As of this writing the Eagles are still without an offensive coordinator and a lot of favored options are off the board. With Mike McDaniels opting to stay in warm weather with the LA Chargers, Brian Daboll signing as the Tennessee Titans head coach, and even long shot Bears OC, Declan Doyle declining the position to stay in Chicago. It leaves the Eagles questioning what the best option is for the Super Bowl caliber roster. To quote the famous Matthew McConaghy in a Lincoln ad, “Sometimes you havto go back to go forward.” Here I’ll go through a couple famous names you know but may not have considered for Offensive Coordinator.
Frank Reich (Offensive Coordinator for Super Bowl 52)
Yup all these picks are from Super Bowl 52 and now out of league which means you can probably guess at least one but the last one will SHOCK YOU (not clickbait/s). But about Frank, he quickly went from golden boy who oversaw everything on the Eagles offense that was going to lead the Colts as their head coach to out of the league and an interim head coach/advisor at Stanford all within a few years. You think he wants another shot at the big leagues? What better spot than the place he helped deliver a Super Bowl? Sounds good to me. While it might be strange for him to return under Nick Sirianni since Sirianni was the offensive coordinator under Frank during his 4-year stint with the Colts, I say why not get weird. Frank is a proven play caller which is exactly what the Eagles have been missing and the odds of him getting success and immediately leaving are slim since he already tried it.
Doug Pederson (Head Coach for Super Bowl 52)
Yeah you probably guessed it and I know what you’re thinking, “he was the Super Bowl winning coach why would he take a back seat?” Answer is that Sirriani has always managed big heads who think that they can control a room. Doug was also a bit of a trend setter in the NFL. He popularized going for it on fourth and short which has become a standard across the league. Honestly I think this is the worst of the trio I’m going to pitch so I’m keeping it short. Considering he also wasn’t a play caller when he was head coach and only had two years of experience in Kansas City. Still, any experience is better than no experience right? Maybe not considering my next pick.
Nick Foles (Super Bowl 52 MVP)
So here’s where it gets a little strange. He doesn’t have experience coaching and jumping straight into a position where a team expects instant success might be a struggle. What he lacks in coaching experience he makes up with on the field experience. Even if you ignore his famous Super Bowl run, which would be dumb, he was in the league for a decade and played with six different franchises. He’s had a full array when it comes to coaching quality. From the greats like Andy Reid and Doug Pederson to average in Jeff Fischer and Frank Reich and even the bad like Jeff Saturday and Matt Eberflus. Seeing what has or hasn’t worked by good and bad coaches gives him plenty of experience when it comes to running an offense. Plus he runs a podcast where he breaks down football and if you’ve listened you know he can communicate it all very clearly.
Do I think that they’ll end up any of these guys? Not necessarily. Do I think these guys can be successful? Honestly yes, it helps to walk into one of the best rosters in the league with players that have a well-placed chip on their shoulders. But if they do take the job, they’ll have the added bonus of being accustomed to Philadelphia and its media. They also might get a little of a longer leash given that all three helped deliver a Super Bowl. Knowing my luck they sign no one here in the next couple hours but it could’ve been fun. Go bird dickheads!
Photo Credit: Clem Murray
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
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The definition of a “winning edge” in professional sports has undergone a radical transformation, and Philadelphia has quietly become the global epicenter for this evolution.
As we navigate the 2026 season, the city’s major franchises—the Eagles, Sixers, Phillies, and Flyers—have moved far beyond traditional weight rooms and basic ice baths.
The relentless “it’s a Philly thing” mentality now includes a sophisticated, data-driven approach to keeping stars on the field while ensuring the next generation of talent is more resilient than ever before.
The focus has now shifted from mere physical output to the microscopic management of recovery, cognitive load, and biological longevity.
Holistic Mental Health and Onrise Integration
Philadelphia’s professional sports scene has become a leader in destigmatizing mental health, treating it as a foundational pillar of performance rather than a separate issue. The recent partnership between the MLBPA and providers like Onrise signifies a broader trend: providing unlimited, athlete-specific mental health resources to both current and former players.
Locally, the Philadelphia Union Academy was an early adopter of this model, recognizing that the pressure of professional development starts young. This holistic approach focuses on building resilience and “psychological flexibility,” helping athletes navigate the intense scrutiny of the Philly fan base. By integrating mental performance coaches who specialize in trauma-informed care and high-pressure psychology, teams are ensuring their players have the tools to handle the “boos” as well as the “cheers.”
The city’s teams are also addressing mental health conditions with the same rigor they apply to physical injuries, providing confidential counseling services and creating environments where seeking help is normalized rather than stigmatized. When athletes face challenges that exceed the scope of team resources, connecting with a reputable mental health treatment center ensures they receive the specialized, long-term care necessary for a sustainable career and a healthy life.
Furthermore, recognizing the pressures amplified by social media, several Philadelphia franchises have implemented digital wellness programs that help athletes manage their online presence and protect their mental well-being from the constant scrutiny of the digital age.
Biometric Personalization and the Rise of the Digital Twin
The era of “one size fits all” training is effectively over in Philadelphia. Teams are now utilizing advanced biometric tracking to create what sports scientists call a digital twin of each athlete. By aggregating data from wearable sensors that monitor heart rate variability, blood oxygen saturation, and even glucose levels in real-time, staff can simulate how a specific player’s body will react to a high-intensity practice versus a recovery day. This trend is particularly evident with the 76ers, who use these insights to manage the “player load” of their core stars.
Instead of a standard practice, an athlete might be prescribed a hyper-specific movement protocol based on that morning’s “readiness score.” This level of personalization allows the training staff to predict potential soft-tissue injuries before they occur, shifting the medical department from a reactive role to a proactive, predictive powerhouse.
Cognitive Load Management and Neural Priming
Physical fatigue is easy to spot, but mental fatigue is the hidden opponent that often decides games in the fourth quarter. Philadelphia teams are increasingly investing in cognitive load management, using neuro-tracking software to monitor an athlete’s mental stamina. This isn’t just about focus; it’s about the speed of decision-making under pressure.
Instead of a standard practice, an athlete might be prescribed a hyper-specific movement protocol based on that morning’s “readiness score.” This level of personalization allows the training staff to predict potential soft-tissue injuries before they occur, shifting the medical department from a reactive role to a proactive, predictive powerhouse. The sophisticated data collection methods employed by Philadelphia teams now extend beyond physical metrics to include comprehensive wellness indicators that inform every aspect of player management.
The Professionalization of Sleep and Circadian Alignment
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While Philadelphia is a city that never stops, its athletes have never been more protective of their rest. Sleep has been rebranded as the ultimate performance enhancer and a critical component of stress reduction. The Eagles and Phillies have led the way in integrating circadian rhythm specialists into their travel departments. These experts manage everything from the specific spectrum of light in the locker rooms to the exact timing of meals during West Coast road trips.
We are seeing a move away from traditional “red-eye” flights in favor of schedules that maximize deep-sleep cycles. Some athletes now use smart beds and mouth-taping techniques, which is a trend that gained massive traction in 2025, to ensure nasal breathing and optimized oxygen intake during rest. By treating sleep as a scheduled, measurable part of the job, Philly teams are finding they can significantly cut down on the inflammation and brain fog that typically plague professional rosters.
Hyper-Targeted Nutrition and Metabolic Flexibility
This isn’t just about “eating clean”; it’s about eating for a specific phase of the week. An athlete might follow a high-protein, anti-inflammatory protocol on recovery days and a precision-carbohydrate loading phase 24 hours before a match. This trend also includes a shift toward “functional fiber” and gut health, with fermented foods and high-grade probiotics becoming staples in the team kitchens to support the immune system and overall energy levels.
