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  • Looking Ahead: Discussing the Eagles’ Super Bowl Odds for Next Season – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    It’s clearly the case that Eagles fans will have a few regrets from the 2025-26 NFL season.


    Credit: Unsplash

    There were some high points, including an absolutely dominant 31-0 performance over the Raiders, and two tight road wins over Philadelphia’s ‘perceived’ Super Bowl rivals, the Chiefs and Bills, but there were enough low points, including a really disappointing loss to the Giants and a three-game winless streak across the early winter that really underlined the fact that the magic of last season would be difficult to repeat. 

    The upshot is that Eagles fans will be watching on a little enviously as the Seahawks and Patriots clash at Levi’s Stadium on February 8. The odds for Super Bowl LX are live, but did you know that some sportsbooks have already released the market for Super Bowl LXI.

    It’s a common enough occurrence to see both markets running simultaneously, as it allows fans to get ahead of the game by diving into the futures markets for an event over a year away. 


    Eagles Are Respected in Super Bowl LXI Odds

    Nevertheless, the markets make interesting reading for the Eagles. Where does the average fan think the team should be? Outright favorites?

    Not as things stand, but the good news is that the sportsbooks retain ‘respect’ for the Eagles, putting them firmly in the top tier of contenders.

    Here’s the Super Bowl LXI market as it stands today*

    *Odds obviously subject to change 

    • Seahawks +950
    • Rams +950
    • Bills +1000
    • Patriots +1200
    • Eagles +1300
    • Lions +1300
    • Ravens +1300
    • Packers +1400
    • 49ers +1600
    • Chargers +1600
    • Chiefs +1600
    • Texans +1800
    • Broncos +1800

    Now, a few things are apparent from this list. The first is that it feels like a little bit of a place-holding list. Moves across the offseason will transform the market, and you should also get a little movement after Super Bowl LX. A comfortable win for the Seahawks, for instance, will firm up Seattle’s odds. The Patriots will move should the Super Bowl go New England’s way. 

    A Season of Shocks Makes Predictions Difficult

    There is natural hesitancy from sportsbooks at this point, so in most years, the Playoff teams tend to go back to the top of the markets, with the Super Bowl teams often pegged as the two favorites. But this was not an ordinary season, as numerous well-fancied teams fell by the wayside.


    Look at the odds for teams like the Ravens, Chiefs, and Lions, all of whom missed the Playoffs. 


    As for the Eagles, we will have to wait and see. There are big decisions to be made across the roster, not least what to do with AJ Brown. There was definitely a sense of “it’s not broken, why try to fix it” going into the 2025 season. Changes were made, sure, but this offseason might see more pronounced decisions, and that will filter through to the betting odds. 

    Indeed, it will be intriguing to see where the Eagles will be placed next September. The core of the team is good enough to ensure that the ‘respect’ we talked about will stay, but other teams will surely make big moves too.


    It’s going to be interesting because you get the sense that whatever the Eagles’ front office decides in the coming months could decide the direction of travel for a few seasons. 


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    Enhancing Your Philadelphia Sports Fan Experience

    Tags: AJ Brown Eagles Giants Howie Roseman Jalen Hurts Las Vegas Raiders New England Patriots New York Giants NFC NFL Nick Sirianni Philadelphia Eagles PHLSN PHLSportsNation Raiders seahawks Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Super Bowl LX Super Bowl LXI WegENT

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  • The NFL Season Is Over and Everything Is Worse Now; So, Here Are Some Alternatives – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Credit: Philadelphia Eagles-Facebook

    The NFL season is over, and everything is worse now. We just saw the Seattle Seahawks soundly defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60, meaning the Eagles’ title of defending champions is over.

    We now enter the dark day,s also known as the offseason.


    Football-less weekends are upon us.

    How you spend these next few months is up to you, but here’s where I’m starting.


    Coaching Staff

    Credit: Philadelphia Eagles-Facebook

    Prep for the next Eagles season. There’s been a lot of upheaval in the Eagles staff, particularly on the offensive side. Let’s familiarize ourselves with them. New Offensive Coordinator Sean Mannion, Passing Coordinator Josh Grizzard, and Offensive Line Coach Chris Kuper have joined the Eagles staff for 2026. They seem like promising young hires, which is the cliche way of saying we know very little about how they’ll actually perform.

    We do know that Jordan Love has played well under Mannion, Baker has become the franchise guy in Tampa under Grizzard, and the Vikings’ rushing game was surprisingly competent despite the revolving door of starter quarterbacks. I’ll also be looking at players who may join or leave the team next year.

    A.J. Brown

    Brings us to crazy trade scenarios. Is AJ Brown actually going to force a trade out of Philadelphia? Personally, I want to keep AJ despite his antics from the last two years. Most reports show Brown’s value around a second-round pick, which doesn’t justify it to me. Sure, a second-round pick could be any caliber of player; it could even be an AJ Brown-type player. Then again, Howie has shown he’d rather pull the plug early than late.

    Maxx Crosby

    Is Howie going to pull a masterclass and try to get Maxx Crosby? While I would love to see a player like him added to the team, I think it only really happens if the Raiders are desperate to move him.

