Eagles are looking for a receiving fullback, they may have found their guy in Steele.

Duds

Andy Dalton

Back-to-back poor throws by Dalton on the Eagles first offensive series set the tone for his night. Dalton overthrew an open Darius Cooper on second-and-5 at the Eagles' 45, then followed with a overthrow to Eli Stowers on third-and-5 (on the next play). This wasn't a good look at all for Dalton as he's battling for the QB2 job. Stowers did a good job of getting open on a corner post and Dalton flat out missed him.

Dalton looked better on the second series, but going to Darius Cooper helped. Cooper had three catches for 44 yards on the second drive, Dalton's first three completions on the night.

Dalton almost threw interceptions on consecutive plays, but was bailed out by a roughing the passer call on the first one and Kindle Vildor almost had the second one. Quez Watkins was open on the play, but Dalton had a bad throw.

The numbers on the night? 3-of-10 for 44 yards (45.2 rating). Not good for Dalton's chances to win the QB2 job.

Britain Covey

The one chance Covey has to make the roster is via punt returner. Covey would likely still be on the practice squad as a punt returner, but he has to field punts cleanly. Muffing the opening punt isn't a good sign for Covey, a veteran in this league who is a good punt returner when healthy.

Covey did average 10.0 yards per punt return in the first half, but the muffed punt was the play that can't be made when fighting for a roster spot.

Did Covey make up for the muffed punt? He did have a 14-yard touchdown catch on a wide receiver screen late in the first half. The play showed how Covey moves between defenders, so he has value on the roster if he returns.

Ambry Thomas

Thomas was the victim on a 69-yard touchdown pass from Tommy DeVito to Kyle Williams late in the first half. The veteran cornerback easily got beat by Williams on a go route for the touchdown -- a play cornerbacks shouldn't get beaten by that easily.

A long shot to make the roster, Thomas showcases the lack of depth the Eagles have at cornerback behind the starters -- and all the injuries they have at the position. This wasn't an ideal play for Thomas.

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Jeff Kerr
JEFF KERR

Jeff Kerr covers the Philadelphia Eagles for On SI, part of the Sports Illustrated network and has covered the NFL for 10 years for CBS Sports. He's covered two Super Bowls, three conference championship games, and multiple playoff games in his career. Jeff also covers the Phillies for 97.3 ESPN FM in South Jersey and has been on the Phillies beat for multiple years. He also hosts multiple podcasts including an Eagles one for On SI.

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