Additionally, teams are now screening for and addressing eating disorders as part of their comprehensive nutrition programs, recognizing that disordered eating patterns can significantly impact both performance and long-term health outcomes.
AI-Driven Injury Prediction and Movement Analytics
Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from the front office to the sidelines. By using high-speed cameras and computer vision, Philadelphia’s sports science departments can analyze an athlete’s biomechanics in three dimensions without the need for cumbersome sensors. This technology identifies subtle “mechanical leaks” in a pitcher’s delivery or a skater’s stride that could lead to long-term joint wear.
The Phillies, in particular, have leaned into this to preserve their pitching staff, using AI to compare a pitcher’s current mechanics against their “healthy baseline” in real-time. If the AI detects a 2% shift in hip rotation or arm slot, it flags a potential fatigue-related injury risk. This data allows coaches to make informed decisions about pulling a player before the “snap” happens, fundamentally changing the philosophy of injury prevention in the city.
Recovery Technology
While ice baths are still a staple, the recovery suites at the NovaCare Complex and the 76ers Training Complex now resemble something out of a sci-fi film. The trend has shifted toward “active recovery” technologies like whole-body cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and smart compression gear that uses sensors to adjust pressure based on blood flow.
One of the most significant shifts is the use of therapeutic lasers and exosome-inspired treatments to accelerate soft-tissue repair. These technologies aim to stimulate cellular healing at a much faster rate than traditional rest alone. We are also seeing the rise of “hydrotherapy 2.0,” where underwater treadmills and resistance jets allow injured athletes to maintain cardiovascular fitness and muscle memory without placing any weight on healing joints or ligaments.
The “Muscle as Medicine” Longevity Model
Strength training in Philadelphia has moved away from the “bodybuilder” aesthetics of the past toward a model focused on longevity and functional robustness. This “muscle as medicine” philosophy treats lean muscle mass as a protective organ that regulates metabolism and hormonal health. For veteran players in the twilight of their careers, the focus is on preserving bone mineral density and power output through high-velocity, low-impact training. This trend is especially vital for the Flyers, where the physical toll of the NHL requires a unique blend of explosive power and joint stability.
By prioritizing “eccentric” loading and isometric holds, Philly teams are building the best athletes who are not just bigger, but “harder to break,” extending the peak performance years of the city’s favorite stars.
Female-Centric Sports Science and Hormonal Optimization
With the explosive growth of women’s sports, Philadelphia is at the forefront of female-specific sports science. This trend focuses on the unique physiological needs of women. This includes “cycle syncing,” where training intensity and nutritional intake are adjusted based on an athlete’s hormonal fluctuations to maximize performance and minimize the risk of ACL injuries, which are statistically more common in female athletes.
As the city prepares for potential new professional women’s franchises, the local medical community is already pivoting toward this specialized care. It ensures that the “Philly tough” mantra is backed by science that understands the female body’s specific requirements for recovery and power.
Community-Based “Social Fitness” and Team Cohesion
The final trend isn’t found in a lab, but in the culture of the locker room. There’s a growing realization that “social fitness”—the sense of belonging and community—is a massive driver of physical health. High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can be mitigated by strong social bonds and a positive team environment. Philadelphia coaches are increasingly focusing on “psychological safety” and collective activities that lower the psychological barrier to hard work.
Whether it’s the Eagles’ “family-first” culture or the Phillies’ legendary clubhouse chemistry, teams are beginning to measure “cohesion” as a metric of health. They understand that a happy, connected athlete recovers faster, trains harder, and performs better under the intense pressure of a Philadelphia playoff run.
Conclusion
The landscape of athlete health in Philadelphia is no longer just about who can lift the most or run the fastest.
It’s a sophisticated, multi-disciplinary effort that treats the human body as a complex, integrated system.
By embracing everything from AI-driven biomechanics to the professionalization of sleep, Philly’s teams are setting a new standard for the rest of the sporting world.
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Since the creation of the NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles, one fact that their fans are quite familiar with is the emotion that surrounds their support.
Credit: Bruce Emmerling-Pixabay
Especially with the playoffs, which are usually filled with heartbreak, loyalty, and belief. However, they have come out on top in some victories that will be etched in the minds of every Eagles fan and will be continually remembered.
In today’s world of sport, brands are also leveraging this emotional investment. We have seen how global brands — including the best crypto casinos — are sponsoring teams, broadcast partnerships, and fan engagement campaigns. This move adds another layer to how fans interact with the sport.
So, what are these moments that fans have set aside as “religious” dates for the Philadelphia Eagles? What playoff wins have validated that the city and fans breathe football?
This post will look at some endearing moments to remember and why it means to wear green.
4 Iconic Eagles’ Playoff Moments That Would Never Be Forgotten
Here are some of the top moments etched in the hearts of every Eagles fan:
1) 1960 NFL Championship: Ending Lombardi’s Reign
Before the Super Bowl became the thing, the Eagles stunned the football world by clinching their most historic win in a match against the Green Bay Packers in the 1960 NFL Championship game. Led by the legendary Buck Shaw, the team went up against the power-packed Packers, who were dominating the league at the time.
However, with a combination of a great strategy, a strong defense, and a lethal attack led by Ted Dean, they were able to seal a late victory by a score of 17-13. And that was the first NFL title that the team won.
2) 1980 NFC Championship: Knocking Off Dallas
In 1980, the Philadelphia Eagles decided it was time to decorate their trophy room, and what better way to do that than against their bitter rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. In the 1980 NFC Championship game that ended 20-7, the Eagles went on to ease to victory.
This win means so much more because it was against the Cowboys, who had dominated the NFC throughout the 1970s. And it was an added bonus because they were able to prevent the team from reaching another Super Bowl final.
3) 2003 Divisional Round: “4th and 26”
Every hardcore Eagles fan would always remember the historic “4th and 26th” game that set a precedent for the team. In the 2003 NFC Divisional round, the Eagles had to claw out a win against the Green Bay Packers in the brutal cold. A match that most already tipped in the opponents’ favor, the Eagles were visibly behind in the fourth quarter.
Then they faced fourth-and-26 from their 25-yard line before the magic happened when Donovan McNabb found Freddie Mitchell on a crossing route for 28 yards. This helped them win in overtime with a score line of 20-17.
As NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Ray Didinger put it:
“He will always be remembered for the 4th-and-26. A lot of better players came to Philadelphia and played for the Eagles, and won’t be remembered as vividly as Freddie Mitchell will be remembered for that one play.”
4) Super Bowl LII: The Ultimate Victory
The final topping on the cake came at Super Bowl LII, and cemented the result as the greatest win in Eagles’ history. As the underdogs in a match against the Patriots, who had names like Tom Brady and Bill Belichick on their roster, they even expected them to lose.
However, in a shock of the decade, Nick Foles decided to drop an A-class performance that saw him get three touchdowns and throw for 373 yards. He even went on to catch a touchdown on the famous Philly Special. And this helped the Eagles earn their first-ever Super Bowl title in over 50 years.
As Doug Pederson, Eagles’ coach said after the Super Bowl victory:
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.
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.
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.
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 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)
Scheduling 16 Division matchups for the final week of the regular season continues to fight the league. With only TWO of the fourteen playoff positions up for grabs which will be decided between the Ravens/Steelers Sunday night game as well as Panthers/Buccaneers (with some help from Atlanta) Sunday afternoon.
