Author: Staff Reports

When Bryce Harper misjudged that fly ball in right field, it was natural to wonder what he might be thinking.

Turns out, he was thinking of his oldest son, Krew.

He thought of how he could learn from a given situation and respond to it.

And respond he did. Harper followed a Kyle Schwarber home run with a game-tying blast, but the heroics didn’t stop there.

Alec Bohm delivered the game-winning shot. He’ll be a free agent this winter, but is this season-saving blast enough to keep this former Philly hater in town?

— Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Soaring, flying

A few months ago, the Flyers knocked Noel Acciari and his team out of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em?

Acciari signed a two-year deal with the Flyers over the summer and has acclimated seamlessly on and off the ice.

The Flyers, who entered the season with increased expectations, were quickly humbled in front of the Xfinity Mobile Arena crowd Wednesday. They laid an egg in a 7-0 loss to the Penguins that equaled their largest ever defeat in a season opener.

Before the disappointing loss, the Flyers rolled out the orange carpet for player walk-ins, a fan fest was held at Stateside Live!, and Charles Barkley made an appearance.

Next: The Flyers hit the road to face the New Jersey Devils for their first road trip of the season tonight (7 p.m., ESPN+, Hulu).

Blame game

Vic Fangio didn’t want to point a finger at any one player for the third-quarter Chicago Bears touchdown Monday night that put the Eagles in a two-score hole during their eventual 27-7 defeat, but he did take the blame for the overall effort.

And the veteran defensive coordinator confirmed that the team’s safety rotation will continue for Sunday’s game against the Rams.

After Monday’s costly interception, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni affirmed that he “has faith” in his backup quarterbacks.

And on the most recent episode of unCovering the Birds, The Inquirer’s Eagles podcast, Jeff McLane and Jeff Neiburg break down Monday’s loss.

Next: The Birds are back at the Linc on Sunday to face the Rams (1 p.m., Fox29).

Scouting Brown

After spending his first 10 seasons with Boston, Jaylen Brown was traded to a Sixers team he was “trained to hate, probably.” So Tyrese Maxey has plenty of experience facing Brown. Now, though, they’re teammates. So what’s that like?

Maxey also was in the news because of his inclusion on a list of influential people by Time.

Brown isn’t the only newcomer for the Sixers, though. Maxey also shared some insight on another new teammate in Dean Wade.

Next: The Blue x White scrimmage is Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

McKenzie’s coming home

On Wednesday, Mark McKenzie’s professional career came full circle when the Union announced that he will join the team on Jan. 1.

So what brought him back to Chester?

It was a combination of factors, but now he brings a wealth of experience from playing in various European clubs and leagues back home — a home on and off the pitch.

Next: The Union are off for the FIFA break but return on Oct. 10 to face Real Salt Lake (7:30 p.m., Apple TV).

Sports snapshot

• Breaking the mold: Meet the father-daughter duo working to make MMA more inclusive.
• Friends for life: A former Sixer is promoting the power of friendship — through a dating app.
• Tip the cap: Jason Kelce defends his hat and questions NFL rules on the latest episode of New Heights.
• That’s a hoot: Temple releases its men’s and women’s basketball conference schedules.

What you’re saying about painful memories

We asked: What’s your most painful sports memory and why? Among your responses:

For Philadelphia sports fans, painful memories sometimes seem like a rite of passage. An untimely penalty at the end of Super Bowl LVII for the Eagles, a Joe Carter home run to seal the 1993 World Series for the Phillies, or a narrow miss at a blocked punt attempt from ND Kalu in the 2002 NFC Championship Game against the Rams.

But for me — nothing will ever quite erase the sting of the 2003 NFC Championship Game loss 27–10 to the Buccaneers a year later. It wasn’t just the final Eagles Game ever at Veterans Stadium — it was yet another chance at the Super Bowl for only the second time in franchise history. A seventy-yard kickoff return to open the game by Brian Mitchell, an early Duce Staley touchdown run, and then an Eagles interception seemed to make the win all but complete. But the next three quarters were dominated by Tampa Bay who would go on to win the Super Bowl. — Michael L.

