Full Breakdown
Eagles Stumble 24-7 in Preseason Opener as New Offense Falters
8/16/2026, 11:46:45 PM
Core Event
On August 15, 2026, the Philadelphia Eagles traveled to M&T Bank Stadium and were out-matched by the Baltimore Ravens, losing 24-7. The Eagles managed 159 total yards and six first downs, while the Ravens posted 440 yards and 31 first downs. Philadelphia’s offense was 0-for-9 on third down and recorded 10 penalties for 96 yards. The lone Eagles score came late in the fourth quarter when rookie quarterback Cole Payton connected with Erik Ezukanma for a six-yard touchdown.
Background & Context
The game marked the debut of Sean Mannion, the Eagles’ new offensive coordinator, and served as the first live test of his scheme with a roster largely composed of backups. With starter Jalen Hurts resting, the contest evaluated depth players and the QB2 battle between veteran Andy Dalton and younger Tanner McKee. The Ravens, under first-year head coach Jesse Minter, also fielded a backup-heavy lineup, giving rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano ample opportunity.
Data & Statistics
- Total yards: Eagles 159 vs. Ravens 440
- First downs: Eagles 6 vs. Ravens 31
- Third-down conversions: Eagles 0-for-9, Ravens 13-for-15
- Time of possession: Eagles 18:43, Ravens 41:17
- Snap distribution (Eagles): QB Tanner McKee 19 snaps (43 %); QB Cole Payton 15 snaps; QB Andy Dalton 10 snaps.
- Defensive snaps: LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. led with 5 tackles and a sack; safety Kelee Ringo recorded an interception.
Winners & Losers
Winners –
- Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB) – five tackles, a sack.
- Cole Payton (QB) – 4-of-9 passing for 37 yards, a touchdown, and 45 rushing yards.
- Ty Robinson (DT) – a sack and five tackles.
- Kelee Ringo (CB) – secured the game-changing interception.
Losers –
- Andy Dalton – 3-of-6 for 20 yards, no first down.
- Tanner McKee – 6-of-10 for 35 yards, 0-for-3 on third down.
- Offensive line – allowed three sacks and failed to generate sustained drives.
Official Statements & Responses
The Eagles’ front office emphasized that the preseason is an evaluation period, not a measure of regular-season outlook, and that the coaching staff will use the film to refine Mannion’s system.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The more opportunities he has gotten over the last week, the better he has played.” — Jesse Minter, head coach
- “I thought our offensive line did a really good job,” — Jesse Minter, head coach
- “I think whenever a game goes like that, yeah, it’s disappointing,” — Tanner McKee
- “There has been trade value for McKee in the past, and a lot of that has been because of how impressive he has been in preseason games,” — ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler
What’s Next
The Eagles will move on to their next preseason matchup, providing additional reps for the backup quarterbacks and depth players. A joint-practice weekend with the New England Patriots is scheduled for the week after the opener, followed by a second preseason game later in the month. The roster must be trimmed to 53 players, making the upcoming evaluations critical for players on the bubble.