    He has a massive contract signed last year, and the Eagles need more help on the offensive line than on the defensive line. They’ll likely try to build through the draft.

    2026 NFL Draft

    Speaking of, you can also start prepping for the draft. My early draft prep is to take an o-line or player from either the college playoffs or the SEC. I think the biggest difference for the Eagles from 2024 to 2025 was their running game.

    Hand up, I’m not much of a college football fan, so specifics will come later as we get closer to the draft. I do know that we can’t judge their past season of play until we see how well they exercise before the draft. More to come later, but we have our last idea.

    Landon Dickerson

    Doom scroll about the team. Not recommended, and actually, I’m going to try to talk you down on the big ones. Landon Dickerson might retire due to a knee injury that has reportedly plagued his 2025 season and was an issue when he was first drafted. It may surprise you, but I’m not secretly a doctor with a great knowledge of players’ knees.

    As a sports watcher, I can say we’ve seen a lot of players with leg injuries heal faster and return to 100% as of late. There are ACLs like Jayson Tatum or even Joel Embiid who got knee surgery and have been playing like they did when they won the MVP.

    Lane Johnson

    Lane Johnson also underwent surgery, and as the Eagles’ longest-tenured player (assuming Brandon Graham re-retires), there are questions about his future. I don’t actually expect him to retire unless his healing goes worse than expected.

    What I do expect is that this is his last year, so the Eagles better take one of those guys I haven’t researched yet.

    Vic Fangio

    Vic Fangio also flirted with retirement but has told the team he’d remain for at least another year. While this would be bad for obvious reasons, there’s always the chance that these were just rumors and a return to winning would cure his issues. There’s also our old pal Jim Schwartz, who is taking a year off from football after not being picked as the Browns’ head coach.

    Would he be willing to take another defensive coordinator position? Who knows, but I can tell you he’d get more national coverage with the Eagles than the Browns.


    Those are a few things I’ll be doing.

    I’ll also be writing for all you fine readers.


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    Hello, I’m a greater Philadelphia native writing mostly about the Eagles and the rest of the NFL. Articles aren’t … More about Kyle Lavin

    Tags: 2026 NFL Draft 2026 NFL Season AJ Brown Eagles Landon Dickerson Lane Johnson Las Vegas Raiders Maxx Crosby New England Patriots NFL NFL Draft Patriots Philadelphia Eagles Raiders seahawks Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Super Bowl 60 Super Bowl LX Vic Fangio

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  • A Fond, Dominant Remembrance. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    Ok, full disclosure. Aside from the fact that we are in the midst of a frightful Philly January weekend — with nearly a foot of snow for most of us and no meaningful Eagles football scheduled until next September — I really have no reason for all of us to re-live the Eagles and Commanders NFC Championship Game from a year ago. 

    Let’s do it, anyway.

    The #2 seeded Eagles were in the NFC Playoffs after beating the Packers 22–10 in the Wildcard Round and the #4 seeded Rams 28–22 when they drew the #6 seed Commanders in the Championship Game in South Philly — who had throttled the top-seeded Lions in Detroit 45–21. The last time that the Eagles had faced a Division opponent in the NFC Championship was in 1981 —when they advanced to the first ever Super Bowl in franchise history by beating the Cowboys 20–7. 

    Now — it would be the Eagles who would put on offensive show.

    Jayden Daniels and the Commanders would open the scoring with a field goal on the first possession. Then — Cooper DeJean forced a Washington fumble after a hit on Dyami Brown and Reid Blankenship recovered. Saquon Barkley then scooted off the right side and into the end zone for a 14–3 Eagles advantage. Washington then rattled off nine straight points to cut Philadelphia’s lead to 14–12.

    After a pass interference penalty against the Washington secondary — preventing DeVonta Smith from catching a touchdown — Jalen Hurts plowed into the end zone from the one for a 20–12 advantage while Washington defensive backs Lattimore and Sainristil and A.J. Brown had a shoving match in the corner of the end zone. On the ensuing kickoff and a Jeremy McNichols fumble — the Eagles were on offense again and scored again thanks to a four-yard Jalen Hurts to A.J. Brown connection.

    Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball against the Washington Commanders during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

    In the third quarter — the Eagles padded the total by taking a 34–15 lead after a nine-yard Jalen Hurts touchdown run. Washington took momentum again and cut the lead to 34–23 with a Jayden Daniels touchdown run and a successful two-point conversion. 

    The Eagles stopped the Commanders comeback when Oren Burks stripped Austin Ekeler and Philadelphia recovered. Saquon Barkley then got tripped on the two yard-line to setup perhaps the most bizarre sequence of the game. The Eagles would run six Tush-Push plays with Washington jumping offsides a total of four times. The Commanders were advised by the referees that a touchdown could be awarded if the behavior continued — and subsequently Jalen Hurts scored on the sixth attempt for a 41–23 lead.

    Saquon then added a four-yard touchdown run after a Washington turnover on downs. On the next possession — Quinyon Mitchell would intercept Daniels in the endzone. Eagles rookie running back Will Shipley would then run eighty yards on the next drive to put the Eagles in front 55–23. 