My most painful memory is the year the Tampa Bay Bucs came to Philly on a cold day for the NFC Championship Game and they upset the Eagles. I was in the stands with my 20 year old son. After Brian Mitchell returned the opening kickoff into Bucs territory and Duce Staley scored a touchdown only a few plays later we were ecstatic and I was screaming “We’re going to the Super Bowl Son!” as I had been chosen in the Eagles season ticket holders drawing and had purchased 2 Super Bowl tickets through the Eagles organization. Our flight to San Diego was booked and our hotel room was reserved. We were ready to go and thought for sure we would soon be on our way. Unfortunately it didn’t quite work out that way. — Bob A.

Losing the NFC championship to the Bucs in the last game played at the Vet. Finally, “our time” had arrived, or so it seemed. A hot start to the game gave way to misery that wouldn’t be salved until Super Bowl 52. — Dave K.

I’m old enough to remember a double disappointment in the 1964 pennant races. Growing up in Baltimore, I was twelve years old then, and primed for an Orioles-Phillies World Series. The Orioles led the American League through the first half of September, and then stumbled while the White Sox and Yankees got hot, so there went that hope. And I need not recount the last handful of games for the Phillies. So that hurt big time to have to watch the Cardinals and Yankees in the Series that year.

Every bit as painful — and far more acute since it was a single eventthat occurred over a matter of a few seconds — was Leon Stickel’s completely wrong missed offsides call against the Islanders in 1980. How he could miss Butch Goring as much as eight to ten feet offsides is beyond me. That blown call could be argued as the point of departure that cost the Flyers the 1980 Stanley Cup.

Then there was game 7 of the 1987 Stanley Cup Finals: the Flyers held a tenuous lead on the road in Edmonton after two periods, and unlike other painful memories, nothing untoward happened. They simply gave until there was nothing left, and Edmonton had a tiny bit in reserve: just enough to put the Oilers over the top.

There are other grim memories also in the hunt: Mitch Williams’ pitch in the 1993 Series that wound up in the seats; Donovan McNabb’s problems in the Super Bowl; the Flyers’ offense drying up in the spring of 1997; Patrick Kane’s overtime goal in Game 6 of the 2010 Cup finals … you get the idea. — John B.

Naturally your first memory of painful Philly losses has to be the 1964 Phillies collapse, but as all Philly sports fans know we have more than our share of such. For me one of the most painful losses was the 1980 Dick Vermeil’s 12-4 NFC Champion Eagles losing to the Oakland Raiders 10-27 in a game we all thought for sure they would win. — Everett S.

The most painful sports memory in my lifetime will always be the 1964 Phillies losing 10 straight to blow a 6 and a half game lead with 12 to play. There were so many happy memories that year and they had the pennant won — but then they didn’t. That was a long time ago, but it is something that unfortunately I will never forget. — Tom E.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Lochlahn March, Scott Lauber, Marcus Hayes, Jackie Spiegel, Ryan Novozinsky, Jeff McLane, Jeff Neiburg, Ariel Simpson, Gina Mizell, Mike Livingston, Chris Hine, Kerith Gabriel, Conor Smith, and Mia Messina.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading along! Kerith will be back in your inboxes tomorrow — as will the Phillies. — Maria

Instead of his usual intro, Phillies closer Jhoan Duran came out to the pomp and circumstance of the seventh inning stretch on Tuesday in Atlanta.

Usually tasked with the final three outs, Duran’s mission was as many of the final nine as he could. He gave the Phillies a clean seventh and two-thirds of the eighth.

But then …

Infield single, hit batter, and blast. Just like that, the Phillies’ one-run lead was replaced with a two-run deficit. Playoff bullpen collapses aren’t unheard of during this era of the Phillies, but this year, Duran was out there in the seventh and eighth because he had to be.

Now, the Phillies’ hopes of playing another day largely hinge on Cristopher Sánchez.

— Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Tune out the noise

The sound of a helicopter mixed in with the soft-spoken responses from Anfernee Simons, and there could not have been a more obvious metaphor for what awaits the Sixers this season.

