Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers: 5 Takeaways

Aug 29, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) warms up before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

There was plenty to digest in the third preseason game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers. What were some interesting takeaways from the 39-26 victory for Philly?

Sam Bradford was no fluke against a pretty good defense

This isn’t exactly a slouch Sam Bradford went off against. He was a perfect 10-for-10 for three touchdowns against a Packers defense that finished 11th overall last season and played in an NFC championship game. Perhaps it was the first indication of why Chip Kelly made the surprising trade for him during the off-season. His live arm and accuracy are far better than anything the Eagles have had in years, and in that offense it could be potentially deadly.

DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews form nice duo

Bradford of course was helped out by a steady ground attack. Philadelphia may have let LeSean McCoy go but they did so with the plan in mind to fill the hole in free agency with proven veterans DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews. Together they kept things running on schedule for the Eagles offense, with Murray chewing up yards on the ground while Mathews added some of his own along with a couple of receptions. Health permitting, this should be a formidable tandem.

Eagles pass defense is far from solved

The offensive outburst was the story of the game for Philadelphia, but it also masked how vulnerable their pass defense remains, particularly in terms of depth. Without Aaron Rodgers, the Packers still managed to throw for 402 yards and three touchdowns between backups Brett Hundley and Matt Blanchard. If not for a couple bad interceptions, the game might not have been the 39-26 romp it turned out to be. The Eagles better hope this is just a preseason thing and doesn’t continue a trend dating from last season.

Jeff Janis and Ty Montgomery should help quiet Nelson loss

Jordy Nelson will be missed by the Green Bay Packers, like it or not. It’s impossible to replace a player of that caliber. Still, the team believes strongly in its depth at the wide receiver position and their confidence was rewarded by the performances from second-year man Jeff Janis (3 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD) and rookie Ty Montgomery (2 catches, 72 yards). They, along with Davante Adams will be expected to step up in Nelson’s absence if this team is to get where it wants to go.

Cornerback losses looming large for Packers secondary

The letdowns in coverage during this game was the biggest sign yet that the Packers are still feeling the sting of losing two of their key cornerbacks to free agency in Tramon Williams and Davon House. Bradford and Mark Sanchez went 23-of-29 for 271 yards and five touchdowns. Most of that in one half. They better hope rookies Quentin Rollins and Damarious Randall can step up sooner than later because living and dying by shootouts is not how they’re going to reach the Super Bowl.

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