Rookie Duo Dazzle in Eagles' Preseason Defeat

On August 17, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles fell to the Cleveland Browns 22-13 in their second preseason game. However, the loss was overshadowed by the impressive performances of several young Eagles players who are vying for more prominent roles in the upcoming regular season.

Rookie safety Andrew Mukuba was the standout of the game, making two game-changing plays. In the second quarter, Mukuba intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, cutting the Browns' lead. Just a few minutes later, he recovered a fumble, further showcasing his playmaking abilities. Mukuba, a second-round pick, was expected to play a significant role for the Eagles, and his preseason performance has only solidified those expectations.

Joining Mukuba in impressing the coaching staff was first-round linebacker Jihaad Campbell. On the second snap of the game, Campbell burst through the line and recorded a sack, demonstrating his versatility and potential to be a disruptive force on the Eagles' defense.

The Eagles' receiving corps is already stacked, but fifth-round pick Ainais Smith continues to make a case for playing time. After scoring a touchdown in the previous preseason game, Smith caught both of his targets against the Browns, including an impressive touchdown grab from quarterback Kyle McCord.

As the Eagles look to defend their Super Bowl title, the emergence of these young players provides a glimpse of the team's promising future. With the regular season just around the corner, the coaching staff will have some tough decisions to make as they finalize the roster, but the performances of Mukuba, Campbell, and Smith have undoubtedly caught their attention.