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Tag: Saquon Barkley

  • 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.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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

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

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    Geoff Mosher

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  • Three Nittany Lions. Two To Stay and One To Go. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Saquon Barkley finds open space and run for a touchdown against Ohio State. Saturday, October 28, 2017. Special to the Reading Eagle: Chris Sponagle

    Saquon Barkley finds open space and run for a touchdown against Ohio State. Saturday, October 28, 2017. Special to the Reading Eagle: Chris Sponagle

    The Eagles love running backs from local programs. In his five seasons with the Eagles — Sirianni has gone to the Super Bowl with Pennsylvania talent at running backs. Now — he has the opportunity to return there with Saquon Barkley again in 2026 — and the Eagles may get an opportunity to add one or two more.

    Penn State running back Kaytron Allen has decided to forgo his senior season at Penn State after over 4,000 yards and almost 500 receiving including two campaigns over 1,000 yards. Also from the Penn State backfield — Nicholas Singleton enters the 2026 NFL Draft with nearly 1,000 yards receiving and almost 3,500 yards. Singleton also averaged nearly 29 yards per kickoff return over four seasons at Penn State. Five-star recruit Quentin Martin, Jr. will return to the program next season. 

    In 2023 — the Eagles advanced to Super Bowl LVII with Miles Sanders in the backfield. Disillusioned about under utilization in the championship against the Chiefs — Sanders departed for Carolina that off-season. His replacement — St. Joe’s Prep product Deandre Swift — would rush for over 1,000 yards with the Eagles before signing with the Bears. Many thought that the Eagles would attempt to re-sign him — but instead they pursued Whitehall native and New York Giant Saquon Barkley.

    Many thought that when the Eagles drafted running back Miles Sanders with the 53rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, it was a makeup pick for a year earlier when the Giants selected Penn State star Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick. Now Barkley is with the Eagles, and Sanders was relegated to a role with the Carolina Panthers, which may very well be behind Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks. Barkley returned to Pennsylvania by signing a 3-year $37.75 Million deal in March.

    For Allen and Singleton who are starting NFL careers — there is good news. The Eagles love Pennsylvania talent at the running back position.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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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.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • Saquon Barkley Helped Me to Win My Fantasy League — Here is What It Means for the Eagles. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    Let me be clear. Absolutely nothing. Zero. Zip. Nilch. Nada.

    At first — I wasn’t opposed to gaining the 2024 NFL’s Leading Rusher to my Fantasy Football Roster. And of course — even though Cam Skattebo was having a monster season — he is after all a New York Giant. So when a fellow FFB Manager approached me about a Skattebo for Barkley swap — I jumped at the chance.

    For many who drafted the Eagles’ skill position players in the heat of August 2025 — it’s been a pretty rough season. At one point after the Chargers Game — an estimated 298 Fantasy teams recorded a loss after starting Jalen Hurts at quarterback. For those who lost a top draft-pick on Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Devonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and AJ Brown — the productivity hasn’t been what you’d expect from the Eagles talented roster with explosive, big play potential (just ask AJ himself.) But good things do come to those who wait.

    But perhaps — fantasy football once again gives us a window into real life. With most FFB leagues concluding before this weekend’s Week 18 Action— it’s too late for an Eagles offense who will be sitting their starters in anticipation of the NFC Wildcard Round. But anytime Hurts, Barkley, Goedert, Smith, and Brown are on the field at the same time — the possibility of a huge play is not far behind.

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    So if Philadelphia’s best defense in the NFL keeps making incredible big plays in the postseason — it sets the stage for the Eagles offense to come alive at just the right moment — in the middle of another run through the NFC Playoffs and right to the Super Bowl.

    Two weeks after the league-approved Barkley for Skattebo trade — he dislocated his ankle and fractured his fibula at Lincoln Financial Field and was lost for the season. Saquon Barkley on the other hand propelled me to the Championship Game with 132 yards on 21 carries against Washington.

