Philly Leader

BALTIMORE – Head Coach Nick Sirianni walked down the sideline toward Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay. Sirianni doesn't look at the ball when Jake Elliott attempts field goals. Instead, he looks for the signal from Clay to let him know the result.

As Elliott's game-winning 49-yard field goal cleared the crossbar as time expired, Sirianni saw Clay pump his fist. He also saw the entire sideline erupt in a jubilant celebration.

Sure, it was just the preseason opener, but when faced with the choice, Sirianni was much more pleased with adding another notch to the win column.

"We're always trying to win as much as we possibly can; that's how we are playing it," Sirianni said. "It's about the process and operation that we can talk through – many good things – as a coaching staff. All the reps that the guys got were huge. But we were able to get a lot of things worked out as a coaching staff, as far as communication goes. Such as, 'Here's what we're going to do in this scenario. Here's what we're going to do in that scenario.'

"You can simulate situations like that as much as you want, and we try to, but when they happen in real time, you must react. I thought that was good. So again, it's more about the process of what we had to go through today. The win is nice because you always want to win, but it doesn't count. But now there's a lot of good film to process and learn from."

Just before Elliott's game-winner, the All-Pro kicker had a rare miss that clanged off the upright. Earlier in the game, Elliott missed a point-after attempt. Linebacker Patrick Johnson's strip-sack and recovery allowed Elliott a second chance at the go-ahead kick.

"Hopefully, we got those (misses) out of our way tonight," Sirianni said. "Our kicking operation and Jake Elliott, I'm so confident in him. I trust him so much, and I'm so glad he got another opportunity. I have no doubt he will be even better because of some of the adversity that he went through today."

Friday night provided another dimension for the special teams unit. The Eagles gleaned their first look at the new kickoff alignment in a live tackling situation with six returns on seven kickoffs and a long return of 31 yards.

"There's a lot of work to do there," Sirianni said. "There are still a lot of unknowns... We'll get to study that tape... We will just continue to evaluate it." – Chris McPherson

**Strip-sack boosts Patrick Johnson's confidence**

Fourth-year outside linebacker Patrick Johnson made a significant play by executing a strip-sack and recovering the fumble which set up Jake Elliott's game-winning field goal.

"Vic (Fangio, defensive coordinator) gave us a good play call," Johnson said... "It felt great just for confidence-wise... Man, I really need something like that for myself just kind of getting into flow... That was huge."

"But... now is you got to move on from it... There's gonna be a quick turnaround." – Liam Wichser

**Jeremiah Trotter Jr.'s impactful debut**

Jeremiah Trotter Jr., making his preseason debut after his tenure with Clemson Tigers, impressed by tackling Ravens' return man Damarion Williams on special teams and sacking quarterback Josh Johnson on 3rd-and-2 late in the first half.

"It felt good... coming out there making that play," Trotter Jr., who finished with five tackles tying for team lead said...

"Once you get that first play... you're just playing football." – Liam Wichser

**Will Shipley scores touchdown**

Rookie running back Will Shipley scored early with an 8-touch drive totaling 30 yards ending in a 7-yard touchdown catch.

"It's a dream come true..." Shipley said...

"I've got to continually improve..." Shipley added...

"I'm really happy for Ship..." quarterback Kenny Pickett remarked...

Shipley focused on fundamentals: "When you get a long drive like that,... focus on details late in drive..." – Liam Wichser

**Tanner McKee embraces new offense**

Second-year quarterback Tanner McKee expressed satisfaction with new offensive scheme under Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore after leading two successful drives against Baltimore Ravens.

"The new offense is awesome..." McKee said...

McKee entered game mid-third quarter after Kenny Pickett started: "To start,... It's very well balanced..."

"... We've been working on it so much against our own team..." McKee concluded.– Chris McPherson

**Kenny Pickett's homecoming**

Kenny Pickett relished starting for his favorite childhood team Eagles after being traded from Pittsburgh Steelers.

"It was awesome... It felt good..." Pickett said...

Pickett guided longest scoring drive ending with Will Shipley's touchdown: "I feel great,... It's never going to end..."

"...obviously got win..." Pickett noted...

Next step involves joint practice before second preseason game: "...I'm excited for it."– Chris McPherson

**Nick Sirianni praises Nolan Smith**

Nolan Smith delivered notable performance sacking Ravens quarterback Devin Leary resulting in loss of nine yards.

"It felt good,... Miss being out there," Smith commented...

Head Coach Nick Sirianni commended Smith: "Really noticed Nolan Smith getting to football..."

"He has this outstanding speed and high motor..."– Liam Wichser

**Nakobe Dean celebrates return**

Nakobe Dean returned after injuries since November showing energy and excitement finishing with one tackle.

"...just loved getting back on field," Dean stated...

"...No snap for granted..." Dean emphasized.– Liam Wichser

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