The 2025 NFL preseason started with an exciting game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals, ending in a 34–27 win for the Eagles. The game took place on August 7 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Even though it was just a preseason match, both teams played hard and gave fans a great show. The main goal was to test players, especially the backups, and try out different game plans before the regular season begins. Quarterback Tanner McKee was the star for the Eagles. He played only the first half but made a big impact, completing 20 out of 25 passes for 252 yards and throwing three touchdowns. He looked confident and worked well with his receivers, especially Darius Cooper, who had 82 receiving yards. Running back ShunDerrick Powell also scored a touchdown late in the game, helping the Eagles keep the lead.
Joe Burrow also played well for the Bengals, even though he was only on the field for a short time. He completed 9 of 10 passes for 123 yards and threw two touchdowns in just two drives. He looked comfortable and in control, connecting smoothly with Ja’Marr Chase and tight end Tanner Hudson. Even though the Bengals lost, their starting offense looked very strong, and that’s a good sign as they get ready for the regular season.
Bengals vs Eagles On August 7, 2025
The 2025 NFL preseason opened with an exciting matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals, ending in a close 34–27 win for the Eagles. This game, held at Lincoln Financial Field, was more than just a warm-up; it gave both teams a chance to evaluate depth, experiment with new players, and build momentum heading into the regular season.
First Quarter When Bengals Started Fast
The game started strong for the Bengals, with Joe Burrow making an immediate impact. Burrow played only the opening two drives but was incredibly efficient. He completed 9 of 10 passes for 123 yards, showing great accuracy and calm. On his first drive, he connected with tight end Tanner Hudson on a short touchdown pass after moving the ball downfield with ease.
On the next drive, Burrow found Ja’Marr Chase on a slant route for another touchdown. Chase, known for his deep threat ability, looked in midseason form despite this being the first preseason game. Within the first 10 minutes of the game, the Bengals led 14–0, with their starters looking polished and ready. The Eagles, however, didn’t panic. Quarterback Tanner McKee, who played in place of the resting Jalen Hurts, took the field and slowly got into rhythm. The Eagles managed to move into scoring position by the end of the first quarter, and McKee finished off the drive early in the second.
Eagles’ Response in Second Quarter
Tanner McKee showed why he’s fighting for a top backup spot. Early in the second quarter, he scored on a 1-yard QB sneak to get Philadelphia on the board. On the next drive, McKee hit Ainias Smith on a 15-yard slant route for a touchdown, tying the game at 14–14. His throws were accurate and well-timed, especially under pressure.
The Bengals struggled after Burrow exited. Backup Jake Browning entered but couldn’t match Burrow’s efficiency. He missed a few open receivers and the Eagles defense tightened. Eagles linebacker Ben VanSumeren made a key stop on a third-and-short, forcing a Bengals punt. Before the half, McKee connected with Darius Cooper, the standout receiver of the night—for a 32-yard touchdown. Cooper finished the game with 82 yards, showing good speed and hands. By halftime, the Eagles had turned the game around and led 21–14.
Slower Pace and Missed Chances in Third Quarter
The third quarter was quieter. Both teams switched deeper into their backups. The Bengals brought in Desmond Ridder, who played cautiously, while the Eagles continued with third-stringer Ian Book. One highlight was a long kick return by Joseph Ngata, which set up the Eagles in good field position. However, the drive stalled in the red zone, and Jake Elliott kicked a 41-yard field goal, extending the lead to 24–14.
The Bengals also got into scoring position thanks to a long run by Chase Brown, but the Eagles’ defense held them to a field goal. Score: 24–17 Eagles. No major injuries were reported during the third quarter, although there was a brief scare when Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin was slow to get up after a sideline hit; he later returned, confirming it wasn’t serious.
Final Push
The final quarter brought more excitement. The Eagles’ running back ShunDerrick Powell broke through the Bengals’ defensive line for a 2-yard touchdown run, putting Philadelphia up 31–17. Powell showed strong footwork and vision, making a good case for a roster spot.
Desmond Ridder led a promising drive in response. He found tight end Drew Sample for two big completions, then tossed a touchdown to rookie wideout Jermaine Burton, cutting the lead to 31–24. With five minutes left, the Bengals forced a fumble on Eagles RB Kennedy Brooks. But the Eagles defense stood tall again—linebacker Nakobe Dean broke up a third-down pass to end the drive. The Eagles added a final field goal from Elliott to make it 34–24, and although the Bengals drove again, they could only get a 36-yard field goal in the final seconds. Final score: Eagles 34, Bengals 27.
Key Players & Stats Summary
| Player | Team | Key Stats |
| Joe Burrow | Bengals | 9/10, 123 yds, 2 TD (2 drives) |
| Tanner McKee | Eagles | 20/25, 252 yds, 2 TD, 1 rush TD |
| Darius Cooper | Eagles | 5 catches, 82 yds, 1 TD |
| ShunDerrick Powell | Eagles | 8 carries, 42 yds, 1 TD |
| Ja’Marr Chase | Bengals | 3 catches, 50 yds, 1 TD |
Who Shone Bright in Eagles vs. Bengals?
The first preseason game of 2025 gave us a good look at both the starters and future stars of the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals. While the final score read 34–27 in favor of the Eagles, individual performances told us much more than the scoreboard. Let’s break down who stood out and why it matters moving forward.
Joe Burrow (Quarterback, Bengals)
Let’s start with the star of Cincinnati, Joe Burrow. The Bengals’ franchise quarterback played just two offensive drives, but honestly, that’s all he needed to remind everyone why he’s considered one of the top QBs in the NFL. Burrow went 9-for-10 with 123 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. That’s about as efficient as it gets. He moved the ball quickly and confidently, finding open receivers with perfect timing. His first touchdown came on a short pass to tight end Tanner Hudson, and then he followed up with a smooth connection to Ja’Marr Chase in the red zone.