    The first person to greet him was Saquon Barkley.

    Former Eagle Zach Ertz would haul in a total of eleven receptions for 104 yards for the Commanders. The Eagles would force four Washington turnovers before the game was over. And if you thought that this performance was impressive — the masterpiece of the Eagle’s season would be two weeks later — in Super Bowl LIX.

    Tags: #JalenHurts 2025 NFC Championship AJ Brown Cooper DeJean DeVonta Smith Jayden Daniels Lincoln Financial Field Quinyon Mitchell Washington Commanders Will Shipley

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • RECAP: Just A Bit Less Than We Deserved – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    Perhaps- we should have seen it coming. Perhaps we should have realized that all of the inefficiencies that plagued the Eagles all season were not going to evaporate in the playoffs. That the issues that we’ve seen all season in play-calling and execution — would just miraculously be fixed? But perhaps the most shocking revelation of Sunday’s 23–19 NFC Wildcard Playoff loss by the Eagles at the hands of the 49ers was that when the game came down to a great fourth quarter performance by a franchise running back — it wasn’t by Saquon Barkley.

    In an NFC Wildcard Game at Lincoln Financial Field that once again opened with rising tensions between the 49ers and the Eagles at the coin toss — it was San Francisco who struck first with a two-yard connection between Brock Purdy and Demarcus Robinson. The Eagles answered right back with a one-yard Dallas Goedert rushing touchdown but a missed PAT from Jake Elliott. In the second quarter — Goedert capped off a drive highlighted by the running of Saquon Barkley with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Hurts. On the next 49ers drive — George Kittle exited with an Achilles injury. The 49ers had a chance to add points before halftime but a field goal try evaporated with a Brock Purdy fumble.

    The 49ers came onin the second half. The Eagles did not. The Eagles failed to score touchdowns on two Quinyon Mitchell interceptions.

    At the beginning of the fourth quarter — Christian McCaffrey grabbed a 29-yard touchdown pass from Jauan Jennings on a trick play. With 8:40 left in the game — the Eagles did rally and pull ahead 19–17. But with under 3 minutes left in the game — McCaffrey caught a four-yard strike from Purdy but missed the PAT.

    With 43 seconds left — the Eagles drove down to the 49ers twenty-one yard line — only to fail to convert on a 4th and 11. The drive included multiple dropped passes to end the Eagles season.

    Tags: 49ers Playoffs AJ Brown Brock Purdy Playoffs Christian McCaffery Dallas Goedert George Kittle Saquon Barkley

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • Eagles’ Nick Sirianni, AJ Brown scream at each other on sideline during Wild Card Round vs 49ers

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    Tension is always high during the NFL playoffs, but it spilled over between head coach and star wide receiver on Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia.

    Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and receiver A.J. Brown were spotted on the FOX broadcast going face-to-face with each other on the sideline, to the point where team chief security officer “Big Dom” DiSandro had to get in the middle and break it up.

    Sirianni was seen sprinting down his sideline at Lincoln Financial Field to yell at Brown to get off the field, but the veteran receiver clearly didn’t like what his head coach was saying and they got into it.

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    Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after a play cisco 49ers during the second quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan. 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

    It appeared Sirianni was trying to tell Brown to get off the field to avoid a too-many-men-on-the-field penalty, where left tackle Jordan Mailata was also close to forcing laundry to hit the grass.

    Words were exchanged, though it’s unknown exactly what was said. Brown continued to jaw at Sirianni, who was being directed away from his receiver by a staff member.

    JOSH ALLEN SCORES GAME-WINNING TOUCHDOWN AS BILLS TOPPLE JAGUARS IN WILD-CARD ROUND

    Everything cooled down afterward, with Sirianni even telling FOX’s Erin Andrews that’s just the way they are together sometimes.

    Given Brown’s controversy all season, though, it’s hard for fans not to speculate about the situation.

    Nick Sirianni looks on field

    Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan. 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Elsa/Getty Images)

    Despite the Eagles’ success, winning the NFC East and earning the No. 3 seed in the playoffs, Brown’s production was a national topic throughout the regular season as the Eagles struggled to get things going. 

    Brown ultimately continued his 1,000-yard receiving streak (1,003) with his third straight seven-touchdown campaign.

    But he made comments at multiple points during the season, seemingly voicing his frustration with the offense. Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo also came under fire from the Eagles’ fan base, as the reigning Super Bowl champions weren’t performing as expected.

    A.J. Brown looks on field

    A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to a game the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan. 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

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    Brown finished the first half of this Wild Card Round contest with three catches for 25 yards.

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  • Eagles regular season awards: Who is the Birds’ MVP?

    The PhillyVoice sports staff gives its end of season Eagles awards, including MVP, top assistant coach, and top breakout performer.

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  • A Playoff Strategy For the Eagles — At Peace With Third Place. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) reacts with quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) after making a touchdown catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) reacts with quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) after making a touchdown catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

    Sometimes in sports as in life — when you lose — you win. And You Grow.

