Streak Busters?

The Philadelphia Eagles will have their work cut out for them in the first preseason game when they face a Baltimore Ravens team with a bizarre 23-game win streak in exhibition games.

Though the Baltimore Ravens are consistently among the most talented rosters in the NFL, they are very often not playing their best of the best players, a trend that will continue in Saturday’s game.

Harbaugh said that none of established starters, including Lamar Jackson obviously, will play Saturday.

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 10, 2023

Baltimore has plenty of new tools to eventually showcase, mostly on the offensive side of the ball with the signing of Odell Beckham Jr. and drafting of Zay Flowers in the first round, but it appears their debuts will have to wait.

At the very least, fans will get a sneak preview of Todd Monken’s offense, which is expected to spread the ball out more than his predecessor at offensive coordinator, Greg Roman. 

Surely the competition-loving Nick Sirianni would enjoy the chance of breaking another team’s seven-year long winning streak, no matter how meaningless.

But ultimately, players’ bodies and health will come into play first and foremost, a strategy that has rewarded the Eagles in the long run 

Richardson’s Ready

Shane Steichen will waste no time in trying to develop a quarterback to rise to the level of Jalen Hurts.

The former Eagles offensive coordinator-turned-Colts head coach announced that 2023 fourth overall pick Anthony Richardson will be the starting quarterback for Sunday’s preseason opener. 

Interesting: #Colts coach Shane Steichen announced that rookie QB Anthony Richardson will start their preseason game Saturday vs the #Bills.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 10, 2023

Hopes are high for Richardson, who will get his first real chance to showcase his talents in the NFL following a historic combine performance. 

The Florida product will join Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud from the latest draft class as first round rookie QBs to start right away in their team’s preseason opener.

Backing up Richardson is Gardner Minshew, who followed Steichen to Indianapolis following a season with the Eagles.

Minshew took first team reps throughout OTAs and training camp, but the Colts are satisfied with Richardson’s progress to give him the nod. 

Best Five

New York Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh reiterated in a Thursday press conference that the starting offensive line will be determined by the top five players, rather than trying to force a weaker starter for the sake of position. 

Coach Saleh on the concern level on the offensive line: “We have time, but as a coach you want it done yesterday.”

When asked if Alijah Vera-Tucker would be used at Tackle if necessary, Saleh said: “We’re going to put the best five out there.”

— Caroline Hendershot (@cghendy) August 10, 2023

While the Jets on the surface appear to have a stacked roster on both sides of the ball, their one relative weakness of offensive line could be their downfall. 

2021 first round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker has been their top lineman when healthy and has had to step in at both guard and tackle. 

Also in the mix is 37-year-old Duane Brown, as well as 2020 first rounder Mekhi Becton, who has only played one game in the last two seasons.

Saints Sign Smith

The New Orleans Saints are taking on a former Eagles divisional rival, signing former Giants and Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith.

Sources: Former #Giants LB Jaylon Smith is signing with the #Saints after today’s workout.

The 2019 Pro Bowl LB had 88 tackles, 3 TFLs and 1 sack in 11 starts last season, while also leading NY with 21 tackles and a TFL in two playoff games. pic.twitter.com/TYO3QttaiF

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 10, 2023

Smith spent 2022 with Big Blue and made 11 starts, registering 88 combined tackles.

The Saints have been active in working out the free agent. They were previously expected to sign LB Anthony Barr and RB Kareem Hunt, but both left without a deal.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.