The Philadelphia Eagles began their 2025 preseason with a 34-27 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The team accumulated 432 total net yards and avoided pre-snap penalties, while maintaining strong ball security throughout the game. The offense managed to move the ball effectively, even against the Bengals’ first-team defense.
Quarterback Tanner McKee played into the third quarter, completing 20 of 25 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. He also scored on a fourth-and-goal play from the one-yard line in the first quarter. “McKee threw darts all night, worked the pocket beautifully, had great anticipation and accuracy, and probably only made one throw he would like to have back. He is the No. 2 quarterback now, one play away from game action, and the Eagles have the highest confidence in him for good reason. McKee played good football at the end of last season, stepping in against Dallas when Kenny Pickett was injured and then leading the Eagles to a win over the Giants’ starting team in Week 18. He will play more in this preseason and McKee will just get better and better.”
The receiving group had a productive night as well. Second-year players Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith stood out; Wilson recorded three catches for 73 yards while Smith caught a touchdown pass and returned a punt for 46 yards. Darius Cooper added six receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown, while Jahan Dotson was effective early against Cincinnati’s starters. “Great game by the receiving corps and important as the Eagles hoped some players would step up and, in this preseason game, they did just that.”
Tyler Steen started at right guard, performing well in pass protection and assisting on a significant run by Will Shipley.
Rookie Ty Robinson contributed with an early sack and consistent pressure inside.
Running back A.J. Dillon gained 27 yards on five carries and caught three passes for another 27 yards as part of what is expected to be a dynamic trio alongside Shipley and Saquon Barkley.
Outside linebacker Patrick Johnson experienced both adversity—a sack nullified by penalty—and success with an interception on consecutive plays.
Special teams also played a role late in the game when punter Braden Mann delivered a crucial 65-yard punt with just over two minutes remaining.
Defensively, coaches noted missed opportunities for interceptions that will be addressed during practice sessions this week.
Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. led with six tackles: “All Jeremiah Trotter Jr. does is work himself into the right position. He had six total tackles and is just such a cerebral player and excellent technician.”
Cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields broke up three passes in the fourth quarter.
Safety Sydney Brown briefly left due to injury but returned to the sideline later; wide receiver Elijah Cooks was carted off during play with his status pending further updates.
Looking ahead, practices continue Saturday before moving to Lincoln Financial Field for a sold-out public practice Sunday night. The Cleveland Browns are scheduled for joint practices midweek ahead of another preseason matchup next Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field.