The chopper was there to take LeBron James to New York, where he’s splitting time, and the legend even acknowledged the increased noise his presence brings. But through one day of practice, players like Simons and coach Nick Nurse are prepared to adapt to the scrutiny.

So what did that first practice entail? It started with a 30-minute “vision” presentation and a focus on defense.

Next: The Blue x White scrimmage is Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena, and after four preseason games, the action really gets going at the New York Knicks on Oct. 20 (7 p.m., NBC10).

‘The Boys Are Back in Town’

“Guess who just got back today. Them wild-eyed boys that had been away.”

Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott may not have been singing about hockey in 1976, but the “Boys Are Back in Town” tonight with the Flyers hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

And the Flyers aren’t just back, they enter the 2026-27 season with added pressure and expectations after ending their five-year playoff drought a year ago. Can they live up to the hype and take another step forward in their rebuild? We talked to GM Danny Brière about that and several other topics ahead of the season.

The start of the season also means predictions time. Jackie Spiegel and Gabriela Carroll shared theirs here.

Next: It’s here! Opening night vs. Penguins is tonight (7:30 p.m., TNT, HBO MAX, and TruTV).

Adding to the flock

It’s not just the Phillies who are in the dumps right now. The Eagles saw a long streak of games in which they scored at least 10 points get snapped, and had few positives to take away from the loss in Chicago.

Making matters worse is a slate of tough opponents coming up. It starts Sunday with the Rams. Here’s what we know entering the game.

We don’t know everything, but we do know that the Eagles’ standing in various power rankings took a tumble. And the national media had its say, too.

Meanwhile, veteran defensive back Kenny Moore II, who was signed to the practice squad last week, was signed to the active roster on Tuesday.

Next: The Birds welcome the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday (1 p.m., Fox29).

ABCs for referees

Cherry Hill athletic director Michael Beirao has about $130,000 with which to pay officials at two high schools and three middle schools — that’s two schools’ worth of 63 varsity teams, plus another roughly 60 subvarsity squads. The three middle schools? That’s another 17 programs each.

His $130,000 is considered a large budget.

But new guidelines would classify officials as employees vs. independent contractors. South Jersey athletic directors explained the costs of these potential changes, which go into effect on Thursday.

Sports snapshot

• One-woman band: How a Doylestown woman is “helping my husband watch the Eagles game.”
• Starstruck: Many of the USWNT’s best players are in the squad for a two-game series vs. Spain.

What you’re saying about the Eagles

We asked: What was the biggest downfall in the Eagles’ loss to the Bears? Among your responses:

The secondary couldn’t cover the Bears receivers and couldn’t tackle them either. Fangio needs to come up with something very quickly or teams will score at will. — Tom G.

Coaching was lousy, line play was lousy both sides, did we even have a defensive backfield?? — Bill M.

Hard to pick what was the worst. Defense, defensive backfield, offensive line, quarterback, etc. Not counting the horrible Jerry Wolman, Joe Kuharich years, I think this was the ugliest Eagles loss ever. They made a back up QB look like Joe Montana. “To whom much is given, much is expected.” and for the Eagles far more than this is expected. — Everett S.

I guess I’ll say execution, while granting that it’s a cop-out to cover the all-around failures. In terms of where to begin in fixing it? Wow. The defensive showing was alarming, but probably still need to start by building up the O-line and generally improve blocking. I sympathize with the play-calling that indeed, there is no darn reason that any team should be this bad using screens etc. — D. Stone

It’s a team game so a total team loss. The only bright spot was Quinyin Mitchell! However, it should be remembered, the 2024-25 season started with questionable calls and a dropped pass letting Atlanta win. Then a 3 point win over a weak Saints team followed by being blown out by Tampa Bay. We all know what happened the rest of that season!. It’s a long season and this one is far from over! Go Birds! — Dave S.

The final score. Utter failure across the board by the fluttering Birds. Numerous displays of mediocrity prevailed throughout the Green and White numbers. During this complete Blowout of the bumbling Birds, the Bears were consistently at their best, as if feasting on the backfield like Honey in the Hive. Has the season started? Or, wake us when it’s over. — John B.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, David Murphy, Mia Messina, Chris Hine, Gina Mizell, Jackie Spiegel, Ariel Simpson, Gabriela Carroll, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Isabella DiAmore, and Jonathan Tannenwald.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading! We’ll know tomorrow whether we get more Red October. — Maria

It felt like we were trapped in a spiral. The Eagles offense couldn’t generate a spark and the defense couldn’t make a stop Monday night.