    The season for the 11–5 Eagles has not looked anything like we all imaged after last season’s Super Bowl Championship. And after clinching the Division two weeks ago at the Washington Commanders — they once again have a road through the playoffs that affords them nearly the same opportunities that they had a year earlier. Now — we’ll need to wait to see what the other NFC Teams will do.

    Two weeks ago — the Eagles became the first team to win the NFC East in Back-to-back seasons since they themselves did it twenty-one years ago. Philadelphia has now won the NFC East for the second time in the last three seasons. The last time that the Eagles accomplished this in the early 2000s. It’s also the first time in franchise history that an Eagles coach has advanced to the playoffs all five seasons. It’s the only time in NFL History that a quarterback has accomplished the same feat with four different Offensive Coordinators.

    Last season — with everything locked up at the end of the year and the Eagles having no path through the playoffs but to make a run at the Super Bowl by playing without a bye week — Philadelphia needed rest for their starters. History had shown that winning a Super Bowl having to play in the NFL Playoff Wildcard Round is possible (the 1997 Denver Broncos, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers, and the 2007 New York Giants among others.) And of course — your 2025 Philadelphia Eagles did it last season.

    So what did Nick Sirianni do? He rested his starters in week 18 against the Giants and created a week of rest. The result was no accident.

    While the temptation of jumping the Bears to claim the second seed and guaranteed home playoff games in both the NFC Wildcard and NFC Divisional Round Games — the risk of doing so is too great.

    The Commanders don’t like Philadelphia — and is (certainly ready) for a game at Lincoln Financial Field after a late, successful two-point play two weeks ago. The Eagles can ill-afford an untimely injury in week 18 that would affect their playoff chances. And all of this assumes that Detroit can beat Chicago this weekend — but if that happens combined with an Eagles win this weekend — will give them the #2 seed in the NFC Playoffs once again. Just like last season.

    So given the choice — take the rest. It may end up giving you a championship once again. With the announcement late on Wednesday that the majority of Philadelphia’s starters will sit this weekend — it looks like the Eagles agree.

    Tags: AJ Brown Cooper DeJean DeVonta Smith Jalen Hurts Nick Sirianni Saquon Barkley

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • RECAP: A Bizarre Blowout To Win the Division. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    The last time that Josh Johnson has faced the Eagles was in the 2023 NFC Championship Game after a torn UCL injury suffered by 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy at Lincoln Financial Field. The struggles that he had in relief of Purdy in that game surfaced again when he was called into action after to face the Eagles once again on Saturday when Nolan Smith ran over Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota and forced him out of the game with a hand injury.

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.  Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball against the Washington Commanders during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

    Saturday’s late afternoon matchup in Landover, Maryland between the Eagles and the Commanders had a little something for everyone. Punishing, late game runs by Saquon Barkley reminiscent of last season’s dominance on the ground. Jake Elliott missing three first half field goal attempts (one that he got a second chance on due to a Commanders off-sides penalty.) A massive brawl after a two-point conversion by the Eagles late in the 4th quarter that was in and of itself a strange call. And Big Dom DiSandro at mid-field making certain that the Eagles players left the game without the contest turning into a five-round UFC Fight, and an uncharacteristic opening-game fumble. 

    And corgi races at halftime? Why not.

    On Saturday evening — the Eagles became the first team to win the NFC East in Back-to-back seasons since they themselves did it twenty-one years ago. Philadelphia has now won the NFC East for the second time in the last three seasons. 

    The 180th meeting between the Commanders and the Eagles started with a fumble on the opening kickoff. Down 3–0 in the first quarter — Hurts found Devonta Smith for a six-yard touchdown pass. In the third quarter — the Eagles took the lead on a fifteen-yard strike to Dallas Goedert. In the 4th quarter — the Eagles and Saquon Barkley took over. After a twelve-yard touchdown run — he ripped off a 48-yard run capped by a 22-yard Tank Bisby scamper. Barkley then converted a two-point conversion.

    After the two-point play was successful and Barkley was slammed to the ground — Darius Cooper and Commanders Defensive Back Will Harris got into a shoving match which then escalated. Washington had two players ejected (Javon Kinlaw and Quan Martin) as well as Steen in the 29–18 Eagles win.

    Saquon Barkley eclipsed 1,000 yards for the second consecutive year as an Eagle finishing the game with 132 yards on 21 carries.

    The post RECAP: A Bizarre Blowout To Win the Division. appeared first on Philadelphia Sports Nation.

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  • RECAP: Back On Track With A Piece of Perfection – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    The Eagles snapped a three-game losing streak in perfect fashion during a snowy December afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field with a 31–0 trouncing of the Las Vegas Raiders — the first Eagles shutout since 2018. 

    The Philadelphia Eagles and the Las Vegas Raiders aren’t having the 2025 seasons that they expected. While the Eagles needed this weekend’s game to continue to challenge for the #2 or #1 seeds in the NFC Playoffs — the 2–12 Raiders are having a season to forget — as their organization makes an attempt to regain it’s former dominance of yesteryear

    It’s been 44 years since the Eagles and Raiders met in Super Bowl XV. The Raiders had already won the Super Bowl in 1977. For the Eagles — it was the first Super Bowl appearance and first Championship appearance since 1960. The previous two decades had been bleak — and it would be another twenty-five years until the Eagles would return to another one.