The Eagles will come into Sunday almost locked into the 3 Seed, but with a little bit of scoreboard help happening at the same time they play Washington could see them leap into the 2 Seed. A Lions win over the Bears would give the Eagles a need to compete against the Commanders, a team out for revenge from just two weeks ago.
A Vengeful Rematch
The decision to go for 2 points, putting the Eagles up 19 points late into the 4th quarter was the right decision. The Eagles had already missed two field goals, taking 6 points off the board of what ended as a 29-18 game.
The ever so clueless Dan Quinn, who hasn’t learned from his time in Atlanta. Part of the comical 28-3 Falcons Super Bowl loss. Or multiple years as the Cowboys defensive coordinator, giving up 48 points to a 7th seed Packers team in his last game on the sideline for “Americas team.”
Upset over the Eagles decision to go for 2, Quinn stated “If that’s how they want to get down, we’ll see them again in two weeks.” Feels very threatening for a Week 18 division opponent matchup. Which leads to the question.
Did Dan Quinn forget that the Eagles clinched the NFC East title with their Week 16 victory at Northwest Stadium?
The Commanders season was realistically over by their Bye Week(if not earlier) Sitting at 3-8, losing their franchise QB for weeks at a time, rushing him back from numerous injuries just to be sidelined again feels like something a desperate team would do.
Add in injuries to Tyler Biadasz, Marcus Mariota, Laremy Tunsil, Sam Cosmi, Trey Amos, amongst plenty of players like Zach Ertz, Marshon Lattimore and Austin Ekeler. The #1 thing the Commanders should be playing for on Sunday is draft position.
7th overall is a great place to be for a team that was only 22 points from punching their ticket to a Super Bowl less than 12 months ago.
If 17th year Josh Johnson is able to lead the Commanders to a nothingburger victory against Tanner McKee and what we should expect to be most of the Eagles backup & reserve players. Then I guess we can give Dan Quinn & Co. Their flowers of “only beating an Eagles backup QB” 2 years running.
(CNN) — It’s been a long 2025 NFL season so far with twists, turns, shocking injuries, surprising contenders and disappointing years from preseason favorites.
As we come off another intriguing week of action across the league and approach the end of the season, the playoff picture is becoming more and more clear.
With just one week of the NFL regular season left, who’s in, who’s out and who still has a shot at making a postseason run for a spot in Super Bowl LX and a chance to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Who’s in?
(All teams listed by current seeding in each conference)
AFC
1. Denver Broncos (13-3, 1st AFC West): The Broncos already qualified for the postseason but still beat the Patrick Mahomes-less Kansas City Chiefs 20-13 on Friday. A win against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mile High in Week 18 will earn Denver top seed status in the AFC.
2. New England Patriots (13-3, 1st AFC East): New England will be lurking should Denver fail to wrap up the conference and the Pats will play the Miami Dolphins to close out the season.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4, 1st AFC South): The Jags are also still in the running for the first-round bye after beating the Indianapolis Coltsin Week 17. They now host the Tennessee Titans in Week 18.
5. Houston Texans (11-5, 2nd AFC South): Houston’s sensational defense has fired the franchise into the postseason for a third straight year. The team confirmed its place in the playoffs with a 20-16 win against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday.
6. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5, 2nd AFC West): The Chargers will be happy to have already locked up a postseason spot as they face a motivated Denver squad in the final week of the regular season.
7. Buffalo Bills (11-5, 2nd AFC East): After losing in dramatic circumstances against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Bills close out the year with a home game against the Jets having already secured their berth in the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker hits Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High on December 21. Credit: Ron Chenoy / Imagn via CNN Newsource
NFC
1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3, 1st NFC West): After missing the playoffs in the last two campaigns, the Seahawks are back in the postseason and tightened their grip on the No. 1 seed after beating the Carolina Panthers 27-10 in Week 17. Seattle now faces the San Francisco 49ers in its last regular season game.
2. Chicago Bears (11-5, 1st NFC North): Da Bears haven’t made the postseason since 2020, so some celebration in the Windy City is merited, but Chicago has only made the playoffs twice since 2010 – and lost in the wild card round both times. After spending so many years in the proverbial wilderness, the team won’t be content with just making it. The Bears take on the Detroit Lions in Week 18.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5, 1st NFC East): The defending Super Bowl champions are back in the postseason to defend their title, but with hopes of a first-round bye now over, Philly may look to rest players ahead of a game against the Washington Commanders in Week 18.
5. San Francisco 49ers (12-4, 2nd NFC West): After missing the postseason last year, the Niners are back and looking dangerous. Starting QB Brock Purdy is back and playing incredibly as they host the Seahawks in Week 18 with the No. 1 seed in the conference at stake.
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-5, 3rd NFC West): The Rams round out an incredible NFC West, which has three teams in the playoffs. Los Angeles, though, suffered a surprise defeat against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17 and closes out the regular season with a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
7. Green Bay Packers (9-6-1, 2nd NFC North): The Pack lost to Baltimore in Week 17 but still secured the NFC seventh seed heading into the playoffs. Off the back of three straight defeats, Green Bay heads to Minnesota in Week 18 to take on the eliminated Vikings.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) scrambles with the ball in Monday’s win against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski / Imagn via CNN Newsource
Who’s still got a chance?
AFC
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7, 1st AFC North): The Steelers only had to beat the Cleveland Browns on the road last Sunday to secure their place in the playoffs, but blew the opportunity after losing 13-6. Pittsburgh now faces a winner-takes-all clash against its bitter rival, the Baltimore Ravens, in Week 18. Pittsburgh currently has a 40% chance of making the playoffs, according to the NFL.
9. Baltimore Ravens (8-8, 2nd AFC North): The Ravens had Super Bowl aspirations before the year kicked off with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and star running back Derrick Henry, but it all seemed to fall apart with Jackson missing significant time due to injury. But results went their way on Week 17 andthey beat the Packers 41-24. It all means that the NFL says the Ravens now have a 60% chance of reaching the postseason still.
NFC
4. Carolina Panthers (8-8, 1st NFC South): Carolina is still sitting first in its division despite losing to the Seahawks in Week 17. The Panthers still have a chance of reaching the postseason as they face a win-or-go-home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18. The NFL says Carolina has a 72% chance of making it to the playoffs.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9, 2nd NFC South): The Bucs lost to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 and now everything hangs on the final game of the regular season against the Panthers. We’ll see what happens but the NFL gives Tampa Bay justa 28% chance of progressing.
With 3 weeks to go in the regular season, playoff spots are starting to be snatched up. With the Broncos, Seahawks and Rams being the first teams to clinch a playoff spot, many more will soon follow.
Including the Eagles, whose magic number jumped from 3 all the way to 1 on Sunday following a Raiders blowout and a Cowboys season that’s nearly over, courtesy of “Nine” and the Minnesota Vikings.
And the Eagles first opportunity to punch their ticket into the postseason comes a day earlier this week. With a Saturday night game against the Washington Commanders
The Last Match
January 26th 2025 was the last time these teams saw each other. In an NFC Championship Game division matchup. To end a conversation:
What would happen if Jalen Hurts played all 4 quarters of the Week 16 loss?
A game that saw the Eagles take a quick 14-0 lead that saw Hurts exit due to a concussion just 5 minutes into the game. The final score ended 36-33 after the Eagles defense couldn’t get a stop, and the offense led by Kenny Pickett could barely pick up a first down.
