Of the Eagles four preseason games, this is the one thats worth watching the longest. The first team is going to play three quarters, and the second team will play the fourth. Vince Young will play final quarter against Cleveland, although head coach Andy Reid said its possible that Mike Kafka sees some reps too.
Kafka has shown hes not content to be the third quarterback.
Let me tell you that hes done a nice job, Reid said. He was one of the bright spots of our last game. Hes done a nice job.
Kafka could keep you watching at the end. Here are five other reasons to watch from the beginning:
1. Defensive tackle Mike Patterson
Three weeks after suffering a seizure, leaving training camp in an ambulance and being diagnosed with a brain AVM, Patterson will be playing football.
In the NFL.
Phew.
2. Middle linebacker Casey Matthews
Matthews hasnt played in full preseason game or touched the field in a regular season game, yet calling him the "much-maligned Matthews" would be accurate.
Reid has stood by the rookie, but a poor showing here will make the clamor for Lofa Tatupu even louder (Kirk Morrison reportedly signed with Buffalo).
3. Center Jason Kelce
The Eagles are starting a rookie fourth-round pick at middle linebacker, and theyre starting a rookie sixth-round pick in the middle of their O-line. Can Kelce supplant veteran Jamaal Jackson? Heres his chance.
Oh, and while youre watching the offensive line, dont forget to keep an eye on rookie first-round pick Danny Watkins at right guard and King DunlapReggie Wells at right tackle. With Winston Justice (knee) and Ryan Harris (back) still nursing injuries, the Eagles are lucky to have Todd Herremans as insurance.
Plus, could Jackson move to guard if need be? Reid on Tuesday didnt rule it out.
4. Running back Dion Lewis
The Birds usually keep three tailbacks. LeSean McCoy is one. Ronnie Brown is two. Whos three?
Lewis, a rookie fifth-round pick, is competing with Eldra Buckley for the final spot.
Reid knows what McCoy can do. Same for Brown and Buckley. Lewis has looked good so far, his fumble last week not withstanding. Hes averaged only 3.8 yards per pop in two games, but hes also been running behind the subs. Lets see if he gets time with the ones.
5. Safety Jarrad Page
This is what the preseason is for. The Steelers showed us that Nate Allen is still slowed by his repaired knee, so enter Page, a sixth-year veteran who will start alongside Kurt Coleman. The Eagles revamped secondary isnt facing Ben Roethlisberger, but Colt MCoy has shined this preseason, completing 67.9 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and no interceptions.
E-mail Andy Schwartz at aschwartz@comcastsportsnet.com.