    Back at Sunday’s action — the Eagles opened the scoring on the first drive of the game with a Dallas Goedert four-yard touchdown catch from Jalen Hurts. At the beginning of the second quarter — the Eagles had an opportunity for more points when Goedert dropped a touchdown pass in the endzone and Philly had to settle for three points. The Eagles added another score when Saquon Barkley plunged in from two-yards out to give the Eagles a 17–0 halftime lead

    Philly never looked back. 

    After a Zach Baun interception in the third quarter — Hurts found Goedert again for another four-yard pass. Then in the 4th quarter Hurts connected with AJ Brown to go up 31–0. The offense did get the football back on a long drive at the end of the game but could not convert a 4th and Goal from the 1.

    The defense settled down after some early penalties to hold the Raiders and Kenny Pickett to just 75 yards of total offense. Brandon Graham had two sacks for the Eagles

    Tags: #EaglesNation #JalenHurts AJ Brown Brandon Graham Dallas Goedert Las Vegas Raiders Saquon Barkley

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • RECAP – Week 14: Another One Slips Away for Eagles in LA against the Chargers, 22-19 – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

    A night that marked five years since former Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson named Jalen Hurts the starting quarterback for the Eagles, and was headlined by a sea of green from traveling Eagles fans taking over SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and by Billy Crystal ramping up the crowd pre-game.


    It appeared through three quarters that it was another ugly Eagles performance, with the Chargers marching into the end zone courtesy of an Omari Hampton four-yard touchdown reception from Justin Herbert and subsequent five Jalen Hurts turnovers.

    In between all of those events,  the Eagles and Chargers on Monday night football was like a game mixed together in that fruit juicer that DeVonta Smith is so fond of.

    Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

    The Eagles squandered big-play opportunities and quality offensive possessions featuring AJ Brown, Saquon Barkley, and Dallas Goedert, but did come within 13–9 through three quarters. As the fourth quarter began ,  the Eagles ran a hurry-up and a fake Tush Push to take the lead 16–13. Following another Hurts interception, the Eagles’ defense responded once again, but the Chargers ultimately tied the game at 16–16. With less than three minutes left in the game up 16–13 — Jalen Hurt lofted a perfect pass to AJ Brown at the back of the end zone that was dropped.

    Los Angeles then tied the game at the end of the 4th quarter. Philadelphia also squandered a near-complete defensive performance featuring seven sacks on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and three takeaways of their own. Then, in overtime ,  the Chargers took the ball first and kicked a go-ahead field goal.

    The Eagles responded by connecting on big plays on the next drive, featuring connections from Hurts to Devonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and AJ Brown. On 1st and 10 inside the Chargers 20 — Hurts faked a handoff and was intercepted at the one-yard line by Los Angeles Safety Tony Jefferson.


    The last time that an Eagles quarterback committed five turnovers in a game?

    It was Bobby Hoying in 1997.


    Tags: AJ Brown Chargers Dallas Goedert DeVonta Smith Eagles Jalen Hurts Jim Harbaugh Justin Herbert Los Angeles Chargers Nick Sirianni Philadelphia Eagles

    Categorized: Eagles News

    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • RECAP – Week 12: Did We Really Just See That? Eagles Fall to Cowboys in Dallas, 24-21 – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

    I’m super thankful to be able to let out some frustration.

    It’s a good time to have quill and ink at the ready.


    The Eagles were in complete control of Sunday’s matchup against Dallas — it was going to be a beautiful gift going into the Thanksgiving Holiday.

    Then the second half happened like chapters three and four in Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight


    In other words , downhill really, really fast.


    Thirty years after a Dallas Cowboys Dynasty dominated the NFL,  the Eagles were in position to take one step closer to establishing their own with a complete game of their own on Sunday. Three weeks after Jerry Jones made certain that Philadelphia could not obtain Micah Parsons during a trade to Green Bay ,  it didn’t seem to matter at all, at least not during the 1st two quarters.

    Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

    The Eagles’ 2025 season woes didn’t seem to follow them on the fight to Texas at all as the Eagles jumped out to a 21–0 advantage at AT&T Stadium as Philadelphia opened the scoring with a sixteen-yard connection from Jalen Hurts to A.J. Brown. A healthy dose of Hurts to Brown continued as Jalen Hurts ran for two additional scores — one after a long drive directly preceding a Turbin fumble. That would be the end of the Eagles’ scoring.

    The rest of the game would see the Eagles turn the football over twice, amassing ninety-six yards in penalties as the Dallas defense continued to pick away at the Eagles’ defense , tying the game at 21, thanks to 354 yards passing from Dak Prescott, and finally leading to a 42-yard Brandon Aubrey Field Goal.


    The only saving grace — the Eagles play again against Chicago in five days.