To open the NFC championship game, the Commanders led an 18 play, 54 yard drive that included two 4th down conversions and finished with 3 points. The Eagles answer to that drive? This Saquon Barkley60 yard TD on the Eagles opening play of the game.
What followed was an absolute rout. The Eagles saw a 12 point lead at halftime, before they took things personally and finished the game with a 21 point 4th quarter after forcing two turnovers by the Commanders.
Now, things will look a little different.
Saturday Night
Jayden Daniels has since been shut down for the season. With multiple injuries sidelining him for weeks at a time. Instead, the Eagles will play against their former backup QB Marcus Mariota who has lead his current team to a 1-3 record.
Having been eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago, the Commanders will have nothing to play for but draft position, and attempting to foil the Eagles playoff/seeding hopes.
However with a laundry list of injuries ranging from Laremy Tunsil, and Colson Yankoff listed Out for this week. With names like Trey Amos, Luke McCaffrey, Zach Ertz, Marshon Lattimore and Dorance Armstrong already on injured reserve, the Commanders will be thin at numerous positions. Hoping the Eagles can take advantage of a depleted team that thought they could repeat a 12-5 Cinderella run from only a year ago.
Another heartbreaking loss for the Philadelphia 76ers, this time a 120-117 thriller against the Atlanta Hawks on December 14, 2025, left fans reeling from familiar frustrations. A controversial missed backcourt violation in the closing moments sealed the defeat, but the issues run deeper than one call. As of December 17, 2025, the Sixers sit at 14-11, a respectable record on paper with a potent offense ranking among the league’s top 10 in points per game. Yet, subtle flaws continue to undermine this talented roster, problems that don’t always show up in the stat sheet.
Early in the season, third-quarter collapses plagued Philadelphia, with the team routinely outscored coming out of halftime. Adjustments seemed to pay off recently—they won the third quarter in their victory over the Indiana Pacers—but lapses persist. Defensive miscues, struggles to control the pace, and late-game execution have cost them in tight contests. The recent Hawks game highlighted over-reliance on hero ball down the stretch, even as Paul George erupted for a season-high 35 points on efficient 11-of-21 shooting, including 7-of-10 from three.
What’s holding back the Sixers?
Integrating Joel Embiid and Paul George back into the lineup has been a process. Both stars are flashing vintage form: Embiid dropped a season-high 39 points against the Pacers, while George has looked increasingly explosive. But health remains a concern. Tyrese Maxey missed the Hawks game with an illness, and Kelly Oubre Jr. continues recovering from a knee issue, though he’s progressing with on-court activities. Depth players like Trendon Watford are also working back, thinning the rotation at times.
On the surface, the Sixers look fine—loaded with talent, high-scoring, and rebounding well. Their young core, including standout rookie VJ Edgecombe, adds athleticism and potential. But chemistry is still building around Embiid, George, and Maxey. Roles are being defined, and the transition from individual brilliance to cohesive team play takes time, especially with a mix of veterans and youth.
Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Late-game decision-making stands out as a recurring culprit.
The good news? The pieces are there for a deep playoff run.
Embiid and George are turning back the clock with high-level performances, and as health stabilizes, the Sixers should climb the Eastern Conference standings. If they iron out third-quarter woes, sharpen late-game poise, and let chemistry gel, this group has championship upside.
It’s been a rollercoaster start—ups highlighted by dominant wins, downs marked by agonizing close losses. The talent is undeniable; now it’s about clarity and consistency. With the core intact and emerging youth contributing, Philadelphia has everything needed for a strong second half and a legitimate playoff push.
Trust the process—again—but this time, the payoff feels closer than ever.
Jason Kelce is doing what big brothers do best — giving advice to his little bro.
We’ve all seen Travis Kelce‘s season with the Kansas City Chiefs this year unfortunately go downhill. They started off really rocky, and ended with a historically bad outcome. They didn’t make it to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. On top of that, their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes got a season-ending ACL injury. It’s just been one hit after another.
Of course, rumors have been swirling for a while this may be KillaTrav’s last season in the NFL. We mean, he’s got a lot of new ventures ahead of him! His wedding to Taylor Swift, his pivot into the entertainment industry with his appearances in things like Happy Gilmore 2 and Grotesquerie… There’s no doubt he’s got something good up ahead in life! But before he makes the big decision to leave behind football forever, Jason has a word of advice.
During an appearance on Monday Night Football this week, he was asked about his little brother’s possible retirement, to which the former Philadelphia Eagles player said:
“I’m curious [as to how Travis will approach this], too. In my opinion, to nail that decision, you have to step away from the game for a little bit. Play these last three games, enjoy them with your teammates, enjoy them with your coach. The team’s gonna be different whether you come back or not next year, so enjoy these three games.”
Smart! Stay in the present, don’t spend all your time focusing on the future. Jason continued:
“Let it sink in. It’ll come to you in time. There’s so many emotions with this game, especially after a season that went the way this one went. It’s been so up and down … Right now, it’s just too fresh. You gotta step away from it. You gotta think about it. And then, it’ll come to you.”
See the clip (below):
.@JasonKelce on whether Travis Kelce is weighing retirement at the end of the season.
“To nail that decision you gotta step away from the game for a little bit … It’s too fresh.” pic.twitter.com/XNcCPIYcZO
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.
Philadelphia’s organized sports — dating as far back as our own Civil War — have frequently been intertwined with American history.
Our first professional ballpark (Recreation Field) was an outpost for Union Cavalry in the 1860s.
On March 11th of 2020 , the Sixers beat the Pistons at the Wells Fargo Center 124–106, including a 30-point, 14-rebound performance by Joel Embiid just hours before Philly joined the rest of the world in a pandemic shutdown that would bring Philadelphia sports to a halt for the first time since those same 1860s.
And on the day that an event propelled our nation into the Second World War eighty-four years ago , it was no different.
On December 7th, 1941, the Eagles were in Washington for a Divisional Game at Griffith Stadium in front of over 27,000 fans. Washington was 5–5 coming into the game — the Eagles were 2–7.
On this day, it actually wasn’t the sequence of football events themselves during the last regular season game of 1941 that was so memorable. In fact, it’s what happened off the field that made this game so forgettable. During the first quarter, the stadium announcer began paging official Washington personnel to return to their offices. An ominous feeling spread across the stands. Pearl Harbor had been attacked , and America’s involvement in World War II would soon follow.
Credit: WikiCommons
World War II was a historic event for both our Eagles and for our nation. After winning seven games in both 1944 and 1945, the Eagles were ready to make a run for the Championship in 1947. After beating the Steelers in the playoffs, the Eagles rallied against the Chicago Cardinals but came up just short, losing 28–21. The following year — in a Philadelphia nor’easter — the Eagles would beat those Chicago Cardinals 7–0 to win their first NFL Championship. They would repeat in Los Angeles the following year, in 1949.
That night, after the 20–14 win for the home team, Washington players marched in front of the Japanese Embassy in DC. America would remember December 7th, 1941, forever.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni speaks with Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson after a game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Eric Hartline/Imagn Images)
After the game, though, the party was on in the locker room, and first-year head coach Ben Johnson found himself right in the thick of it, partying shirtless and leading a chant.
“Good, better, best. Never let it rest ’til your good gets better and your better gets best,” Bears players and Johnson shouted after the head coach flexed his muscles.
Johnson’s exuberance bubbled over in the locker room — though there was an apparent method to his toplessness. The Wieners Circle, a Chicago hot dog stand, offered free hot dogs if Johnson took off his shirt after any victory this season.
