With training camps underway, the NFL football season is drawing nearer. The Philadelphia Eagles will kick off their preseason schedule this week, giving fans their first glimpse of how the defending Super Bowl champions plan to build on their championship run.
Who do the Eagles play, and what storylines should fans keep an eye on going into the season?
What Is the Philadelphia Eagles’ Preseason Schedule?
- Thursday, August 07, 7:30 p.m.: Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles (NBC10, NFL+)
- Saturday, August 16, 1 p.m.: Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles (NBC10, NFL Network)
- Friday, August 22, 7:30 p.m.: Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets (NBC10, NFL+)
How Do These Opponents Shape the Eagles’ Preseason Strategy?
The reigning Super Bowl champions enter the preseason with a mindset that sets them apart from the rest of the NFL. Defending the title means the Eagles will spend the year being chased, rather than figuring out how to take down the team to beat. That approach is already shaping their preseason strategy.
Their first opponent will be the Cincinnati Bengals, a team coming off one of the most turbulent offseasons in the league. Contract disputes dragged into the start of training camp. While deals were finalized with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and rookie Shemar Stewart, the situation with Trey Hendrickson remains unresolved. This backdrop creates an interesting test for Philadelphia’s preparation against a team still sorting through significant roster questions.
The matchup against the Cleveland Browns brings intriguing storylines. The Browns are still trying to settle on a starting quarterback, with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders all in the mix. As a result, every preseason snap will be closely watched by fans eager to see who emerges as QB1. For the Eagles, it’s an opportunity to evaluate their defense against multiple quarterback styles.
To close out the preseason, the Eagles will visit the New York Jets, following back-to-back home games. Like the Browns, the Jets are also entering a new era at quarterback, but theirs is already settled. Justin Fields will lead the offense, while Aaron Glenn takes over as head coach in what is expected to be a year of transition. This road test will provide valuable experience for Philadelphia’s younger players in a hostile environment.
All three opponents differ from last year’s preseason slate, when the Eagles faced the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, and Minnesota Vikings. The team will also hold a joint practice with the Browns on Aug. 13, adding another layer of evaluation opportunities.
What Should Eagles Fans Watch for During These Three Games?
The Eagles underwent several roster changes this offseason, driven by the inevitable departure of veteran players who, after a Super Bowl-winning year, sought more lucrative deals elsewhere. As a result, new faces have stepped into key roles, particularly on defense, where the most significant changes occurred.
Rookies Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba will be players to watch, as both are expected to see significant action throughout the season. Their preseason performances could reveal how quickly they’ll contribute to the championship defense. Edge rusher Azeez Ojulari could also become a key piece in the pass rush rotation, one of the units most impacted by offseason departures.
Another storyline will be how the team deploys Will Shipley, the backup running back behind Saquon Barkley. Shipley is expected to take on a larger role this season, helping manage Barkley’s workload after a demanding 2024 campaign that may not be sustainable in 2025. The preseason will offer the first look at how the coaching staff plans to utilize this backfield tandem.
Meanwhile, right guard Tyler Steen’s performance will also be worth monitoring as the offensive line continues to gel. His development could be crucial for maintaining the protection that helped fuel the Eagles’ championship run.
The Eagles traditionally keep things close to the vest in the preseason, using those games to evaluate the back end of the roster rather than overexposing their starters. The primary focus, then, will be to assess the depth of a team that could once again contend for a championship. These three games will provide the first real test of whether the changes made this offseason have strengthened or weakened their chances of repeating as champions.
