The Philadelphia Eagles fell 24-7 to the Baltimore Ravens in their first preseason matchup, but the game offered a glimpse of future talent. Two rookie internationals, Joshua Weru and Uar Bernard, stepped onto the field for the first time in organized football, drawing attention for their early contributions.
A Promising Start in Baltimore
Weru, a former rugby player from Kenya, logged two quarterback pressures in his NFL debut, including a key tackle on third‑and‑9 that forced Ravens quarterback Joe Fagnano to scramble for just one yard. His physical style and ability to disrupt the pocket hinted at the versatility the team hopes to harness.
Bernard, a seventh‑round draft pick, made his presence felt with a bull‑rush that pushed guard Emery Jones Jr. back five yards, showcasing the raw power that earned him a spot on the roster. Both players expressed excitement about the experience, noting the ups and downs of their first NFL outing.
Coach Nick Sirianni praised the duo’s effort and high energy, emphasizing the importance of their development within the International Player Pathway program. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio added a note of patience, describing the rookies as ‘light years away’ from earning full‑time roles but encouraged by their progress.
While the stat sheet recorded only a handful of actions, the preseason loss serves as a stepping stone for the Eagles as they evaluate how best to integrate Weru and Bernard into the lineup. Their journey is just beginning, but the early signs are promising.