    Tags: AJ Brown Bears Brandon Aubrey Chicago Bears Dak Prescott Dallas Dallas Cowboys DeVonta Smith Eagles George Pickens Jalen Hurts Javonte Williams NFL Philadelphia Eagles Saquon Barkley Troy Aikman

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • Savoring the Next 100. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    If you took in the excitement of the HBCU Battle of the Legends at Lincoln Financial Field last Thursday night — then you probably brought back some fond memories of DeSean Jackson accelerating down the sideline at Lincoln Financial Field for a touchdown. It’s sometimes easy to forget that against the Dallas Cowboys back in 2020— Jackson was the recipient of an eighty-one yard touchdown pass from then-rookie Jalen Hurts.

    When the Eagles take the field this Monday night after a two-week hiatus — Jalen Hurts will be looking for his 101st touchdown pass of his relatively young career. Right before the bye week — Hurts connected with Jahan Dotson for a 40-yard score to give him one hundred regular-season touchdown passes for his career coupled with over 16,000 yards.

    Last season — the Eagles won the Super Bowl by making Saquon Barkley and the running game the focal point of an offense that was perfectly complimented by one of the best passing attack’s in all of the NFL. This year — in the wake of opponents who are circling the Eagles on their calendar — it will take more from both facets of the offense to win another.

    While you are digesting the century mark for one of the NFL’s top passers — consider this. Jalen Hurts has connected with former Philadelphia World Champions Alshon Jeffrey, and Zach Ertz for scoring plays. He’s also connected with former Falcons All-Pro receiver Julio Jones. And he’s made a highlight reel of spectacular aerial completions to current teammates AJ Brown and Devonta Smith.

    Jalen Hurts has the benefit of exceptional hindsight. The 27-year old has won two NFC Championships and one Super Bowl. He’s already undoubtedly the best Eagles post-season quarterback ever. But to win another Super Bowl this year — he knows that he’ll need just a few more of those picture-perfect aerial plays.

    Until then — we’ll savior every touchdown toss until the next 100. But whose counting?

    Tags: AJ Brown Alshon Jeffery DeSean Jackson DeVonta Smith Jalen Hurts Julio jones Saquon Barkley Zach Ertz

    Categorized: Eagles More PHL News Unique Columns

    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • Recap: Back in the High Life Once Again. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    CollegeMore PHLNewsUnique Columns

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    The Eagles responded to two key criticisms of the 2025 iteration of their team on Sunday afternoon in Minnesota against the Vikings. The Eagles took to the air — with the syncronized synergy of Jalen Hurts to AJ Brown and Devonta Smith taking center stage. Before the afternoon was over — Hurts had once again delivered his deep ball with precise precision — resulting in Devonta Smith’s biggest game of his career with nine receptions for 183 yards and a score including a 79-yard touchdown catch. The play was the longest reception by an Eagles receiver in over a decade.

    AJ Brown added four receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Jalen Hurts became the first Eagles quarterback in franchise history to complete 82% of his passes for at least 325 yards with no interceptions going 19 for 23. On the other side of the ball after a tough week including a Za’Darius Smith untimely retirement— the Eagles defensive line had Wentz running for most of the day creating two interceptions.

    The result was an Eagles 28–22 victory.

    The scoring opened with a 37-yard touchdown to AJ Brown in the first quarter on 4th down. Then in the second quarter Eagles pressure helped to create a Jalyx Hunt 42-yard touchdown return to put Philadelphia ahead 14–3. At the 8:17 mark of the third quarter — Hurts found Smith for that 79-yard strike to bring the lead to 21–9. The Vikings pulled to 21–19 before Hurts found AJ Brown again for 26-yards and a score. After the Vikings pulled to 28–22 — on the final drive of the game for the Eagles — Hurts found Brown again for 45 yards to help to run out the clock.

    Carson Wentz is now 0–2 as a starter vs the Eagles.

    Tags: AJ Brown DeVonta Smith Jalen Hurts Jalyx Hunt Za’DariusSmith

    Categorized: College More PHL News Unique Columns

    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • Week 5 stock watch: Pass game is back, doesn’t matter as Eagles lose to Broncos

    The Eagles played a perfect football game back on Feb. 9th. It happened to also be Super Bowl LIX. 

    Since then, fans have expected perfect football and even though they were undefeated going into Sunday and the NFC betting favorites to get back to Super Bowl LX, they have been about as far from perfect as a perfect team can be.

    For whatever reason, the 4-1 Eagles — after blowing a two score fourth quarter lead to the Broncos — just can’t seem to play 60 minutes of winning football.

    Last year it took about a month to find a groove, too. Perhaps they’ll get there, but a 21-17 loss at home Sunday was far from perfect and gave the Eagles their first blemish of the year.

    Here’s a look at an aspect of the Eagles that is finally seeing its stock price rise, and one that’s a little less exciting from Week 5’s devastating loss at The Linc:

    Stock up: The skill guys 📈

    There had been a lot of chatter, despite the Eagles being undefeated, about the superstar skill players basically not getting the ball at all to start the season.

    A.J. Brown, who averages 76.4 yards per game over his career, entered Week 5 at 37.8. DeVonta Smith was down to 39.5 from 64.2. over his career. And Saquon Barkley, who had the most rushing yards in the history of the NFL over the 2024 regular and postseasons, was averaging 3.1 yards per carry through four games.

