The Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning Super Bowl LII champions, are set to kick off their 2018 NFL season with a series of preseason games. The preseason, a crucial period for team evaluation and player development, will see the Eagles face off against several opponents, providing fans with a glimpse into the team's preparations for the upcoming regular season. Here's a comprehensive look at the Eagles' 2018 preseason schedule.
Eagles 2018 Preseason Schedule: A Game-by-Game Breakdown
The Eagles will play four preseason games in 2018, two at home and two away. The preseason schedule is designed to provide a balance of competition and opportunities for players to showcase their skills and secure a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Week 1: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Aug. 9)
The Eagles will open their preseason campaign at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This game will mark the first opportunity for fans to see the Eagles' Super Bowl-winning team in action, with many eager to catch a glimpse of quarterback Carson Wentz, who is returning from a knee injury. The Steelers, led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, will provide a strong test for the Eagles' defense.
Week 2: at New England Patriots (Aug. 16)
The Eagles will travel to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots in Week 2 of the preseason. This game will be a rematch of Super Bowl LII, which the Eagles won in dramatic fashion. The Patriots, led by quarterback Tom Brady, will provide a stern test for the Eagles, who will be looking to prove that their Super Bowl victory was no fluke.
Week 3: vs. Cleveland Browns (Aug. 23)
The Eagles will return home to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 3. The Browns, under new head coach Hue Jackson, will be looking to build on their 2017 campaign and secure their first victory of the preseason. This game will provide the Eagles with an opportunity to evaluate their depth and identify any areas of concern before the regular season begins.
Week 4: at New York Jets (Aug. 30)
The Eagles will close out their preseason schedule with a trip to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Jets. The Jets, led by quarterback Sam Darnold, will be looking to build momentum heading into the regular season. This game will be crucial for the Eagles, as it will provide head coach Doug Pederson with an opportunity to finalize his team's roster and make any necessary adjustments before the regular season begins.
Key Dates and Times for the Eagles' 2018 Preseason Schedule
Here's a quick rundown of the key dates and times for the Eagles' 2018 preseason schedule:
| Week | Opponent | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Aug. 9 | 7:30 PM ET |
| 2 | at New England Patriots | Aug. 16 | 7:30 PM ET |
| 3 | Cleveland Browns | Aug. 23 | 7:30 PM ET |
| 4 | at New York Jets | Aug. 30 | 7:30 PM ET |
All game times are Eastern Time and are subject to change. Fans are encouraged to check the official Philadelphia Eagles website for the most up-to-date information on the team's preseason schedule.
What to Expect from the Eagles in the 2018 Preseason
The Eagles enter the 2018 preseason as the defending Super Bowl champions, with high expectations for the upcoming season. Fans can expect to see a mix of starters and backups in each preseason game, with the focus shifting towards player evaluation and development as the preseason progresses. Here are a few things to keep an eye on during the Eagles' 2018 preseason schedule:
- Carson Wentz's Return: Quarterback Carson Wentz is set to make his return from a knee injury that sidelined him for the majority of the 2017 season. Fans will be eager to see how Wentz looks in his first game action since his injury.
- Rookie Contributions: The Eagles had a successful draft in 2018, selecting several players who could make an immediate impact on the team. Fans will be looking to see how these rookies perform in their first preseason games.
- Position Battles: The Eagles have several position battles that will be worth watching throughout the preseason. These include competitions at wide receiver, running back, and along the offensive line.
The Eagles' 2018 preseason schedule is set to be an exciting and informative period for fans, as the team prepares for the upcoming regular season. With a mix of challenging opponents and opportunities for player evaluation, the Eagles' preseason games are not to be missed.
