Steelers at Eagles: Quick Hits

The Eagles had the second-fewest sacks per snaps in the NFL last season, and they're relying on mostly the same group this year. So far, the starting unit has been unable to get to the quarterback. The Eagles have three sacks, but not one from their starting front seven. Vinny Curry, who is fighting for more playing time, has been the team's best pass rusher during the first two preseason games. If Trent Cole and Fletcher Cox can cause havoc on the quarterback, that will be a good sign.

The Eagles' first-team offense has three turnovers in two games. One of the team's strengths last season was its turnover differential, which was plus-14. During the preseason, it's minus-2.

Penalties have been plentiful for both sides during the preseason while the league enforces areas of emphasis. Coach Chip Kelly wants the Eagles to adapt. The Eagles have 19 penalties in two games.

Riley Cooper: After missing the first two games with an ankle injury, Cooper returned to practice this week and will make his preseason debut. That's a big boost for the offense, which is counting on Cooper to build upon his breakout 2013 season. He led the Eagles with 17.8 yards per catch last season.

Nolan Carroll: The Eagles last week experienced the perils of not having cornerback depth. Carroll, who was a starter in Miami, signed with the Eagles to bolster their depth at the position. He missed the first two games with a groin injury but is likely to play Thursday.

Allen Barbre: He allowed a third-down sack Friday against the Patriots, which put his value to the team under the spotlight. A reserve last season, Barbre will be the team's starting right tackle during the first four games because of Lane Johnson's suspension. The coaching staff has given Barbre all the first-team snaps in camp to prepare him for the first month, and he has needed to adjust to playing on the right side. "I think Allen's done a nice job," Kelly said. "He could stick to blocks a little better. He's got a good feel and sense of what we're doing."

Kicker: Alex Henery has been put on watch after missing a 47-yard field goal last week. The Eagles traded for kicker Cody Parkey on Wednesday and now have three kickers on the roster. They're looking at kickers on other teams, too. If he can prove that he's reliable from beyond 40 yards, Henery will keep his job.

Slot receiver: The Eagles determined on draft night that they would put Jordan Matthews at slot receiver, although the rookie has been behind Brad Smith throughout the summer. Smith is nursing an injury and Matthews could finally take a significant number of snaps with the first team. The second-round pick caught nine passes last week for 104 yards.

Kick returner: Josh Huff's shoulder injury keeps the kick-return competition open. The team wanted to see Carroll return kicks before his injury, and he could win that role. Smith and Darren Sproles are veteran kick returners. Damaris Johnson has experience and is doing everything he can do to keep a roster spot. Kenjon Barner, who returned for Kelly at Oregon, could also figure in the competition.