    Is my Fantasy Football win have a direct connection to the Eagles fortunes? No team in the NFC has as much potential to reach the Super Bowl with the talent that they have on the gridiron. After all — this roster essentially did it last season. Probably not — but (perhaps) Philadelphia’s running game can capture some magic this NFL postseason.

    After All — they already have Saquon Barkley.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • How is it possible the Eagles had just 16 second-half yards against the Bills?

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    Many backup NFL players had more yards on one play in Week 17 than the Eagles had the entire second half against the Bills.

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    Geoff Mosher

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  • Pro Bowlers and Padding A Point Total? Well, Perhaps. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    Selection for the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl are in — and the Eagles have five invitations. Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Cam Jurgens, Zach Baun, and Jalen Carter are representing the defending World Champions (sorry, Jordan Mailata — I know that you don’t like the title.) For DeJean and Mitchell — two of the finest cornerbacks in the NFL — it’s tacid approval of a an incredible start to two young careers.

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    Last season was the first time in modern NFL playoff history — that a team with two rookie starting defensive backs has reached the playoffs and, then — a Super Bowl appearance. This year is also the first time in the thirty-two years of the Eagles franchise’s existence that two rookie defensive backs have been nominated for the AP Rookie of the Year in the same season.

    In the final edition of the Carson Wentz transaction last year, after already having drafted rookie-of-the-year finalist Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo, the Eagles would trade two 2024 second-round picks and a fifth-round pick. They would use one of the three picks that they got back from the Washington Commanders, including the 40th pick overall, to draft — you guessed it — Cooper DeJean.

    The Pro Bowl selections come on the heels of an Eagles game in Washington that took an unfortunate turn in the 4th quarter. 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.

    After the game was over — the Eagles were accused of utilizing the two-point conversion attempt to run up the score at Washington. 

    But hey — for an Eagles offense that has struggled over several games this season — do I object to an additional two-point play? Not one bit.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • The top 10 Philadelphia sports moments of 2025

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    Evan Macy

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

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    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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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • Clinchmas Is On The Horizon  – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    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. 

    The post Clinchmas Is On The Horizon  appeared first on Philadelphia Sports Nation.

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    Tyler L’Heureux

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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. 

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • The pivotal plays from the Eagles’ much-needed shutout of the Raiders

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    Sunday at the Linc went exactly how it should’ve, and that’s a big sigh of relief for the Eagles and their fans, if only for a moment.

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    Nick Tricome

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  • It’s too late to fix the Eagles’ offense

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    Barkley has been struggling all year, and the offensive line at this point is banged up and clearly isn’t as strong or as elite as it was. Hurts hasn’t been able to make up the difference with his arm, even with Smith, Brown, Goedert, and Jahan Dotson as his passing options, and with everyone underwhelming showing, offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo only becomes a greater subject of Philadelphia’s scorn.

    Friday’s dismal effort reached a new boiling for that, but head coach Nick Sirinni said postgame that while they’re going to be evaluating everything in the days ahead, a change of offensive playcaller isn’t coming. 

    “I have confidence in the entire group,” Sirianni said. “I know it will keep coming back to Kevin, but if I thought it was one thing, then you make those changes. Obviously, it’s a lot of different things. 

    “We all have a part of it. Kevin has a part of it, I have a part of it, all the coaches have a part of it, all the players have a part of it. You win and you lose as a team. It’s never one thing.”

    But if that’s the case, it might be too many and too late to fully fix them.

    The playoff race is taking clearer and clearer shape. The Eagles are still 8-4 after Friday, and leading the NFC, but Dallas is suddenly closer to them than they were after the Birds lost two straight and the Cowboys three straight. The Bears also improved to 9-3 and leapfrogged the Eagles for the current No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff standings, while claiming the statement win they’ve been looking for in a breakout year. 

