Top Eagles storylines to follow in first preseason matchup against Bengals

The Philadelphia Eagles are hitting the playing field against someone other than themselves for the first time since the Super Bowl as they face the Cincinnati Bengals in their first preseason game of 2025.

Training camp in Philly has certainly created some interesting storylines despite the team being the defending Super Bowl champions. There are those in the media who still think the Eagles are the favorites to win it all, with some concerned about the youth of the team.

Entering this all-important preseason game, what are some of the storylines fans should monitor? Which ones will have the most impact on the rest of training camp?

How Kevin Patullo handles first time calling plays for offense

It's the first test of the season for new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, as he takes over play calling from former OC and now New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore. Many traumatized Eagles fans are hoping Patullo can be the anti-Brian Johnson and keep this offense on track. It's worth monitoring how often Patullo throws the football versus running it, given the criticism of Jalen Hurts not passing enough.

Can training camp darlings Elijah Cooks and Darius Cooper stun Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith in WR position battle?

The noise and hype for Cooks and Cooper has been loud in training, as both guys have performed well. There is an argument that they have looked better than Wilson and Smith, who were rookies on the Eagles just last year. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have opened up the floodgates of new possibilities at receiver thanks to Cooks and Cooper's performance. Practice is much different from game day, so the real test starts against the Bengals.

Adoree' Jackson vs. Kelee Ringo in a real game for the first time

Jackson and Ringo's chase for the CB2 starting job has been the most closely monitored position battle at Eagles camp. Neither guy has done anything special to separate themselves from the other. Going up against Bengals wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins might be the best indicator all preseason as to whether either guy is ready to cover the top receivers in the league.