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Highlights and Lowlights from the Eagles' Loss to the Bengals
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- Highlights and Lowlights from the Eagles' Loss to the Bengals
The Philadelphia Eagles fell 30–13 to the Cincinnati Bengals in their preseason finale, dropping them to 0–3. While the outcome is disappointing, the game provided a final opportunity to evaluate several players and position battles before roster decisions are made. Here are the primary highlights and lowlights.
Makai Lemon Gets Valuable First NFL Reps
It was good to see Makai Lemon in action after two hamstring injuries sidelined him for most of training camp. Getting live reps for Lemon is crucial as the Eagles approach their Week 1 opener against the Washington Commanders .
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Lemon finished with 3 catches for just 3 yards and had a high pass pop off his hands for an interception, but there is little cause for concern. The 2025 Biletnikoff winner at USC was playing in his first NFL game with a backup quarterback while acting as the primary target.
In the regular season, working the slot alongside DeVonta Smith , Saquon Barkley , and Dallas Goedert will grant him plenty of space to get open over the middle, an area the Eagles have struggled to exploit in the past.
Cornerback Depth Remains a Concern
The Eagles' secondary looked like Swiss cheese. While the run game sliced up Philadelphia late, it was Cincinnati's passing attack early on that caused major issues. Josh Johnson went 12-for-19 for 156 yards in the first half, and Dohnte Meyers seemed to be open on every play.
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Top backup outside corner Jonathan Jones did not play but still, the team's depth at cornerback is questionable. The health of Quinyon Mitchell and Riq Woolen may truly dictate the success of an Eagles championship run.
Carson Steele Continues to Stand Out
Through the last two preseason games, Carson Steele has been the Eagles' best player. Steele didn't have the same success on the ground as he did against the New England Patriots , but he was once again a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield, recording 8 catches and a touchdown.
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Steele finished as the Eagles' preseason receiving leader with 14 catches, 137 yards, and 2 touchdowns. He has consistently outperformed Cameron Latu in their competition for the hybrid fullback role, making it increasingly difficult for the Eagles to cut him.
Backup QB Battle Remains Unsettled
The Eagles' QB2 is officially a concern. After a strong outing against the Patriots, Tanner McKee earned the start this week but lost ground after severely struggling against pass pressure. Despite his 6-foot-6 frame and powerful arm, McKee refused to rip throws over the middle, frequently putting too much air under his passes and allowing defenders to recover. McKee went 12-of-22 for just 55 yards.
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Andy Dalton looked slightly better in relief, but remained just as inconsistent. Oddly, the Eagles chose not to give Cole Payton significant playing time after his electric preseason debut, suggesting they may hope to stash him on the practice squad without exposing his tape to waiver claims around the NFL.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