Both sides of the ball had sluggish performances that resulted in a 27-7 loss to Chicago and third-string quarterback Case Keenum. Just as they did in their Week 13 victory on Black Friday last year, the Bears outplayed the Eagles.

The Eagles coughed up the ball three times, Jalen Hurts was evaluated for a concussion but returned, and penalties on both sides of the ball were a setback throughout the game.

All the while, the 38-year-old Keenum threw for 247 yards and accounted for three total touchdowns. The Eagles were poor across the board, but Nick Sirianni should shoulder the blame, writes Jeff McLane.

So, how about those Phillies? A 2 p.m. start time isn’t ideal, but playoff baseball is officially back today. The Sixers also held their media day on Monday, where LeBron James donned the uniform for the first time.

— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Get creative

Jesús Luzardo will start Game 1 of a best-of-three wild-card series against the Braves. The Phillies initially planned to have Zack Wheeler start, but they needed him Sunday in a must-win regular-season finale.

Now, the Phillies have to get creative — and they’ve been in a similar pitching conundrum before. In 2023, the Phillies opened with Ranger Suárez in Atlanta. The move paid off. They’re hoping the same happens with Luzardo.

In other news, Luis Arraez continues to get positive updates on his sprained left ankle, but he will not be included on the wild-card roster.

What we’re …

👀 Seeing: Nick Sirianni offered some choice words after a late hit on Jalen Hurts. Here’s what you missed from the broadcast.

📺 Watching: Former Villanova guard Jalen Brunson making his first appearance as host of NBC’s Saturday Night Live.

🐱 Learning: Villanova’s mascot, Will D. Cat, signed an NIL deal with a popular cat food brand.

👕 Wearing: The Sixers announced their six-uniform rotation — and yes, the Iverson-era black jerseys are back.

A new look

LeBron James, one of the NBA’s all-time greats and a mainstream international celebrity, spoke publicly for the first time since he chose the Sixers in a stunning free-agency move in July.

And while he acknowledged that the outside noise surrounding the Sixers has doubled now that he’s here, James reemphasized that his goal — in perhaps his last destination in a storied NBA career — is to reach the NBA mountaintop.

Check out more from our Sixers media day coverage, including how Jaylen Brown is adjusting to his new team and Joel Embiid wanting to play “as much as possible” this season.

Making of a star

Porter Martone came out like gangbusters with the Flyers. After wrapping up a dominant freshman season at Michigan State, the sixth overall pick in the 2025 draft kept the Orange and Black’s playoff dreams alive.

Now his teammates are excited to see what Martone can bring in his first full pro season. The 19-year-old has the potential to be the franchise’s next box-office star.

N.J. refs face challenges

The cost of hiring youth sports officials has increased, while the number of officials participating has declined. In New Jersey, increasingly complex labor laws have created an unforeseen issue: the worker classification of officials in amateur sports.

The change of officiating classification could be slow and gradual. However, classifying officials as independent contractors or employees could lead to higher costs and fewer refs.

Marcus Hayes’ take

Zack Wheeler helped avert the greatest collapse in Philadelphia sports history, and carried the rest of the franchise-record $330 million payroll with him. After three straight years of dead bats in the playoffs, can they do this postseason what they did Sunday? We don’t know about the hitters. We do know about Wheeler, writes columnist Marcus Hayes.

What you’re saying about Phillies in the postseason

We asked: How far do you think the Phillies can go in the playoffs? Among your responses:

Despite almost being eliminated from NL playoff contention, the Phillies still have plenty of talent in that nearly $292 million roster to make a deep post-season run. The Phillies have both the talent in pitching an offense to compete with any MLB team. They’ll have to start by overcoming a big obstacle — an estimated 36.7% chance of beating an Atlanta Braves team that holds a 9–4 advantage over the Phillies of 9–4 this year. If they don’t — we’ll welcome in October with an Eagles winning record and the start of Sixers Training Camp this week. — Michael L.