“These guys just feel pretty good about what they just did,” Johnson said before video of his celebration emerged. “It was hard to go on the road and beat a good team like that.”
Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift carries the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Eric Hartline/Imagn Images)
Last season, the Bears’ Thanksgiving loss at Detroit led to the firing of coach Matt Eberflus and was their sixth straight of what ballooned into a 10-game losing streak. A year later, the Bears bullied Philadelphia’s defensive line for a relatively easy win.
“They have a lot of belief in what we’re doing. They have a lot of belief in themselves,” Johnson said. “They have a lot of belief in this coaching staff. And so that confidence just starts to develop and continues to bubble over.”
Members of the Chicago Bears celebrate after an interception against the Philadelphia Eagles with teammates during the third quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)
The Bears, winners of five straight, head to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers, while the Eagles will look to get back on track in a Monday night contest in Los Angeles against the Chargers on Dec. 8.
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The Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in a precarious position as late November 2025 brings a short week and a long injury list.
Following a frustrating collapse against Dallas, the team must quickly regroup for a high-stakes Black Friday matchup against the Chicago Bears. The roster is dealing with significant attrition, particularly in the defensive backfield, which could force defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to get creative.
Injuries are often the great equalizer in late-season football, and this week is no exception. When looking at the NFL odds, the availability of key starters shifts the conversation from simple talent comparisons to questions of depth and scheme. Understanding who suits up provides a clearer picture of the challenge ahead without needing to focus on the lines themselves. The reality is that Philadelphia must navigate these absences to secure a vital win.
The coaching staff faces a difficult task in shuffling the lineup. With playoff positioning on the line, the “next man up” mentality will be tested.
Below is a detailed look at the health of the roster and what fans can expect on Friday.
Major Blow to the Secondary
The most significant news involves rookie safety Andrew Mukuba. Mukuba is officially out for Week 13 after suffering an ankle fracture against the Cowboys. The promising defender is expected to miss roughly a month, with a potential return targeted for Week 16. His absence creates a void in the secondary that has been a bright spot for much of the season.
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Compounding the issue is the status of safety Reed Blankenship. He is listed as questionable with a thigh injury. However, current reports suggest optimism regarding his availability, and he is expected to play against Chicago. If he can go, it stabilizes a unit that cannot afford to lose two starters simultaneously.
Cornerback depth remains another area of concern. Adoree’ Jackson is questionable as he undergoes concussion evaluation. If Jackson cannot clear the league protocol in time for the short turnaround, the defense will need to rely heavily on its reserve corners to slow down the Bears’ passing attack.
Offensive Line and Skill Positions
The injury bug has not spared the offense. Offensive tackle Lane Johnson is questionable due to a foot injury. Johnson is the anchor of the offensive line, and his status is paramount for protecting the quarterback and establishing the run game. Any limitations he faces would force quick adjustments to the protection schemes.
In the receiving room, Xavier Gipson is questionable with a shoulder issue. While not a primary target, his speed offers a tactical advantage that the offense misses when he is sidelined. His potential absence would limit the gadget plays and deep threats available in the playbook.
Reserve Updates and Outlook
Several players remain unavailable as they work through long-term recovery. Myles Hinton stays on injured reserve with a back injury, while Willie Lampkin is out with a knee problem. Both are expected to return later in the year, providing hope for reinforcements down the stretch, but they offer no immediate relief for this week.
Key Injury Statuses for Week 13:
Andrew Mukuba (Safety): Out with an ankle fracture; return likely Week 16
Reed Blankenship (Safety): Questionable (thigh); expected to play
Lane Johnson (OT): Questionable (foot)
Adoree’ Jackson (CB): Questionable (concussion protocol)
Xavier Gipson (WR): Questionable (shoulder)
The Eagles are bruised but not broken. The short week offers little time for recovery, meaning the training staff will be working overtime up until kickoff.
For the fans, the focus remains on how the coaching staff adjusts to these setbacks.
The Eagles are one of the most electric teams to watch in the NFL , and on Friday, in front of a Lincoln Financial Field crowd encouraged to dress in honor of Philadelphia’s alternate uniforms of black helmets, pants, and jerseys , the Eagles will honor Malcolm Jenkins and Bucko Kilroy by inducting them into the Eagles Hall of Fame.
Malcolm Jenkins
Credit: Philadelphia Eagles-Facebook
The Eagles have had some great safeties over the decades. Brian Dawkins pulverized opposing platers in the early 2000s. Andre Waters and Wes Hopkins flattened anyone daring to come across the middle in the early 1990s.
Bill Bradley was one of the few bright spots for the franchise in the early 1970s. And Andrew Mukuba and Reed Blankenship are well on their way to make a significant impact of their own during the best time in the long history of the Eagles.
Malcolm Jenkins is at the top of that list as well.
When he arrived in Philadelphia in 2014 during the Chip Kelly Era , he didn’t just bring hard hits. Malcolm Jenkins was a leader. The culmination of his efforts as a player and mentor was a 2018 Super Bowl Championship in which he pancaked New England Patriots receiver Brandin Cooks, knocking him out of the game.
Bucko Kilroy
Bucko Kilroy became an Eagle in a period when the franchise was anything but stellar. The Eagles had become so bad that the first-ever franchise quarterback actually made a career move, becoming an FBI field agent rather than returning to compete with the Eagles. The team even lost their first ever game to New York at the Polo Grounds 56–0.
Bucko was born here (Port Richmond) and even attended St. Anne’s Grade School and eventually Northeast Catholic High School. When he joined the Eagles as an UDFA in 1945, Kilroy entered the NFL the very same year that Pittsburgh and Philadelphia joined forces due to the war effort to play one season as the Steagles.
Bucko Kilroy would play over a decade in Philadelphia — and even set an NFL record with one hundred and forty-three consecutive games. Behind his Pro Bowl play was fellow Hall of Famer and running back Steve Van Buren, who ran to a total of 7 NFL rushing titles. Between 1953 and 1955, Kilroy was a Pro Bowler each year.
So, when it comes to assembling my Eagles Dream Team?
Give me Jenkins and Kilroy not only on this day, but also on all days. On any day.
The Kansas City Chiefs saved their season. The Philadelphia Eagles gave critics more fuel. The Los Angeles Rams made a dominant statement.
There were more questions than answers Sunday in the NFL.
Patrick Mahomes did just enough to rally the Chiefs to a 23-20 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Kansas City’s dominant defense gave him the opportunity.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit forced the Colts to go three-and-out on their final four possessions. The Chiefs shut down the NFL’s leading rusher, holding Jonathan Taylor to 58 yards on 16 carries. Colts coach Shane Steichen inexplicably gave Taylor the ball only once on the last three drives of regulation.
Mahomes threw for 352 yards but didn’t have any touchdowns. He looked skittish at times under pressure, rushing his reads and hurrying his passes.
The Chiefs (6-5) couldn’t afford another loss as they fight to make the playoffs after winning nine straight AFC West titles, reaching eight consecutive conference championship games and winning three Super Bowls.
They’ve got a long way to go and a tough game at Dallas (5-5-1) coming up on Thanksgiving Day. Mahomes and the offense need to get in sync for Kansas City to have a shot.
“We’re still not where we want to be at but this was big,” Mahomes said. “Getting that win against a really good football team and kind of proving it to (ourselves) that we can play this kind of football game where it’s not always pretty. I think now we just have to build off that momentum. It’s going to be a short week. We’re playing a good team in the Cowboys, and they can score some points and they have a lot of great players. It’s about rebounding fast, trying to be better, even better this next week going into a big environment, big game and trying to get that win.”
