As the Eagles head into their final preseason game there are still some roster spots up for grabs, and in many cases two players are battling to win the spot.
“It’s a great opportunity for these guys to show,’’ coach Andy Reid said. “They were told when they came here they were going to have an opportunity to play and put film out there. If they make our team, more power to them. If they don’t, it gives them an opportunity to catch on with somebody else and that’s what this is all about.”
So, some of the players who take the field against the Jets will make the team and some will be putting on an Eagles' uniform for the last time. Here’s a look at the game within a game that will take place on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field.
S -- Jaiquawn Jarrett vs. Oshiomogho Atgowe: Jarrett has been a disappointment since the Eagles drafted him in the second round out of Temple last year. He couldn’t get on the field as a rookie, not even on special teams where a hard-hitting safety should excel, and he hasn’t shown much improvement in the preseason. Then again, he was a high draft pick and the Eagles might keep him just because of that.
CB -- Trevard Lindley vs. Brandon Hughes: Lindley is another former draft pick who hasn’t made an impact yet. A fourth-round pick in 2010, Lindley has had two years to impress the coaches and he might be running out of time. Hughes is ahead of him on the depth chart and Hughes is another key member of special teams, which could prove to be the tie-breaker.
LB -- Brian Rolle vs. Keenan Clayton: Rolle was a starter just a little more than a week ago and now he might not even make the team. Clayton is more versatile – he’s played all three linebacker positions -- and is one of the core special teams players and that might be enough to give him the nod.
DT -- Cedric Thornton vs. Antonio Dixon: Dixon seemed like a lock when training camp opened. Thornton has played well when given the chance and he’s a much better pass rusher than the run-stuffing Dixon. Defensive line coach Jim Washburn loves linemen who can rush the passer.
OL -- Julian Vandervelde vs. Dallas Reynolds : Versatility is crucial for this roster spot, as whoever wins it will have to back up both guard spots and center. Vandervelde might have an edge because he was drafted (fifth round, 2011) and Reynolds wasn’t. However, Reynolds usually runs with the second team at center and that could be significant, since there will be only one backup at that position.
P -- Mat McBriar vs. Chas Henry: McBriar had the inside track ever since he joined the Eagles at the beginning of training camp and he’ll probably win the job. He still hasn’t showed the form that made him a two-time Pro Bowl player with the Cowboys. Henry needs to have a great game against the Jets to keep his job and there’s no way to know how many opportunities he’ll get.
