Philadelphia Eagles

The first-team offense ended its preseason looking very much regular-season-ready.

In its one quarter of action during a preseason victory against the Miami Dolphins, the offense scored two touchdowns and showed why the Eagles believe they can be a contender for a playoff spot, perhaps even the NFC East title. Second-year QB Carson

Wentz displayed poise, accuracy, elusiveness and sound decision-

making. TE Zach Ertz helped bail him out of trouble by finding open spaces and making tough catches.

WR Torrey Smith got behind the defense for a 50-yard touchdown catch, and Alshon Jeffery showed his value as a red-zone receiver with a 15-yard TD.

RBs LeGarrette Blount and Wendell Smallwood gave the running game a strong insideoutside punch. Blount did his runaway freight train impression in steaming for a 16-yard run, while Smallwood was swift and elusive on the corners. “That’s definitely sort of a blueprint of what you’d like to see during the regular season,” coach Doug Pederson said. Rookie watch: Top draft choice DE Derek Barnett got his first preseason start, with Bran

don Graham sidelined by an elbow injury. Playing the left side rather than his customary right, Barnett didn’t crack the stat sheet but delivered a solid performance. Meanwhile, veteran Vinny Cur

ry, Barnett’s competition for the right end job, had a strip-sack and

quarterback hit.

Noteworthy: OLB Mychal Kendricks’ rebirth continued with his third interception of the preseason — this one a pick-six — a pass breakup and a quarterback hit. … CB Ron Darby followed his exceptional Eagles debut with an ugly outing, blowing coverages, missing tackles, getting flagged for interference and flat-out getting beat on a 72-yard completion. . … Philadelphia made one more move to bolster its shaky cornerback position by acquiring reserve CB Dexter McDougle from the New York Jets for backup S Terrence Brooks.