I’m a lifelong Phillies fan who still supports them to the end even though I’m retired and living in South Carolina. Although the team has the ability to get on a heater and go as far as the end, I’m afraid this time it’s going to stop in Atlanta. The starters can throw several strong innings and the hitters can deliver a few runs but this bullpen has proven there is no lead they are incapable of giving up. I hope I’m wrong but I see teams just waiting to feast once the starters are gassed and taking the fightin Phils down early. — John P.

How far the Phils go will depend on their hitting and bullpen. Starters need to go out least 6 innings, giving up 2 or less runs, bats need to get hot and the bullpen needs to do a job they haven’t been doing most of the season. — Tom G.

Phillies are definitely going to win the whole thing. Or lose two straight to Atlanta. — Dan B.

Well it depends on them. They certainly can beat the Braves, even though the Braves have Chris Sales, and they can beat the Dodgers if their pitching and hitting and fielding is in. The Brewers not so much. Go Phillies!!!!! — Bill M.

Squirrels things can and do happen in sports. A foot slips, a bad bounce a missed tag. On paper the Phils will lose. As long as they do not surrender the game to the bullpen they have a good chance to get past the Braves and even the Dodgers. — Nick S.

Right now not concerned with how far the Phillies can go, but concentrating on the herculean task of winning two out of three in Atlanta where the Phils were 1-4 this season and 4-9 overall against the division champ Braves who finished 6 games ahead of our guys. — Everett S.

They are a flawed team with many weak spots but I’ve been around long enough to know that if you catch a tiger by the tail anything can happen. That being said I doubt they will get past Atlanta as they are far too inconsistent. The bats and the bullpen will eventually let them down. Potential is a very nebulous term that is thrown around when evaluating this group. They are paid well to produce but the actual results show a different story. Other than a few starting pitchers , one member of the bullpen and a home run striker very few ere playing anywhere near their original potential. — Bill B.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Olivia Reiner, Marcus Hayes, Jeff McLane, Jackie Spiegel, Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Gina Mizell, Chris Hine, Gabriella Carroll, Isabella DiAmore, Mike Livingston, Maria McIlwain, and Conor Smith.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s it for me this week, have a wonderful Tuesday. Maria will be in your inbox tomorrow. — Bella

It’s too early to jump to conclusions, and history offers a good example of what happens when one does. But it’s hard to look at the trajectory of Cavan Sullivan and not wonder if America’s next hope at a World Cup is going to hail from a basement in Bridesburg.

It’s been well-documented that the Sullivans are Philly soccer royalty, with a family footprint that spans decades in the sport right here at home. Cavan, his older brother Quinn, and his twin brothers Declan and Ronan are the latest in a family that lives and breathes the sport and has found immense success, fortune, and fame as a result.

This week, Cavan joined the U.S. men’s senior team for a series of matches that, if he gets in, would find him at 16, the second-youngest player to make an appearance. Inquirer writer Matt Breen caught up with the family to discuss their individual journey and the collective trajectory that has made the youngest Sullivan a recognizable name.

We’re looking at clouds on this Friday as we keep an eye out for a nor’easter. Perhaps today is the calm before the storm, with highs expected to reach the mid-70s.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Hardly a clinch

For the second straight night, the Phillies had an opportunity to close in on a playoff spot.

And for the second straight night, the Phillies laid an egg.

A stagnant offense and yet another late bullpen collapse doomed them in a 5-1 loss to the Brewers on Thursday night. Milwaukee secured its 100th win of the season, setting a franchise record at the expense of the Phillies. The magic number remains at 2 going into the late game Thursday night between the Dodgers and Padres.

The Phillies will enter their final series of the regular season against the American League-leading Tampa Bay Rays without having officially secured a playoff spot.

The Phillies did get some good news on Thursday. Jesús Luzardo felt good after throwing a bullpen session and said “chances are good” he’ll be ready for the playoffs.

