Over And Out

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Preseason play eventually drew to a close Friday evening for the Philadelphia Eagles, who topped the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, 19-17.

A late defensive pass interference penalty called on Eagles CB Mac McWilliams in an attempt at slowing WR Quentin Skinner, gave the Jets the ball at the 1-yard line. Trailing by eight points with just over three minutes to play, running back Donovan Edwards punched it in to narrow the deficit, though Edwards was stuffed by LB Dallas Gant on the ensuing two-point attempt.

Among the notable Eagles not playing in the finale included CB Adoree’ Jackson, S Sydney Brown, OL Matt Pryor and RB A.J. Dillon. On the other hand, EDGE Azeez Ojulari, CB Jakorian Bennett and WRs John Metchie III, Ainias Smith and Darius Cooper did suit up. For Jackson and Pryor, not playing in this one would appear to be good news with regards to their standing.

Kyle McCord, the Eagles’ sixth-round rookie, started at quarterback and played all four quarters. The Syracuse product completed 15 of 35 pass attempts for 136 yards and an interception. His first completion was a 14 yarder to Metchie III.

Undrafted rookie Montrell Johnson Jr. led the charge in the ground game, carrying 15 times for 57 yards and a touchdown. Veteran wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. was targeted seven times, reeling in five for 51 yards.

Eagles RB Keilan Robinson breaks a run against the Jets in Friday’s preseason finale.

Let’s get to the observations.

* The Eagles’ captains in this one were OL Brett Toth, FB Ben VanSumeren, DT Byron Young, S Tristin McCollum.

* The starting offensive line was comprised of (L-R): LT Kendall Lamm, LG Brett Toth, C Drew Kendall, RG Trevor Keegan, RT Darian Kinnard. Curious that Keegan earned the starting nod ahead of offseason trade acquisition Kenyon Green, which would appear to be an indictment of the latter. Green, by the way, played late into the fourth quarter. As an aside, rookie Drew Kendall logging reps at left guard is something to monitor.

* While Avery Williams carries a wealth of experience returning punts, it was second-year WR Ainias Smith who opened as the punt returner. On his first return, Smith was swarmed for no gain. His next went for seven yards. Williams, whom Nick Sirianni gushed over at the Annual League Meeting and alluded to the prospects of deploying him offensively, was virtually invisible in camp and didn’t factor much in the return game. Smith, however, made moderate strides as a wide receiver – his position of trade – and has gotten looks as a returner ahead of him. Smith recorded a first-half drop and another that went completely through his hands.

* Tough preseason for veteran T Kendall Lamm, but his struggles were magnified against the Jets. On the first drive alone, Lamm was beaten twice and surrendered plenty of pressure throughout. Once the presumed swing tackle signed to replace the departed Fred Johnson, Lamm now likely finds himself on the outside looking in.

* The Eagles claimed DT Byron Young, a 2023 third-round pick of the Raiders, ahead of the regular season last year, though he sustained a hamstring injury and never played a down. Young, 24, suffered a groin injury in camp and missed a bit of time, but was repeatedly mentioned (unprompted) by DC Vic Fangio, who even referred to Young as ‘B.Y.’ Against the Jets, Young flashed into the backfield, stopping Jets RB Kene Nwangwu for a 2-yard loss. In theory, Young could serve as the backup nose tackle, a role previously held by Thomas Booker IV. But is there room for six interior linemen?

* Veteran CB Parry Nickerson has a unique backstory. He’s entering his eighth NFL season and the Eagles are his seventh team. At 30 years old, he’s the elder statesman in a youthful DB room. He’s served as a resource behind the scenes. On Friday, Nickerson opened as the starting nickelback, limiting Jets TE Jeremy Ruckert to four yards on the second play of the game and smothering RB Kene Nwangwu following a two-yard catch. Nickerson, in the second quarter, also slipped in front of WR Malachi Corley to intercept Brady Cook.

But after all this time, what keeps Nickerson going?

“Of course, I have a family to feed, and this is something I’m very passionate about,” he said, following the final practice of camp. “And just getting an opportunity to showcase what I can do, what I can bring to this team and just continue to be a role model — a guy that’s been in my position, has been on several teams. Just continue to harp on those things. And it’s just the competitive nature inside me that just wants to keep going and just take advantage of these opportunities … to show the world what Parry Nickerson is.”

* Nice night for K Jake Elliott, who connected on field goals of 23, 45, 51 and 53 yards, respectively. The long attempts had plenty of leg, a very positive sign with the regular season fast approaching.

* When it comes to CB Jakorian Bennett, the reps are necessary, and he provided pretty sticky coverage despite playing against reserves. Still, Bennett allowed a two first-half catches to WR Brandon Smith for 21 yards and a six-yarder to Skinner to draw the Jets closer to a field goal as time dwindled toward the break. CB Eli Ricks, most affected by the Bennett acquisition, didn’t start the game and surrendered a 27-yard completion in the waning moments of the second quarter to WR Quentin Skinner. Rookie Mac McWilliams, in the first half, allowed a 21-yard completion to Smith. McWilliams was flagged late for defensive pass interference in the end zone on Skinner, setting up a touchdown.

* Fangio hasn’t minced words when assessing the depth at edge rusher behind starters Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, and the fact that Azeez Ojulari started the finale confirmed it. But one would be remiss in neglecting to mention the summer that fifth-year pro Patrick Johnson has had. Johnson, who should be known as “Mr. August,” has a flair for coming up with key sacks and turnovers during exhibition play. He collected a sack and tackle for loss against the Jets. He’s also a core special teams contributor. He’ll be on my 53.

In other news, rookie sixth-round pick Antwuan Powell-Ryland beat Jets OL Samuel Jackson around the edge, strip-sacking QB Adrian Martinez. The fumble was recovered by Mac McWilliams. Powell-Ryland, who had a quiet summer, provided pressure on the previous play.

* Another week, another Montrell Johnson Jr. mention. The rookie RB showcased the juice, explosiveness and the ability to finish on a handful of runs. The Florida product, who has looked good all summer in his limited opportunities, rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. There’s no role for him on the 53-man roster, but he should be a priority practice squad addition.

* In light of the season-ending injury to WR Johnny Wilson, I’m curious to see whether the Eagles look internally to fulfill that big-bodied blocking role. If so, one could make a strong case for rostering TE E.J. Jenkins, the team’s second-best blocking tight end behind Dallas Goedert. Jenkins, a collegiate wide receiver, moves well for his 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame and is adept at handling the dirty work, as evidenced on special teams.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com