Philadelphia Eagles: What to Look for Against the Pittsburgh Steelers

The first preseason game is designed to wet the appetite of the observer.

The second game is slightly less of a tease, but is still as savory as a jalapeno lollipop.

With the first-team taking snaps for the duration of the first half, some parts of the 53-man landscape will become clearer to envision, others murkier.

For the Philadelphia Eagles, it is much less a proving ground for key players as it is a tune-up for an anticipated, high-octane season.

Bear in mind these items to watch out for in the Eagles' match-up against the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight.

Offensive Line: Jamaal Jackson vs. Jason Kelce

Center Jamaal Jackson seems to be a safe bet to retain his position as the starting center on the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line.

However, rookie Jason Kelce has been taking his fair share of the snaps, if not more, during camp.

Offensive line coach Howard Mudd wants a smaller, more athletic line.

By comparison, Kelce fits the mold for a smaller, surefooted lineman than Jackson.

Combine that with Jackson's injury history, which includes a serious knee injury, and it becomes clear that the veteran is not the most mobile option.

However, Jackson has the veteran edge and could be better in blitz pickup than the rookie.

Against a generally stout Pittsburgh defense, it bears watching which center can better handle the pressure in Mudd's system.

Casey Matthews' Crash Course Maturation

After playing two series in the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, rookie middle linebacker Casey Matthews was missing in action.

Not because the rookie was ineffective or overwhelmed by his first NFL action, but because nothing came in his direction.

After one preseason game in the books, Matthews not only receives an incomplete grade, but he doesn't even register on any evaluative scale.

Matthews, by all accounts, has the smarts to become a capable middle linebacker at the pro level.

All eyes will be on him once again as he tries to prove that he's not just Clay's brother.

Alex Henery

Reports out of Lehigh concerning rookie kicker Alex Henery have ranged from excellent to alarming.

The Nebraska product was 2-for-2 with field goals of 24 and 35 yards against Baltimore in the preseason opener. 

However, Henery has been wildly inconsistent in practice, hooking 50-yarders wide.

Henery was the most accurate placekicker in NCAA history when he came out of college, so the pedigree is there.

However, translating collegiate success to the pro level is another thing entirely.

While it can be done, a rookie kicker on a team that has Super Bowl aspirations can have dire consequences for said team.

Given more experience, Henery will have a chance to show that he can gain his own footing at this level.

Mike Kafka: How Far Ahead Is He of Vince Young?

Quarterback Mike Kafka had a shaky start to the preseason, but recovered nicely in the second half against Baltimore.

Observations made during practice show that Kafka has improved his arm strength.

However, the quarterback needs to show that he can handle the offense in the event he is called upon to run it in a real game situation.

Vince Young showed flashes of the dynamic quarterback he has been known to be.

There are questions as to whether or not Kafka is ahead of Young at this point in the system.

The obvious answer is yes, but with more time it remains to be seen which one is closer to becoming the second stringer in terms of system familiarity.

Chad Hall or Johnnie Lee Higgins?

Wide receiver Chad Hall, also known as the poor man's Wes Welker, is fighting to make the roster for the second straight year.

With Jeremy Maclin's health mystery solved, the wide receiving corps will likely consist of Maclin, DeSean Jackson, Jason Avant, Riley Cooper, Steve Smith and Hall.

However, Higgins is a punt and kick return specialist, which could prove valuable. Jackson will more than likely be a spot returner to be used in key situations.

Higgins would technically be the seventh receiver on the roster. However, it may come down to a numbers game in spite of retaining a capable return man.

Kickoff returns may not be as crucial with the new rule, but punt returns will remain the same which is why Higgins bears watching tonight.