    The Eagles? They’re still trying to figure out their offense at a point in the season when teams should know who they are, and after just barely scraping by for weeks with luck that might’ve just run out for them. 

    “I got confidence in this team,” Hurts insisted postgame. “I got confidence in us when we’re collaborative. I got a lot of confidence when we have an identity, so I think that’s the first thing we gotta establish.”

    But in the face of the same problems they’ve been saying they’ll get fixed all season, it might be too late for that now.

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    Nick Tricome

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  • There are more questions than answers after NFL games Sunday

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    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.

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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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.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • Saquon Barkley, Eagles’ run game struggles hit new low in Cowboys loss

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    The Eagles imploded. Barkley ran for only 22 yards, and was at a loss for how to turn things around afterward. “The plays aren’t happening, and that’s all on me,” the running back said.

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    Nick Tricome

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  • Charting a Path Back to the Super Bowl — One That the Eagles Know Well. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Sometimes — temptation comes knocking. More often than not it’s lurking on a football field of play — inviting you for one more chance at a huge play, a scoring opportunity — and with it the chance for a key injury that can ruin a season.

    What the Eagles will show up with at AT&T Stadium this weekend will be more than just Kelly Green Uniforms and a retro Eagles’ logo. It’s a chance to take another tangible step toward a week of potential rest in January. An opportunity to watch other NFC teams over-extend themselves in order to live another week or to go home for the season.

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    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 — the Eagles needed rest for their starters. History had shown that winning a Super Bowl having to play in the NFL Playoff Wildcard Round was possible (the 1997 Denver Broncos, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers, and the 2007 New York Giants among others.)

    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.

    Just a few weeks earlier — Sirianni sat down on the bench next to Saquon Barkley and presented him with an option. Already amassing 176 yards against the Giants — Barkley was only thirteen yards away from his career high. Sirianni doesn’t just know the odds — he knows his players.

    For most NFL Teams — the bye week is a chance to rest. An opportunity to heal those wounds accumulated through weeks of NFL attrition. Evaluation and reflection — in preparation for another long stretch toward the NFL Playoffs. But for Nick Sirianni’s Eagles — it’s always come as a fresh start.

    Earlier last year — an early bye week benefitted the Eagles. A struggling offense befuddled by a 31–16 thumping in Tampa Bay charted a new direction — one to a championship. After the bye week this season — the Eagles are 2–0 and benefitting from the previous rest of a mid-season break. 

    For a team like Philadelphia — who advanced to Super Bowl LVII three years ago with the aid of a first-round bye week after obtaining the top seed in the NFC and made it back last season without it — the Eagles know that to have it makes things much easier.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • Elite Eagles — In A Class of Their Own. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    The season after a team wins the Super Bowl — it’s almost inevitable that they will get a tough NFL schedule. For (2025–2026) Philadelphia — they have thus far made it past every top opponent — toppling the Chiefs, Packers, Rams, Buccaneers, and now the Lions. And while each win hasn’t always been pretty — Philadelphia (8–2) have shown the resilience that any NFL squad would love to have in order to come out on top of tight contests as a top team not only in the NFC but also the NFL.

    On a (forty-three) degree night at Lincoln Financial Field — the Eagles did that again against the Detroit Lions (6–4.) The Eagles once again highlighted the win with defense — holding the Lions to 0–5 on 4th down on a windy night in South Philly and matching the Rams for the best record in the NFC and in a position for being one step closer to winning the NFC East against the Cowboys next Sunday in Kelly Green in AT&T Stadium.

    The Eagles scored thanks to a Jalen Hurts one-yard Tush Push in the second quarter and three Jake Elliott field goals. On defense — the Eagles pressured Goff all night including ten pass deflections and complimented by a Cooper DeJean interception in the first quarter.

    For the second week in a row — Nick Sirianni traded a conservative route to secure a win for an aggressive play-call when another Tush Push failed at the Eagles own twenty-nine yard line with three minutes left in the game. 

