Eagles’ 0-3 Preseason Ends With More Questions Than Answers: 9 Takeaways From Bengals Loss

Philadelphia struggled to maintain consistency on offense, while the defense faded after halftime as Cincinnati pulled away. With roster cuts looming, the final preseason game nevertheless provided several important clues about the Eagles' depth chart and the players still fighting for roster spots.

From the quarterback competition to a mixed debut for first-round pick Makai Lemon, here are nine takeaways from Philadelphia's preseason finale.

1. Makai Lemon's Debut Provides a Valuable Lesson

First-round pick Makai Lemon wasted little time making his NFL preseason debut count, catching his first target on Philadelphia's opening offensive play.

Tanner McKee's play-action throw was slightly behind Lemon, but the rookie adjusted to make a three-yard reception.

His night became considerably more difficult in the second quarter.

Lemon dropped a pass from McKee, with the ball deflecting into the hands of a Bengals defender for an interception.

The rookie ultimately finished with three catches for three yards on five targets, making it a difficult statistical debut.

The encouraging part for Philadelphia is that Lemon now has live-game film to study as he prepares for the regular season.

2. Kapena Gushiken Shows Special-Teams Potential

Kapena Gushiken may still face an uphill battle to secure a spot on the final roster, but his performance offered another reminder of his potential as a special-teams contributor.

Coverage was not perfect throughout the night, yet Gushiken's athleticism stood out.

His third tackle was particularly impressive, as he raced down the field on punt coverage and made an open-field stop.

He finished with three tackles, strengthening the case that he could be a valuable special-teams option or a strong candidate for Philadelphia's practice squad.

3. Andre' Sam Impresses Before Injury

Safety Andre' Sam delivered one of Philadelphia's more encouraging defensive performances.

Sam recorded one pass deflection, two tackles and two fumble recoveries, while also showing the ability to stay competitive in coverage.

The performance came at an important time for an Eagles secondary that had struggled for consistency throughout the preseason.

However, Sam's night ended after he was carted off the field, leaving his immediate roster outlook uncertain.

Before the injury, he had done exactly what a player competing for a depth role needed to do: make plays.

4. Dameon Pierce Makes His Case Too Late

Dameon Pierce finally received his opportunity and took full advantage of it.

The running back ran with power and aggression, finishing with 44 rushing yards on four attempts.

His physical running style was reminiscent of the form he showed earlier in his career with the Houston Texans.

The problem is timing.

Because this was Pierce's first preseason appearance, it may be difficult for him to leapfrog the other running backs competing for roster spots.

If he clears waivers, however, his performance could make him an attractive option for Philadelphia's practice squad.

5. Tanner McKee Leaves QB2 Questions Unanswered

The quarterback competition took an unexpected turn as Tanner McKee made his first preseason start.

McKee completed 12 of 22 passes for 55 yards and an interception, producing an uneven performance that did little to reinforce the belief that he had completely secured the backup job.

Some of his throws were low or inaccurate, although Lemon's dropped pass ultimately contributed to the interception.

McKee had appeared to establish himself ahead of Andy Dalton during the preseason, but Friday's outing has created at least some uncertainty heading into roster decisions.

6. Carson Steele Complicates the Running Back Picture

Carson Steele continues to make the Eagles' running back decisions more difficult.

For the second consecutive preseason game, Steele found the end zone as a receiver.

He finished against Cincinnati with 24 rushing yards and eight receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown.

His versatility could prove particularly useful if Philadelphia decides it wants a fourth running back capable of contributing as a fullback.

Steele's ability to provide value in both the running and passing games gives the coaching staff another reason to consider keeping him.

7. Andy Dalton Changes the QB2 Conversation

Just when McKee appeared to have the advantage, Andy Dalton produced his strongest preseason performance.

Dalton completed 12 of 19 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown, including a 26-yard connection with Danny Gray.

His accuracy and decision-making provided a stark contrast to McKee's uneven night.

That could force Philadelphia to reconsider its quarterback depth chart before the regular season.

The Eagles may now have to decide whether to carry four quarterbacks, move one through a trade or accept the risk of losing a player through the waiver process.

8. Deontae Lawson Strengthens His Case

Linebacker Deontae Lawson delivered one of the standout defensive moments of the game when he forced a fumble in the second quarter.

He finished with five tackles and the forced fumble, providing the kind of impact that can help a young player separate himself during roster evaluations.

Whether Lawson has done enough to make the 53-man roster remains uncertain, but his performance should strengthen his case for a practice-squad position at minimum.

9. Jake Elliott Finally Finds His Range

Eagles fans finally got an opportunity to see Jake Elliott handle field-goal duties during the preseason, and he responded with a perfect night.

Elliott converted both of his attempts, including an impressive 56-yard field goal.

While one preseason appearance should not erase concerns from previous struggles, the performance provided Philadelphia with a positive sign heading into the regular season.

For a kicker whose form has attracted considerable attention, seeing Elliott confidently split the uprights from long range was an encouraging development.

Eagles Now Face the Real Roster Test

The 30-13 loss leaves Philadelphia with an 0-3 preseason record, but the final result is only part of the story.

The more important task now is deciding which players have done enough to remain with the team when the regular season roster is finalized.

Lemon's difficult debut, McKee's struggles, Dalton's late push, Steele's versatility and the performances of players such as Lawson and Gushiken all give the Eagles plenty to discuss.

The preseason is over. Now the difficult decisions begin.