The Colts (8-3) have gone from 7-1 to a team that is going to have to battle to win the AFC South. They’ll face division rivals Jacksonville (7-4) and Houston (6-5) four times over the remaining six games. Their other two opponents are Seattle (8-3) and San Francisco (7-4).
Steichen trusted Daniel Jones to win the game in Kansas City, electing to put the ball in his hands down the stretch instead of giving it to Taylor to protect a lead. Jones couldn’t deliver. He was 3 for 9 for 17 yards on the final four possessions.
“I felt there was a lot of stuff that I wanted to get called that I felt good about in the pass game and we just weren’t efficient doing it and it starts with me,” Steichen said.
Eagles collapse
The reigning Super Bowl champions built a 21-0 lead in Dallas and looked like they were on their way to snapping Dak Prescott’s 18-game winning streak at home against NFC East opponents.
Jalen Hurts was connecting with A.J. Brown and it seemed Philadelphia would quiet some of the drama surrounding the two superstars.
But the offense regressed, giving Prescott and the Cowboys an opportunity to come back and win 24-21.
The Eagles (8-3) have a comfortable lead over Dallas (5-5-1) and are in position to become the first repeat champion in the division in two decades. But Philadelphia fell behind the Rams (9-2) in the race for the No. 1 seed.
A sluggish offense isn’t playing up to its standard. Saquon Barkley ran for only 22 yards on 10 carries, and the passing attack just hasn’t found its rhythm.
Rams dominate
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were no match for Matthew Stafford and the Rams.
Stafford continued his MVP-caliber campaign with another stellar performance against an overmatched defense and Los Angeles cruised to a 34-7 victory over Tampa Bay.
The 37-year-old Stafford has thrown 30 touchdown passes and only two interceptions this season.
“I got great teammates. I get to throw to a bunch of great players, stand behind a good o-line and watch these guys hunt on defense,” Stafford said.
That defense overwhelmed the Buccaneers, knocking Baker Mayfield out of the game.
Jared Verse and Kobie Turner each had two sacks and Los Angeles is the team to beat in the NFC.
First to 10
Drake Maye and the New England Patriots are the first team to reach 10 wins this season after holding on for a 26-20 victory in Cincinnati.
The Patriots have a 2 1/2-game lead over Buffalo (7-4) in the AFC East with eight of their wins coming against teams that have a losing record.
With three of their last five games against teams that are currently 8-26 combined, New England is in position to win its first division title since Tom Brady left and has an inside track to earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
But the Patriots still have a lot to prove, especially against more experienced playoff teams.
And once again — across America’s nearly 136 collegiate programs — talent from the Philly region can be felt from coast to coast.
At the head of that list are the Villanova Wildcats (9–2), who learned on Sunday afternoon that they would be the #12 seed in the Football Championship Subdivision and would face Harvard in the first round.
For Villanova , it’s another chance to highlight a great rushing attack.
Credit: Villanova Football-Twitter/X
Villanova’s football program has had plenty of great talent over the years. Perhaps it’s finest — running back Brian Westbrook — whose career as an all-purpose player led him to a 1,000-yard rushing and receiving year in the same season (the first player in college to do so), the Walter Payton Award, and FCS Player of the Year. His contributions would land him in the Villanova Hall of Fame before playing six seasons with the Eagles.
Former Villanova running back Kevin Monangai earned All-CAA Honors while a Wildcat and went on to play in the NFL for the Eagles and the Vikings. In the 1960s — running back Billy Joe was the only Villanova athlete ever inducted into the Varsity Club Hall of Fame for two sports — and would go on to play professionally for the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and was a World Champion with the New York Jets.
Now the Villanova Wildcats have a sophomore running back named David Avit. And they almost lost him.
After a freshman season with 923 yards rushing and nine touchdowns, Avit has followed up so far this year by breaking out against Monmouth with 135 yards. He followed up that performance with 102 yards against the University of New Hampshire and 63 yards against Elon.
But that isn’t all of the talent. In the season finale against Scared Heart on Saturday, that included a mesmerizing performance on the ground from Ja’briel Mace, including 165 yards and two scores on nine carries, including an 80-yard scamper and a receiving touchdown in the 34–10 win.
A week before, in an overtime win against Stony Brook with David Avit out due to a knee injury , Isaiah Ragland ran the ball for nearly 100 yards.
For Villanova , late-season playoff football is bolstered by an elite running game.
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.
Quarterback Dak Prescott completed 23 of 36 passes for 354 yards and two touchdowns with an interception and rushed for another score. In the process, he broke Tony Romo’s franchise career passing yardage record.
Here’s everything he said to the media after the game:
On the comeback win
“It was needed. Never blinked, never had any doubts and 1000% believed from the beginning. There were times when I was telling the guys to believe and then there was a moment in the fourth quarter where Book [guard Tyler Booker] was like, ‘Believe,’ and I go, ‘I know.’ We’re done with the believing, we believed long enough and got ourselves back in this game, and now you have to know. That’s just a testimony to this brotherhood, sticking together. Going down 21 to the defending national Super Bowl champs in a division game is tough. I’m sure there were fans thinking this game was over, and [the Eagles] were going to run off. Defense, I can’t give them enough credit. We wouldn’t have won this game without the opportunities they gave us over and over again. It was awesome moments when they would get a stop or something would happen. Whether it was Quinnen [Williams] or Donovan [Ezeiruaku] or one of those guys telling me, ‘We got you.’ And then when they did stop them, they’d tell you, ‘We told you.’ It was just a continuation of what we did last week and just sticking together. Like I said, it’s about the brotherhood. Once again, we’re always going to do it for Marshawn Kneeland, and he was felt tonight. I’m sure he was right there playing alongside with us.”
On the team celebration and dancing in the locker room following the game
“I think I missed most of it. I was doing an interview out there with GP [George Pickens]. When I got in there, the dancing was fading off. Honestly, I had a headache. I dapped up my people and gave them love. I know it was electric in there.”
On if the win can carry over to the next game
”For sure. I think how you win is just as important as the result, but then again [that] points to how you win a game like this being down 21-0. There’s going to be moments when you’re down a touchdown or maybe two touchdowns, and that’s not going to be the last time this season. When you have a game like this, talking about the belief and the knowing. That’s what allows these guys in the locker room to do is believe we’re going to come back or know that we have the team, the brotherhood, the connection to do just that. I was just talking to [public relations manager Dave Abbruzese] walking in here that I love being down. I don’t know why and couldn’t tell you. Trust me, it’s fun when you’re up, you can laugh and joke, but when you’re down, it requires such a unique place that you have to get to in resilience, focus, and taking it one play at a time. Just trying to lead the other guys and getting them to do the same. When they do and you end up winning a game like this, this can be huge for us moving forward. As we’ve talked about all week, getting on a run, this is a hell of a way to get No. 2. We have to enjoy tonight and that’s it and be ready for Thursday.”
“They did the whole deal during the timeout break and some of the guys were giving congratulations, and I’m like ‘No. Whatever. We’ll celebrate this after the win. I don’t want to hear anything about that right now.’ Now I can enjoy that a little bit, reflect, smile and laugh. I can tell you that initially when I looked up there and saw that, there was a little emotion that hit me that I damn sure wasn’t ready for and didn’t know that would come. That’s why I countered that with anger. [I’m] blessed and thankful. It’s the result of a lot of hard work, good people around me, great teammates that care, and we’re going to keep going.”