    Jalen Hurts was not shy to throw the deep ball, uncorking several attempts down the field to both keep the defense honest and give the wideouts opportunities to make big plays.

    Brown trailed Smith by one target to lead the Eagles with eight, including a key third down conversion and — not in the stat sheet — drawing a pass interference call against Patrick Surtain II at the goal line leading to Dallas Goedert’s fourth receiving score of the year.

    That drive score was set up by an incredible DeVonta Smith monster 52-yard basket catch down the sideline on third and 16.

    Smith gained 114 yards on eight catches. 

    Barkley also looked more spry and added his longest run of the season, 17 yards, but his highlight play came on a wheel route deep ball that Barkley tracked down on a 47-yard touchdown catch.

    When’s the last time you can remember all of the Eagles’ key players being included in the offense?

    Stock down: “Why’s the run gone?” 📉

    Reigning rushing champion Barkley averaged six yards per carry over his first five carries in the first half Sunday afternoon. He didn’t get his sixth until the Eagles had blown a 14 point lead inside seven minutes to play in the fourth quarter. That’s quite a long time between hand-offs.

    For whatever reason, the Eagles decided to make themselves one-dimensional, as even Hurts decided not to spin his legs, running just two times for three yards. 

    With Landon Dickerson out and a clearly less than 100% Lane Johnson blocking up front, a downtick makes sense. And with a handful of penalties that put the Eagles in passing situations — like a first-down false start on a toss to Barkley that set the Birds back to a first-and-15 and three passes and out — it did make sense that the Eagles were more pass happy. 

    But the ground game issues are nothing new this season. Even when the line was healthy it couldn’t block well for Barkley.

    The Eagles entered play this week with the fourth-worst yards per rush in the NFL (3.1) and the 15th-most yards per game (113.5). The Broncos ran 29 times for 130 yards (4.5 ypc), riding their tandem of RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins to a near comeback effort in the fourth quarter. As a result, they won the time of possession battle  34:17. Philly ran just 11 times for 45 yards.

    It’s hard to feel good about the offense even after a banner day through the air. It seems like no matter what they do well, it comes with some other part of the team playing badly — as if it’s a zero-sum game.

    It’s a long season but the weaknesses are varied and changing every single week. Will a short week and trip up I-95 to face the lackluster Giants put them back on track? 


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    Evan Macy

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  • A Comeback Like No Other – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    Every NFL Game Has Two Halves — The Team that Wins the Second Half Wins the Game.

    Admittedly — an ugly 3–0 is much, much better than a beautiful 0–3. For the Eagles — whose Sunday opening half performance saw only 33 yards of total offense and no receptions for star receiver A.J. Brown — things were not looking good at halftime. They looked even bleaker when Rams Running Back Kyren Williams took a ten-yard pass from Matthew Stafford into the end zone to bring the score to 26–7. 

    Then the real game started. The result would be the eighth greatest comeback in Eagles franchise history — the largest ever at the Linc — outscoring Los Angeles 26–0.

    In the third quarter — Dallas Goedert grabbed a 33-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts after a 79-yard drive. Then the Eagles scored again on a nine-yard connection from Hurts to A.J. Brown. 

    After both teams traded possessions including a couple of fourth down attempts that were not converted and a Jalen Carter blocked field goal and subsequent taunting penalty — the Eagles drove 91 yards on 17 plays when Jalen Hurts connected with Devonta Smith on 4th and Goal to put the Eagles up 27–26 with 1:48 left in the game.

    The Rams then drove down the field — setting up a 44-yard field goal attempt by Los Angeles kicker Joshua Karty. Once again the Eagles got a great push up the middle and Jordan Davis blocked the attempt and returned it for a touchdown as time expired.

    The irony is that the Eagles defense was successful in holding the Rams to four field goals in the first half instead of touchdowns. The most important of those two attempts for the Rams— were both blocked by the Eagles.

    Tags: #JalenHurts AJ Brown DeVonta Smith Jalen Carter Jordan Davis Los Angeles

    Categorized:Eagles More PHL News Unique Columns

    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • Another Depth Concern Addressed, Eagles Trade For Jahan Dotson – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Another Depth Concern Addressed, Eagles Trade For Jahan Dotson – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    With teams needing to trim down rosters by nearly 40 spots in the next 5 days. Roster moves are inevitable, and the Eagles kicked things off with two roster changes, releasing CJ Uzomah, and signing Jason Poe. A necessity to bolster the OL with concern over Tyler Steen’s injury.

    Like most teams, we might not see the Eagles starters in this weekends final preseason game. Giving an indication of most of the 53-man roster, days before the deadline.

    However with injury reports already growing, there was a position of concern.

    What would happen to the Eagles offense if they were to lose DeVonta Smith or A.J Brown at any point of the season?

    Thursdays Trade

    The Eagles kicked Thursday morning off with a trade announcement. And one that’s hard to complain about.