Next: The Phillies open their final series of the regular season at 6:40 tonight against Tampa Bay (NBCSP). Cristopher Sánchez (18-6, 2.93 ERA) will start against Rays right-hander Freddy Peralta (9-11, 4.56).

What we’re …

🤔 Wondering: Will the Philly sports madness ever end? We certainly hope not.

🏈 Watching: This first look at fan favorite Zach Ertz in an Eagles uniform.

🎧 Listening: To the latest unCovering the Birds podcast focusing on the magic of Jalen Hurts.

🏃🏽‍♂️‍➡️Questioning: Will Penn come out firing in their season opener, despite matching up against a 4-0 Lehigh team ranked No. 6 in FCS?

🦅 Reading: The numbers that stand out in Monday night’s matchup between the Eagles and the Chicago Bears.

Whirlwind of emotion

One would think that Zach Ertz returning to the Eagles would stoke a lot of emotions. Excitement. Joy. Relief. But nervous?

“I don’t know if I’ve ever been more nervous for a walkthrough than today,” Ertz said after his first practice back with the Eagles, who signed him to their practice squad earlier this week. “Obviously the past nine-and-a-half months have been tough. A lot of emotions going through today, a lot of prayers going through today, just to try to center myself.”

After 181 career regular-season NFL games and another 11 in the playoffs, the 35-year-old is playing what looks to be his final chapter in the place that gave him his start. Here’s why, to him, it means so much more than football.

Ready to Woll

After an up-and-down season from Sam Ersson, the Flyers made it a priority to upgrade the backup goaltender position behind Dan Vladař.

That decision could soon pay dividends after Vladař left the team’s second preseason game on Tuesday with an upper-body injury. While the Czech netminder thankfully looks to have avoided a major injury, it highlights why the Flyers were so keen to add a proven commodity Woll.

Could Woll even start opening night?

“I think I’ve proven that I can do that in my career. So my goal from the start with this team has been to help them however I can, whatever situation that means, so [it] doesn’t really change my process or my day-to-day or my mindset with whatever happens,” Woll said Wednesday.

All the footy

It’s shaping up to be a soccer-filled weekend full of players from the Philly region. Let’s start with the Union, who will face Orlando City on Saturday (7 p.m., Apple TV) without five of its customary starters, two of which have been the heart of the team’s defense. Here’s why interim manager Ryan Richter isn’t worried, as a chance at a franchise record hangs in the balance.

Also, our daily dispatch from the U.S. men’s national team camp checks in with Media’s Auston Trusty, who talks not just about his place on the roster ahead of a Saturday match against Peru (4:30 p.m., TNT), but that of the three Philly-area players like him on the team’s 28-man roster.

On this date

Sept. 25, 1960: How about this for a weird statistic? Today, 66 years ago, the Phillies ended a streak of 16 straight losses in games played on a Sunday after beating the Reds, 7-1.

Our best sports 📸 of the week

Our team of photographers captured the Phillies’ playoff chase, as well as a slew of other dazzling sports moments from the week in our latest edition of The Big Picture. Enjoy.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

TADICA NALLEOG

Which former morning shock jock announced their return to the airwaves to talk almost exclusively about the Eagles? Think you know? Take a guess and click here to see if you’re correct.

What you’re saying about tailgating

We asked: What’s your favorite tailgate memory?

One of the best aspects of an Eagles tailgate is the smell of that amazing food floating across the Lincoln Financial Field Parking lot. Before every Eagles game, without fail — it’s time for a cheesesteak. While most Philadelphians will use any excuse to have that delectable assortment of meat and cheese on a fresh roll from one of the city’s top spots, known internationally, passing through your taste buds on the way down the digestive track — you simply can’t beat one before the game begins. — Michael L.

For me, it’s the random guys in the parking lots selling Eagles gear on the low. I’m a sucker, and as much as I try not to buy, there’s always a hat, a T-shirt, or something they come by the tailgate with, and I end up having to buy. I don’t care where it comes from; I just care that it’s cool, and it’s usually cheap. Long live the hustle, and GO BIRDS! — Geoff B.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Matt Breen, Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Hannah Chang, Jeff McLane, Jackie Spiegel, Rob Tornoe, Mia Messina, Kerith Gabriel, Jonathan Tannenwald, and The Inquirer’s photography staff.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s your weekend. Enjoy what’s slated to be a packed sports weekend. We’ll be back to unpack all with you bright and early on Monday. — Kerith

In just a few short weeks, the tradition of tailgating before Eagles games could be over as we know it.

