No Time to get Raven Mad

There were two ways to start this post, depending on how the Eagles did in their first preseason game: "I know it's just preseason, but...." and "Thank God it's just preseason." A 29-3 loss later, and both of those statements can apply. It's always important to not put too much stock in a preseason performance, but on the other hand, the games may be a sign of things to come; both good and bad. In this case, fans hope it is not a sign of things to come, because those "things" would definitely be of the "bad" variety.
As they say, "I've got good news and I've got bad news." Let's start with the bad news. The Eagles defense looked shockingly similar to the much-maligned unit of last season; particularly in a few specific areas. Areas that were supposed to be strengthened. The Eagles were still unable to get consistent pressure on the quarterback. To be successful this year, they will have to get pressure on the quarterback without blitzing. They certainly didn't show an ability to do that last night. The Eagles again gave up a long sustaining drive that netted points to start the game. And a big reason for that is another one of the problems that plagued them last year: They are unable to get off the field on third down. Baltimore's first drive last night with the first team offense against the first team defense: 12 plays, 93 yards, and a touchdown with 3 third down conversions of 6 yards or more; including the touchdown pass. It's pretty simple for the Bird's defense this season: make teams punt and give the ball back to your offense.
There was only one glaring concern on the offensive side of the ball: the offensive line. The unit that is supposed to be the main strength of the team seemed lost against the Raven's. There were no running lanes for the backs and the quarterbacks were consistently on the run; if they were even standing. Poor QB, Kevin Kolb, in his first NFL action ever, was slammed on his first two snaps (one of them being roughing the passer, and the other being a 16 yard loss).
Those are the negatives. And before anyone goes jumping off the Ben Franklin Bridge, here are the positives. First, take a look at who was not in the game: Donovan McNabb, LJ Smith, Shawn Andrews, Brian Dawkins, and Lito Sheppard to name the big guys. Those are all key guys, and both sides of the ball are going to struggle without those guys, even for a couple series. And while the defense had it's struggles, they did seem to tackle better. Chris Gocong, a big question mark going into the season, looked much more solid against the run than Dhani Jones last season. Takeo Spikes looks healthy, and that's all you can ask for from a veteran like him in preseason. Offensively, Brian Westbrook is still making people look silly when he gets in open space, and Jeremy Bloom looks like he can really add something to the return game.
Obviously, in a 29-3 loss, the negatives are going to outnumber the positives. But this statement can not be uttered to one self enough in preseason, for bad as well as good performances: "It is only preseason." The Eagles do not game plan teams in preseason. So, it's a little understandable when a team that blitzes in waves like the Ravens, a young offensive line is going to have trouble picking them up. And Jim Johnson is not going to dial up all his creative defensive schemes in the preseason either. So, it really is impossible to get a full team diagnosis in the preseason, especially after one game. Just look at last year: The Oakland Raiders went 4-1 in route to a league worst 2-14 regular season record. And what did those eventual Super Bowl Champions do in the preseason? 1-3. Go figure.