Philadelphia Eagles fans are buzzing—and not just from the excitement of football returning to Lincoln Financial Field. The first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals on August 8, 2025, delivered plenty of on-field action, but it’s the off-field developments that have many supporters talking, especially after the team’s eyebrow-raising decision to charge $18 for a domestic beer. That’s a full $5 to $8 above the NFL stadium average, and the sticker shock has ignited a storm of social media debate.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. On the gridiron, the Eagles showed flashes of promise, mixing standout rookie performances with a few growing pains typical of preseason. Quarterback Tanner McKee, in particular, turned heads with a near-flawless outing, while undrafted wide receiver Darius Cooper made a compelling case for a roster spot. Meanwhile, the running back rotation and defensive units offered glimpses of the depth and competition that will define this year’s squad.
Let’s start with the game itself. The Eagles, facing the Bengals, ran an impressive 74 snaps on offense and 65 on defense—a sign that coaches are keen to evaluate every corner of the depth chart. McKee, the second-year quarterback, stole the show. He completed 20 of 25 passes for 252 yards, tossing two touchdowns and avoiding any turnovers. His performance, capped with a successful Tush Push for a score, earned him a sterling QB rating of 135.3. As PhillyVoice put it, “It’s almost not fair that even with all their riches the Eagles might also have the best QB2 in the NFL.”
Behind McKee, the quarterback competition continued. Kyle McCord saw 16 snaps, while Dorian Thompson-Robinson logged 15. Thompson-Robinson, who has reportedly outperformed McCord throughout camp, continued to show poise and playmaking ability. Still, it was McKee’s night to shine, as he picked apart both the Bengals’ starters and reserves with surgical precision.
Turning to the ground game, the Eagles’ running back committee was in full effect. Keilan Robinson led the group with 26 snaps, while A.J. Dillon and ShunDerrick Powell each contributed 17. Dillon, newly acquired and looking to cement his role as a reliable backup, rushed five times for 27 yards—a solid, if unspectacular, outing. Powell, meanwhile, showed some pop against Cincinnati’s backups, tallying 32 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Will Shipley, another rookie in the mix, managed six carries for just 10 yards, but one of those went for a dazzling 38 yards behind a key block from right guard Tyler Steen. That block may have secured Steen’s spot as the starting right guard, as the much-discussed camp battle appears all but over.
The wide receiver group provided plenty of intrigue. Johnny Wilson, seeing significant playing time with 57 snaps, opened strong with a pair of tough catches and a slick back-shoulder grab. He did, however, have a drop and misplayed a potential touchdown fade, highlighting the highs and lows of a developing rookie. Darius Cooper, though, was the real star among the receivers. Playing with the second-team offense, Cooper hauled in six passes for 82 yards and a touchdown, making the most of every opportunity. With Elijah Cooks, a camp standout, suffering a shoulder injury after just one snap, Cooper’s stock may be on the rise. Jahan Dotson, in limited action, caught two balls for 27 yards, showing why he remains a reliable target.
Special teams and tight ends also got their moment. Ainias Smith not only caught two passes for 11 yards and a touchdown but also broke off a long punt return late in the game. Yet, his handling of punts remains a question mark; last season, his struggles in this area cost him the return job, and Thursday’s effort was a mixed bag. Among tight ends, Kylen Granson led the way with three catches for 28 yards, while E.J. Jenkins, Harrison Bryant, Nick Muse, and Grant Calcaterra all contributed in various roles.
On the offensive line, Myles Hinton (60 snaps), Drew Kendall (58), and Brett Toth (46) anchored a unit that, for the most part, protected well. The second team looked solid, while the third team struggled, a common preseason theme. Tyler Steen’s nine snaps were highlighted by that pivotal block on Shipley’s long run, effectively cementing his starting job.
Defensively, the Eagles mixed youth and experience. Ochaun Mathis, Josh Uche, and Azeez Ojulari rotated on the edge, while Patrick Johnson made a splash with a tipped-ball interception after having a sack negated by penalty. Ty Robinson recorded a sack, and Gabe Hall generated pressure, but overall, the defensive line was relatively quiet. At linebacker, Smael Mondon—hyped throughout camp—missed several tackles, while Jeremiah Trotter Jr. led the group with six stops. Jihaad Campbell nearly came up with an interception, flashing his athleticism.
The secondary saw plenty of action, with Sydney Brown, Andre’ Sam, Mac McWilliams, and Brandon Johnson all logging significant snaps. Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson were each targeted frequently, giving up receptions and, in Ringo’s case, missing a key tackle that led to a Bengals touchdown. Eli Ricks, fighting for a roster spot, just missed a pick-six opportunity, a play that could have made his night. Maxen Hook, a physical safety, impressed with his aggressive play, while Andrew Mukuba sat out as expected.
As the Eagles look ahead to a tough opening stretch—facing the Vikings, Lions, and Packers in the season’s first six weeks—these preseason reps will be crucial for solidifying roles and building chemistry. The coaching staff will have plenty of film to review, and fans can expect further shakeups as injuries and standout performances dictate the final roster.
Yet, even as the team sorts out its depth chart, the off-field controversy over beer prices refuses to die down. The $18 tag for a domestic brew has fans fuming across X, Facebook, and Reddit, with many accusing the organization of taking advantage of their loyalty. “An outing to the stadium could soon cost as much as a trip,” quipped one fan online, echoing a sentiment that’s quickly becoming widespread. The Eagles have yet to offer any explanation—no word on operating costs, taxes, or new policies that might justify the price hike. This isn’t the first time American sports franchises have faced backlash for rising concession costs, but the gap between the Eagles’ prices and the league average is hard for many to swallow.
With preseason action heating up and the regular season looming, the Eagles find themselves in the spotlight for reasons both thrilling and frustrating. On the field, young talent is emerging and veterans are solidifying their roles. Off the field, the price of fandom is sparking debate. As August rolls on, all eyes will remain on Philadelphia—both for the team’s performance and for the next move in the ongoing beer price saga.
