Eagles Biggest Preseason Questions That Still Need Answers Following Joint Practices With Patriots

There are a few questions on the Eagles that need to be answered over the next three weeks. The joint practices told the story.

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The Philadelphia Eagles had an interesting three weeks of training camp.

This hasn't been a drama-filled camp or anything like that, yet it's telling where the team stands heading into the season. Sure there are two preseason games left, but this Eagles team understands where they have to improve and the weaknesses they need to work on.

These preseason games are about getting by. The initial 53-man roster is due on August 30, followed be the preparation for the regular season on September 13. Time is still on the Eagles side here, but some questions remain unanswered.

What are the biggest questions the Eagles have to address? Well, there are several.

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1. What is this passing game ultimately going to look like?

Through three weeks of training camp, the Eagles passing attack has been inconsistent. Doesn't help the Eagles haven't had DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon the majority of camp and they've gone up against the No. 1 pass defense in the NFL over the last two years either.

That's part of the intrigue right? No one knows how this whole pass offense is going to play out, but the inconsistencies were on full display in the joint practices against the Patriots. The Eagles had their moments throwing the football, but drives were too inconsistent and sporadic throughout the sessions -- just like training camp practices at the Jefferson Health Training Complex.

The Eagles offense is going to generate yards via the running game and offensive line. That's the bread and butter of this team. Let's see if the passing game improves once Smith and Lemon are healthy (and it should be better).

2. Will Makai Lemon be ready to have a significant role in this offense?

Lemon has essentially been behind the 8-ball all summer, thanks to nagging hamstring injuries. A hamstring injury kept Lemon from finishing practice on August 3 and he didn't upgrade to a limited participant until this week.

The Eagles are banking on Lemon to make an instant impact at wide receiver, which is why they traded up for him. Given the up-and-down camp of Hollywood Brown and the depth perception at wide receiver, Lemon is going to be the WR3 as soon as he's 100%.

Lemon is going to get targets in the slot, but the Eagles also want him to get some snaps on the outside too. Can he do enough to help out a passing game that needs him to produce right away?

There is a lot of uncertainty with Lemon, but the Eagles have to get him back on the field to find out.

3. How will the depth at WR and TE play out?

This may be where the Eagles have to upgrade. Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore are battling for a roster spot (and both could make it) while Darius Cooper has had a strong start to trianing camp. The Eagles are likely going to keep five wide receivers so this battle will be something to watch over the next week.

Behind Dallas Goedert, depth at tight end is a concern. Johnny Mundt is the TE2, but he's a liability in the pass game even though he's a good blocker. Eli Stowers has struggled all summer and is trending towards a healthy scratch in Week 1. The Eagles need Stowers to improve, as he was also expected to help out the pass game.

Perhaps a trade is in the works to improve the depth at tight end, especially if the Eagles want to run more "12 personnel."

4. What will the backup CB situation look like come Week 1?

One of the developments at training camp has revolved around the cornerback depth, which wasn't expected to become a concern in late July.

Jonathan Jones suffering a shoulder injury raised those concerns, as the veteran may be out a while. The injuries at cornerback have mounted behind the starters, as Jakorian Bennett has a knee injury and Tariq Castro-Fields has played through a heel injury.

The depth is a concern. Kelee Ringo has likely locked down a spot, but if Jones and Bennett are banged up long term -- who make sthe team? Do the Eagles trust Mac McWilliams? Does Michael Carter move back down to cornerback (and in turn affects safety depth)?

The Eagles need to get Jones healthy first.

5. How will the pass rush hold up if Jonathan Greenard isn't ready for the opener?

If Greenard starts the season on the PUP -- which is now a possibility -- how will Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith hold up as the starters? Hunt has arguably been the best player in camp, so the Eagles have their No. 1 pass rusher while Greenard is out.

Arnold Ebiketie and A.J. Epenesa had a strong camp to this point, and Smith has been getting to the quarterback better than at this time last year. This pass rush is significantly better at this time this year than at this stage last season, and the depth is significantly better.

The Eagles can survive without Greenard for a few weeks.

6. Is Brandon Graham coming back?

The deadline is coming for a Graham return, and this coincides with the Greenard injury. Let's see what the Eagles decide to do with Greenard on August 30 before the clock really starts ticking on whether Graham returns.

Graham wants to come back, and get in football shape before the season starts. He would prefer to be back in training camp, which comes to a close next week. Even at 38, Graham would add depth at pass rusher and the interior of the defensive line.

The Eagles wouldn't have to play Graham a lot of snaps, and he plays well enough in the system to give him one more year. This will all come to light over the next two weeks.