On his touchdown run
”It was a play that is particularly drawn up to beat a man [coverage] or a zone, but you want it for a man. You bring the motion for an indicator, and I realized that it wasn’t man and I’m going to have to take a drop and allow for the play to develop. I did that and had a rush up the edge, and I just got out. When I did, Ferg [Jake Ferguson] did a great job at realizing that he had a guy on him, and he wasn’t going to get the ball. [He] turned and blocked him and allowed me to be one-on-one with the guy. I didn’t want to get hit in the knees, so I jumped and got a good roll. After that, it was just electric. The love and the energy from the teammates and the sideline. At that moment, I knew the game was going to be ours.”
On if wide receiver George Pickens has reached a level that exceeds his expectations
“It’s hard for me to say exceeds my expectations. My expectations for him are limitless, and he’ll tell you that he’s not from here. I’m sure you have all read his article in The Players’ Tribune. He’s not from here, he’s not from this planet and so, I’m not going to put limitations on him. He went out there and did what he’s done in games when he has that opportunity, in practice as well. The guy loves the game. He stays focused. Just the communication, as I’ve said before, to other guys in the huddle about staying focused and keep doing what you’re doing. We lucked up with getting a guy like that. We have to make sure that we can keep him here. He’s a hell of a player turning into a leader, and he’s special.”
On what his message at halftime to the team was
“I was just talking on what I felt at that time and the emotions. I couldn’t even you exactly what I said. I’m sure I was just saying something on the fact that we had just got that touchdown. If we don’t have that touchdown before halftime, that energy and the confidence that I and the other guys are speaking with isn’t quite there. But we did that and realized that all those other possessions, we just hurt ourselves. Turnover in the red zone, from me and the interception, the fumble, and the plus-territory, we were only hurting ourselves. That when I was like, let’s stop shooting ourselves in the foot. We gave them a 21-point lead, but we knew we had the upper hand. It was about just sticking together; it’s all about brotherhood and a lot of that type of stuff. You could tell it was resonating and the guys were feeling it. I know the defense had their own thing going, and I heard them. It gives you confidence on our side of the ball, and we went out there and did it.”
On making a push for the end of the season
“Just take it one play at a time. We have to find that unique place that I was talking about being down. We’ve had it almost going with every game with that mindset. It’s not one game at a time. We have to win every game. With that being said, you can only do that by winning every play and giving it your best every play. When you do that, can stay focused and finish with elite execution, you’re going to feel confident and good about what you’ve done. We just have to find that, and it really starts at practice and at these walkthroughs in the next couple of days getting ready for Kansas City. Tons of confidence in this group and team. It starts with our defense. They’re the reason we were able to come back in this game and have a chance to win it. We have to stop shooting ourselves in the foot, and this game could’ve been completely different.”
On what his message was to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb about his resiliency
“He’s a guy that expects to make a lot of plays. I’ve had games and felt the exact same way. For me, it’s about don’t press. Let’s not ride the highs and the lows. Even if you’ve had a bad play or whatever, let it go. You’re a hell of a player, and you know it. Like you said, he made great plays and had that big catch at the end and got the PI that would’ve been a touchdown right after that. When you press, I’ve seen CeeDee do it, you’re not going to get the best version of yourself. I’m the same way. When I can tell that he’s getting into that position, it’s just about talking to him. He did a good job of responding and just staying with it and made the plays that he needed to make for us to ultimately win this game. He’s a hell of a player, and he’s going to get frustrated when he’s not making the plays that he expects to make, but he will make those. He had some adversity tonight. We’ve seen it before and the way that he responds. I look forward to him responding.”
On the point in the game when belief changed to know
“I think that conversation happened after that first turnover. Honestly, the drive that we ended up not scoring on, down in the red zone. I think it was the beginning of that that I told them. He was telling the guys in the huddle, ‘Believe. Believe.’ And I just said, ‘Forget that at that point. I know.’ And sure, words of confidence and emotions. I said, ‘I’ve been there. I’ve done this. We’re fine. We’re right where we need to be. Focus on each and every play and execute.’ Sure, we didn’t on that drive, but defense or special teams went and made a play and we’re able to end up doing that.”
“We tried to motion CeeDee in. Man or zone, it’s a great concept that we feel comfortable with. They did a good job. They played to their leverage. They had outside leverage, and we were running out breakers that they sat on it. I had nothing there to the field. When I came back, it was gonna be just a high-low from the tight end in the X, and I had pressure at that point. I just tried to give Jake a ball and Jake said he actually caught it, which I guess it wouldn’t have been a touchdown either way, but they did a good job. They did better than us on that. Honestly I go back to plays before that. Whether it’s me scrambling out on that one, maybe jump again, you know what I mean? Go get in the end zone, try to, or who knows, but we’ve got convert when we’ve got four opportunities down there. We’re way too good. We’ve got way too many elite players, and we’re just too good on offense to stall like that.”
On effect of trades and injury returns on the locker room
“You’ve seen it. You’ve seen it starting Monday and then obviously just getting into tonight. A game like this is all about confidence and belief in one another. When you’re down 21-0 early like that to one of the best teams in the league, defending world champions, for you to keep your resilience high and for you to stay focused and understand that you’ve got a chance. We’ve only been hurting ourselves. A lot of people think, ‘Oh no, sure we’ve messed up, but they’ve made us mess up.’ No, we were only hurting ourselves, and so our brotherhood’s growing. Obviously, we’ve been through a measure amount of adversity, losing a brother, but that’s only brought us closer together. And then when we’ve made these trades, and we’ve made these additions to the team, guys have come back and been healthy. It’s just made everybody feel more confident. Guys are communicating. Guys are connected, and it’s a fun group to be a part of and we’re going to try to keep this thing running.”
On waiting for tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford to find his balance on his touchdown reception
“I was waiting the whole time. I’m like, ‘Please don’t fall, Brev.’ I think I saw from the very beginning, him stumbling. I’m like, ‘Man, if he falls, I’ve got to throw it away, but if you can even just look up, buddy, I’m throwing it to you.’ And sure enough he was able to get his feet together, catch his balance, and I was able to give him a chance right before I went out of bounds. But yeah, I saw that from the very beginning of the play. We’re trying to get it to the running back. They did a great job of blowing that up. Even the other options and Brev’s really your last resort on the backside, and I was looking for him, and when he was stumbling I was like, ‘Please don’t fall. Please don’t fall.’ Hell of a play by him.”
On not kicking a field goal on fourth down
“After we didn’t get it, sure I’m like, ‘Damn, we should have kicked it.’ But absolutely not. I want the ball in my hands knowing you’re that close. I just said that’s on us. We’ve got to be able to find a way to execute. We’ve got too many good players, too many players that can win versus one-on-one. Great offensive line. No, I’m never upset about that call. Not only that, they’ve got to go 99 or 90 something yards against a defense who’s been stopping them all game, so it was the right call. Ultimately we stopped them. Ultimately got the ball back, decent field position. We’re able to make the plays, and Butter [Brandon Aubrey] went did what he did and finished the game off. So no surprise.”
On pass protection tonight
“Credit those guys. I don’t know if I’ve said it enough tonight, they did a hell of a job. That’s a good group up there that feels very confident in rushing with their four guys. Obviously they were bringing a fifth a good bit tonight. They were doing that because those guys up front were blocking their four guys. That’s a compliment to them when you see Philly bringing that fifth guy and doing it as much as they were trying to do, that they were holding up. [Running back Javonte Williams] was a big part of that, and not only that, the run game was, you have to have the run game working for those actions, for them to even begin to work. Compliment to those guys. If we didn’t put ourselves in a hole as much as we did early. I don’t know what the numbers quite were, but it would’ve been a very, very balanced game. I still think it was, right? Good amount of runs and yards. Javonte had a hell of a game, Malik [Davis] as well coming in there. All starts with the offensive line, they were a key tonight.”
