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What to watch in Eagles-Dolphins preseason game

The starting offense, Derek Barnett, Wendell Smallwood, nickel cornerbacks, and entire offensive line are intriguing story lines.

Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz will get more on-field time with receiver Alshon Jeffery.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz will get more on-field time with receiver Alshon Jeffery.Read moreDAVID MAIALETTI / Staff Photographer

The third preseason game is often the most important of the four all summer. The starters could play into the third quarter, and there are key roster questions and competitions that remain. Here are five things I'll watch for Thursday night when the Eagles and Dolphins play at the Linc:

  1. The first-team offense failed to generate any offensive momentum last week, going three-and-out three times and turning the ball over a fourth time. This will be the likely be the starters' final time playing before the regular season, so it'll help to show some type of progress. Pay attention to third downs – Carson Wentz said that's an area that must improve. He'll have more time to work with receiver Alshon Jeffery, who could impress the home fans in likely one half of work.

  2. Derek Barnett excelled in the first two preseason games, totaling three sacks and appearing like a veteran pass rusher even though he's only 21. The first-round pick could start Thursday because Brandon Graham has an elbow injury. If Barnett can get consistent pressure against Miami's starting offensive line, the calls to get him a bigger role this season will become louder.

  3. Wendell Smallwood missed the first two games with a hamstring injury. The Eagles' running game needs a boost, and Smallwood has a chance to show why he should be a big part of the running back committee. Smallwood has excelled in practice, often appearing like the best rusher on the team. (That might not be saying too much, considering this underwhelming group.) Doug Pederson gave LeGarrette Blount a strong endorsement this week, but a good performance from Smallwood should weigh on the coaching staff's mind when determining the running back rotation.

  4. There is not much competition anymore for starting cornerback jobs, with Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills the heavy favorites. But the nickel cornerback, which is almost like a starting job, is up for grabs. Ron Brooks didn't play last week and missed most of last season, but he should be back in the lineup Thursday. Patrick Robinson has played inside since the trade for Darby and will need to show he can play the slot to make the team. The Eagles can also move Malcolm Jenkins from safety to slot cornerback, as they did last season, and play Corey Graham as the third safety. Miami's Jarvis Landry will be a good test for the Eagles defense in the slot. The plan could change game-to-game, but the Eagles should hope that the competition is determined after this game.

  5. The starting offensive line will play together in a game for the first time this summer after Brandon Brooks was injured for the preseason opener and Jason Peters missed last week. The group is filled with mostly veterans – Isaac Seumalo is the new starter in the quintet – so the linemen don't need considerable time together. But their presence should help the offense and offer continuity entering the opener. After they exit, there is much intrigue with the reserves. By trading Matt Tobin this week, the Eagles showed they liked the depth at the position. Stefen Wisniewski is the top interior reserve. Halapoulivaati Vaitai is the top reserve tackle. Behind them, there are some roster spots to fill. Dillon Gordon and Chance Warmack are front-runners, but the third and fourth quarters on Thursday and the entire game next week will be factors in determining the roster.