What’s more impressive is how comfortable Burrow looked. No signs of hesitation, no sloppy mistakes, just clean, smart football. Bengals fans should be feeling really good after that performance. Even in preseason, it’s great to see your QB firing on all cylinders right out of the gate.
Tanner McKee (Quarterback, Eagles)
While Burrow gave us a quick glimpse of greatness, Tanner McKee gave us a full-on preview of a young quarterback with real potential. McKee, who is expected to battle for the backup role behind Jalen Hurts, was nothing short of excellent. He completed 20 of 25 passes, threw for 252 yards, and added 2 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing TD in the first half. That’s an impressive stat line for any game, especially for a young quarterback trying to prove himself.
One of McKee’s best qualities on display was his poise under pressure. He didn’t look rushed. He took his time, read the defense, and delivered accurate throws. His 15-yard touchdown to Ainias Smith and his 32-yard strike to Darius Cooper were absolute beauties. You could tell the coaching staff gave him more control of the offense, and he responded like a true professional. Eagles fans have been looking for a reliable backup since Gardner Minshew left, and McKee might just be that guy.
Darius Cooper (Wide Receiver, Eagles)
Speaking of McKee’s weapons, Darius Cooper deserves his own spotlight. Cooper was McKee’s go-to target during the first half, catching multiple passes across the middle and deep downfield. He led all receivers in the game with 82 receiving yards, including a 32-yard touchdown reception. Cooper showed good speed, ran crisp routes, and made defenders miss after the catch.
He’s an undrafted rookie fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster, and this performance definitely helped his case. If he keeps playing like this through the preseason, he could be a surprise addition to the Eagles’ depth chart.
Tanner Hudson (Tight End, Bengals)
Tight end Tanner Hudson had a solid performance, highlighted by a red-zone touchdown from Burrow. He ran sharp routes and was reliable with his hands, something the Bengals will need behind starter Irv Smith Jr. Hudson’s strength is his ability to find soft spots in the defense. On his touchdown, he found a gap in the zone, turned, and the ball was already in his hands. Simple, clean execution. With continued consistency, he could be a great depth piece in Cincinnati’s offense this season.
Ja’Marr Chase (Wide Receiver, Bengals)
There’s not much to say about Ja’Marr Chase that hasn’t already been said, but it’s still fun to watch him play, even in preseason.
Chase caught a few passes from Burrow, including a short touchdown in the red zone. He looked explosive, confident, and sharp in his routes. While the Bengals didn’t use him much, that brief time on the field was a reminder that this Burrow-Chase connection is still elite. For the Bengals, it’s more about keeping him healthy and warmed up for the regular season than showcasing him in August, and that’s totally fine. He did his job and sat the rest of the night.
ShunDerrick Powell (Running Back, Eagles)
One of the most exciting moments of the second half came from running back ShunDerrick Powell, who powered through for a 2-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. His drive helped the Eagles maintain a solid lead and close out the game. Powell showed great vision and burst, especially on outside zone runs. He’s another undrafted rookie trying to earn a spot, and with his strong finish to the game, he’s definitely on the coaches’ radar now.
Honorable Mentions
- Ainias Smith (WR, Eagles): Caught a 15-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Solid route runner with good instincts.
- Desmond Ridder (QB, Bengals): Played much of the second half. Managed a scoring drive but also missed a few key throws. Still a work in progress.
- Nakobe Dean (LB, Eagles): Broke up a crucial third-down pass in the final quarter. Showed good awareness and quick reaction time.
- Chase Brown (RB, Bengals): Had a couple of nice runs that showed off his balance and speed. Could compete for the RB2 or RB3 role.
This game gave both coaching staffs a lot to work with. For the Eagles, Tanner McKee looks like a real asset at QB, and young skill players like Darius Cooper and Shunderrick Powell are stepping up. For the Bengals, Burrow looks like he’s already in midseason form, and Chase continues to be a dominant weapon. Preseason is never just about the score, it’s about seeing who steps up when the lights come on. And in this game, several young players did just that.
Key Stats of Eagles vs Bengals In Preseason, August 7, 2025
| Category | Eagles | Bengals |
| Final Score | 34 | 27 |
| Total Yards | 365 | 342 |
| Passing Yards | 287 | 258 |
| Rushing Yards | 78 | 84 |
| First Downs | 23 | 20 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 6/12 (50%) | 5/11 (45%) |
| 4th Down Efficiency | 1/1 | 0/1 |
| Turnovers | 1 (Fumble lost) | 2 (1 INT, 1 Fumble) |
| Penalties (Yards) | 4 (35 yds) | 6 (50 yds) |
| Time of Possession | 31:15 | 28:45 |
| Sacks Allowed | 1 | 2 |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 3/4 (75%) | 2/3 (66%) |
| Total Plays | 67 | 63 |
Final Thoughts
The Eagles vs. Bengals preseason game gave fans exactly what they were hoping for: big plays, young stars shining, and a taste of what’s to come in the 2025 NFL season. Both teams showed flashes of greatness and gave their fans something to be excited about. Whether it was Joe Burrow’s sharp start or Tanner McKee’s breakout performance, there’s a lot to build on moving forward.
This was just the beginning. The Eagles will now prepare to face the New York Jets in their second preseason game, while the Bengals get ready to meet the Chicago Bears. These upcoming games will give coaches more chances to test young players, fix mistakes, and finalize rosters before the regular season begins. With energy building and competition heating up, the rest of the preseason promises more exciting moments. Fans should stay tuned, because if this game is a sign of what’s ahead, the 2025 NFL season is going to be a fun ride.