     

    Trading a 3rd and two 7th round picks to add what will likely be the teams WR3, and to gain a third 5th round pick for next years draft is excellent work from the Eagles front office. Leaving a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th also available for the upcoming trade deadline on November 5th.

    With the trade for Dotson, the Eagles WR depth should seemingly be in place. With AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith being the WR1&2, pushing for another season with matching 1000+ receiving yards, while Dotson & Campbell should be the WR3/4.

    Some may have been hoping for Johnny Wilson to crack the roster, but it just didn’t make sense in the wake of a serious injury to one of the starters, the Eagles required depth – and forcing a 6th round pick into a large role could end the same way Quez Watkins tenure did. 

    This way, even the Eagles WR3/4 will have had previous 500+ yard seasons, and look to expand their roles in Kellen Moore’s offense.

    Dotson’s Time As a Commander

    In 2 years with the Commanders, Dotson put up the following stat lines:

    2022 – 35REC on 61TGT, 523Yards, 7TD, 12GP

    2023 – 49REC on 83TGT, 518Yards, 4TD, 17GP

    Both years Dotson finished 3rd in Receiving yards on the Commanders, behind Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin.

    Something else to note for the Commanders performances was the inconsistency in QB play. A team that Dotson (and others) saw Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke and Sam Howell all have drastic levels of play across two seasons.

     

    With Campbell & Dotson looking to make impacts with their new team. Will either, or both of these receivers see a 500+ yard season? 

     

     

    Photo Credit: Bill Streicher / USA Today Sports

    Tyler L’Heureux

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  • Setting The WR Market, Eagles Extend DeVonta Smith – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Setting The WR Market, Eagles Extend DeVonta Smith – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    The Eagles front office has done it again.

    After speculation that the Eagles would be paying their WR2 next after agreeing to a 3-year $66M extension with Jordan Mailata just two weeks ago. News finally broke on Monday that not only would DeVonta Smith’s 5th year be picked up, but it also came with a nifty 3-year extension.

    The Eagles will now have the following players on the offense under contract through 2026:

    • QB Jalen Hurts
    • QB Kenny Pickett
    • WR A.J. Brown
    • WR DeVonta Smith
    • RB Saquon Barkley
    • LT Jordan Mailata
    • LG Landon Dickerson
    • OL Tyler Steen
    • RT Lane Johnson

    Not a bad thing to have 8 offensive starters under contract for the next 3 seasons!

    But how did the Eagles get all these top tier players under contract without being well over the cap? (like the Saints have been for years)

     

    Ahead Of The League

    This is now back to back off-seasons where Howie Roseman and co. have been able to extend franchise cornerstone players before the other 31 teams in the league came to terms with their counterparts.

    QB Frenzy

    Starting with Jalen Hurts on April 17th 2023. A 5 year, $255M contract was signed ahead of the following quarterbacks

    • Joe Burrow – 5 years, $275M signed on September 7th 2023
    • Justin Herbert – 5 years, $262.5M signed on July 25th 2023
    • Lamar Jackson – 5 years, $260M signed on April 27th 2023

     

    Offensive Line Mania

    Not only did the Eagles get away with drafting Jordan Mailata in the 7th round of the 2018 draft. They’ve now extended him. Twice! While doing so, the Eagles have gotten ahead by signing Mailata to a 3 year, $66M deal. Now under contract until 2029.

    There weren’t many Offensive Tackles looking to be signed this off-season, but getting an extra 3 years from Mailata at $22M was perfect value giving some previously signed OT’s including:

    • Laremy Tunsil – 3 year, $75M signed on March 19th 2023
    • Andrew Thomas – 5 year, $117.5M signed on July 26th 2023

    However, this was the perfect market to get the Left Tackle signed for those extra years. Because the following will be due for a 5th year option and probable extensions in the next year.

    • Penei Sewell – drafted 7th overall 2021
    • Rashawn Slater – drafted 11th overall 2021
    • Ronnie Stanley – 5 year, $98.75M signed in 2020

     

    Setting The WR Market

    And that’s exactly how the Eagles have set the WR market with DeVonta Smith’s new deal.

    Had the Eagles not worked as quickly as possible on this deal. They would’ve been at risk of the following Receivers potentially getting record breaking deals done first.

    Since we don’t have contract money for these other receivers, let’s keep it simple and compare Yards/TDs.

    • DeVonta Smith – 50GP, 3,178 Rec Yards, 19 TD. signed a 3 year, $75M deal.
    • Justin Jefferson – 60GP, 5,899 Rec Yards, 30 TD. On a 5th year option for $19.74M
    • Ja’Marr Chase – 45GP, 3,717 Rec Yards, 29 TD. 
    • Tee Higgins – 53GP, 3,684 Rec Yards, 24TD. On a $21.8M Franchise Tag
    • CeeDee Lamb – 61GP, 5,145 Rec Yards, 32TD. On a 5th year option for $17.99M

     

    With DeVonta Smith’s extension checked off the offseason to-do list. The next big milestone will be the draft. Just one week away.

     

    Who do you have the Birds taking at 22nd?

     

     

    Photo Credit: Matt Slocum / AP Photo

     

     

    Tyler L’Heureux

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