On if this was his proudest win for what the team had to overcome
“Yeah, I mean it’s a special game. It’s a game that I definitely won’t forget. I’m not a guy of even thinking about records, taking memorabilia or things like that. After this game, one of the trainers asked me what I wanted to do with the jersey and I said, ‘Yeah, I’m going to keep that one.’ So I know it’s a game that I won’t forget. It’s a game that hopefully, I can look back you know and say this was the moment, this was the time, this game meant everything to that season. Right now just staying where my feet are. Super thankful for this team, for the men. For the opportunity, honestly. That’s what I was telling guys when we were down 21-0, you got to love this. That might be what I was saying at half, too. You got to love this. What an opportunity, it’s 21-7, this is what you do. We know we’ve got everything to be capable of coming back and winning this. This is when it gets fun. It was exactly that. Yeah, it’s one I’m definitely proud of — can’t say it’s the most proud. I’ll have to wait until the end of the career, then tell you that. Great team win tonight.”
Game schedule dates, times, locations
Nov. 24 at Miami, 6:30 p.m., KFAA, MavsTV
Nov. 28 at L.A. Lakers, 9 p.m., Amazon Prime Video
Nov. 29 at L.A. Clippers, 9 p.m., KFAA, MavsTV
Dec. 1 at Denver, 8 p.m., KFAA, MavsTV
Dec. 3 vs. Miami, 7:30 p.m., KFAA, MavsTV
Nov. 27 vs. Florida (at San Diego), 2 p.m., FS1
Nov. 28 vs. Providence or Wisconsin (at San Diego), 2 or 4:30 p.m., Fox
Dec. 5 vs. Notre Dame, 7 p.m., ESPN+
Dec. 7 vs. North Texas (at Dickies Arena), 4:30 p.m., ESPN+
Dec. 15 vs. Incarnate Word, 7 p.m., ESPN+
Nov. 27 vs. Richmond (at Cancun, Mexico), 8 p.m., FloCollege
Nov. 28 vs. UAB (at Cancun, Mexico), 5:30 p.m., FloCollege
Dec. 3 vs. Incarnate Word, 6:30 p.m., ESPN+
Dec. 6 vs. UTEP, 1 p.m., ESPN+
Dec. 14 vs. Jacksonville, 4 p.m., ESPN+
Nov. 25 at Edmonton, 8 p.m., Victory+
Nov. 26 at Seattle, 9 p.m., Victory+
Nov. 28 vs. Utah, 7 p.m., Victory+
Nov. 30 vs. Ottawa, 5 p.m., Victory+
Dec. 2 at N.Y. Rangers, 6 p.m., Victory+
Nov. 29 vs. Cincinnati, 2:30 p.m., Fox
End of the regular season
Nov. 28 vs. Temple, 2:30 p.m., ESPN
End of the regular season
NAIA playoffs
William Penn 38, Texas Wesleyan 9
Season complete
Nov. 27 vs. Kansas City, 3:30 p.m., CBS
Dec. 4 at Detroit, 7:15 p.m., Amazon Prime Video
Dec. 14 vs. Minnesota, 7:20 p.m., NBC
Dec. 21 vs. L.A. Chargers, noon, Fox
Dec. 25 at Washington, noon, Netflix
Dec. 13-14 Xtreme Xperience
This story was originally published November 24, 2025 at 1:08 AM.
Jim Barnes is the Star-Telegram’s sports editor. A Fort Worth native and graduate of Castleberry High School, he returned to Texas after 13 years at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He previously was sports editor of the Waco Tribune-Herald and a freelance high school sports reporter for The Dallas Morning News.
After a gutsy defensive performance against one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. The Eagles have improved to 8-2 on the season despite their own offensive struggles.
And while they were winning an NFC best 8 games through 11 weeks, they’ve successfully collected tiebreakers against 4 of 6 current playoff teams.
The Tiebreakers
Starting 4-0 was the best result for the Eagles to start the season strong. Giving Dallas a Week 1 loss helped jumpstart the lead they have on the NFC East, which currently sits at 3.5 games with only 7 weeks left in the season. There’s an opportunity to have the division wrapped up before December even starts. But before the Eagles can worry about an early notch into their season, they have to get through another round of Dallas Week.
Following the Week 1 celebration of Super Bowl LIX and kicking off the NFL season 1-0. The Eagles pulled together wins against the Los Angeles Rams(8-2), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4). Both teams who currently lead their divisions, and sit at 2nd and 4th in the early NFC playoff seeding. Even the Packers still sit at 2nd in their division at 6-3-1. One of Philadelphia’s defensive showings, managing to hold Green Bay to 7 points.
With teams like the Seahawks(7-3), 49ers(7-4)and Panthers(6-5) breathing down their respective divisions throats, it won’t take much for the standings to completely flip. Much like they did for Detroit Sunday night.
Coming into SNF in Philadelphia, Detroit could’ve claimed 1st in their division, and 2nd in the NFC with a win over the Eagles. But after 5 attempts on 4th down that resulted in 0 conversions. The Lions fell to 6-4 after a 16-9 loss to the Eagles. Going from 3rd in the NFC, and leading the NFC North. To 3rd in the NFC North, and down to 8th in the NFC. Sitting right outside the playoff bubble.
One More To Go
The Eagles will play one more team in the NFC during Week 13 that they could claim an important playoff tiebreaker over. The 7-3, NFC North leading Chicago Bears. A win over the Bears would give the Eagles an advantage against the majority of NFC playoff teams while their schedule gets lighter down the stretch against the Commanders (3-8) and the Raiders (2-8).
But first, they’ll have to go through Dallas (again.)
The Philadelphia Eagles take on their bitter rivals the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. NBC10 will have pregame and postgame coverage of the NFC East showdown. Here’s how to watch.
Eagles Gameday Kickoff
Eagles Gameday Kickoff airs on Sunday, Nov. 23, on NBC10 at 1:30 a.m. ET and then re-airs at 9:30 a.m. ET. It will also stream on the NBC10 Philadelphia Streaming channel and in the video embedded on top of this article at 9:30 a.m. that day.
The special will be hosted by NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Amy Fadool and will feature the following:
An exclusive interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark and Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean at a Thanksgiving event
Highlights of other Thanksgiving events featuring Saquon Barkley, Jordan Davis and Jalyx Hunt
Eagles linebacker Zack Baun shows us the workout he does to stay in shape
Malcolm Jenkins – who is set to be inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame – reflects on his most memorable moments with the Birds, including his postgame speech in 2017 to the team on the night that Carson Wentz’s season ended
Eagles experts Mike Quick, Ike Reese and Ross Tucker preview the team’s matchup against the Cowboys
Eagles vs. Cowboys
The Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) take on the Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1) on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 4:25 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium. The game will air on Fox and will stream on Fubo.
Eagles Gameday Final
Eagles Gameday Final will air on NBC10 after Sunday Night Football and NBC10 News. The show – hosted by NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark – will feature the following:
Highlights from the Eagles-Cowboys game as called by Merrill Reese and Mike Quick
A postgame breakdown from Mike Quick
A postgame interview with Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni
An interview between John Clark and an Eagles player