    Nonetheless — the Eagles are the top team in the NFC once again.

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • How The Eagles Fared During The Bye Week – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    It feels good to finally have Eagles football, or practice, back for now. With an extra day off before a trip to Green Bay on MNF, the Eagles have had 15 days since their last game. 

    For a team that didn’t play last weekend, the Eagles came out huge winners of both the trade deadline, and the NFC Standings. 

    Trade Deadline Shopping

    While being rumored (again) to pay the price for Myles Garrett. The Eagles managed to escape the trade deadline without blowing any major capital, and still were able to take advantage of the Jets fire sale. 

    Michael Carter was acquired from the New York Jets alongside a 2027 7th round pick. The Eagles sent back WR John Metchie and a 2027 6th round pick. Acquiring depth in the secondary gives the opportunity to move Cooper DeJean outside and Carter into the slot. We’ll have to wait and see if Carter was acquired to get serious reps, or bolster a position recently tattered with injuries. 

    Jaire Alexander was traded from the Baltimore Ravens. Also coming to Philadelphia is a 2027 7th round pick. For the grand total of a 2026 6th round pick. This move provides the Eagles a 3rd option at CB2 between Kelee Ringo & Adoree Jackson, and still keeps Cooper DeJean in the slot. 

    Jaelan Phillips was the Eagles biggest move before the Tuesday deadline. Only costing a 3rd round pick, the Eagles acquired a 26 year old OLB that has totaled 26 sacks in 5 seasons. Missing time due to injury is a concern, but with multiple DL players returning this weekend the Eagles depth provides plenty of rotational options. 

    The Eagles escaped the deadline acquiring 3 players, and still hold 5 picks heading into the 2026 Draft next April. Including a Jets 3rd round pick and projected to acquire 3 Comp picks in the 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds.

    Returning From Injury

    On top of their trade deadline additions to the team. The Eagles have also managed to get healthy just in time for another gauntlet in the schedule.

    Opening the practice window for Jakorian Bennett, Willie Lampkin and Nolan Smith in the previous weeks provided the Eagles time to juggle their active roster and the practice squad, with depth returning at the right time. 

    With A.J. Brown missing another game this season, add in a concern to Saquon’s health at the end of the Giants game prior to the Bye. There was major concern what the Eagles injury report would look like coming off the Bye week. 

    The good news is, nearly everyone has returned from injury as the following players were full participants

    • Moro Ojomo
    • Saquon Barkley
    • A.J. Brown
    • Jakorian Bennett
    • Nolan Smith
    • Willie Lampkin

    The only players who were DNP at Fridays practice were Adoree Jackson & Cam Jurgens. After giving Dickerson a few weeks of rest, perhaps Jurgens getting some extra time will allow the Eagles Offensive Line to return to being what it once was. The best in the league.

    A Successful Bye Week

    During the Bye, the Eagles jumped all the way up to the #1 seed in the NFC, as most teams that played managed to the Eagles a favor. 

    Even following the Giants game Week 8, the Eagles had some help from their NFC East Rivals. 

    • The Commanders lost 7-28 to the Chiefs and fell to 3-5
    • The Cowboys got blown out by the Broncos 44-24 and fell to 3-4-1

    In Week 9, the following teams helped the Eagles climb the standings 

    • The Vikings (4-4) held on to beat their division rival Lions 27-24(5-3)
    • Carolina (5-4) managed to upset the Packers and send them to 5-2-1
    • Seattle took care of business and sent Washington to 3-6 following a 38-14 rout
    • Jacoby Brissett gave us the icing on the cake, with a 27-17 win over the Cowboys. Sending the 2nd placed team in the NFC East to 3-5-1.

    With an opportunity to grow their lead on the division, and the rest of the NFC with a trip to Green Bay. Will the Eagles come out on top against a Packers team struggling to play their best football?

    Go Birds. 

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    Tyler L’Heureux

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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?

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    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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