Oversized vehicles will be limited to Lot D near Xfinity Mobile Arena and the upper portion of Lot N. Parking locations will be assigned and cannot be saved.

Oh, and vehicles in the oversized areas are limited to a maximum of six spots — after forking over $100 each for two more than the standard four.

But one Birds fan decided to do something about it. Carmen “Big Carm” Conti, a 38-year-old from South Jersey, has been setting up in the same spot for a decade. And he recently took to Facebook with a post titled “Save Philadelphia Tailgating.” It went viral, and he held a news conference with several other fans in South Philly, where they asked for “a seat at the table.”

— Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Safety first

Pro Football Focus’ numbers weren’t kind to the Eagles’ starting safety tandem of Marcus Epps and Andrew Mukuba. The database tagged them with three missed tackles apiece and also charged Epps with conceding Elic Ayomanor’s 29-yard reception on third-and-13 in the second quarter.

But don’t expect to see Cooper DeJean reprising his role at safety on a full-time basis. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is confident Epps will bounce back and pointed to other options at safety if needed.

Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Sean Mannion sheds some light on Zach Ertz’s potential role.

Next: The Eagles are back on the road to face the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football (8:15 p.m., 6abc, ESPN).

What we’re …

👀 Learning: How Cavan Sullivan earned his spot at his first USMNT camp.

📚 Reading: About how Gracie Sullivan (yes, Cavan’s cousin) is making an impact as Drexel’s goalkeeper.

👟Anticipating: The release of Tyrese Maxey’s signature with New Balance next week, which he promoted at three local spots on Wednesday.

Ranking the Sixers

New 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey had a big offseason. He brought in LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, adding them to a roster that already included Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe.

The star power was on display in ESPN’s ranking of the top 100 NBA players, which included every member of the presumptive starting five. While no player made the top 10, three were included in the top 20, and they all made the top 75.

Next: Training camp begins Tuesday in Camden.

‘Dodged a bullet’

There was a lot of doomscrolling across Flyers Twitter on Tuesday night.

That’s because team MVP and starting goaltender Dan Vladař left the Flyers’ preseason game against the Boston Bruins because of an upper-body injury. If the upstart Flyers could ill afford to lose a player, it was their backbone Vladař.

But Wednesday afternoon brought a collective sigh of relief as Rick Tocchet eased worries by saying, “I think we dodged a bullet,” regarding his goaltender’s health. While Vladař’s status for the opener is unknown, it sounds like the Flyers avoided the worst-case scenario.

Vladař isn’t the only Czechia native who could prove integral to the Flyers’ success this season. Defenseman David Jiříček, who was acquired at last year’s trade deadline, is looking to rediscover the potential that made him a top 10 pick in 2022.

Next: The Flyers will take the ice in Philly for the first time this preseason tomorrow, when they host the Boston Bruins (7 p.m., NBCSP+).

Painting on the wall

The decision to start Andrew Painter on Thursday night vs. the Brewers was telling.

By keeping the rookie on normal rest, the Phillies could be preparing him for a bullpen role if and when they clinch a spot in the postseason.

The 23-year-old hasn’t pitched as a reliever in his brief career, though he has twice followed an opener. But the Phillies need all the help they can get in fortifying the bridge to closer Jhoan Duran.

But first, the Phillies have to get to the postseason. And they’ll have to wait a bit longer after dropping Wednesday night’s game, 4-1, to Milwaukee.

Next: Another day, another opportunity to clinch a postseason berth. The Phillies close out their series vs. the Brewers tonight (6:05 p.m., NBCSP). Andrew Painter (3-10, 5.59 ERA) will face a Brewers starter to be determined.

On this date

This time last year, Red October was locked in — as was a first-round bye. We don’t need to think too hard about how that National League Division Series went, but the win that clinched an NLDS berth sure was a fun one. The Phillies beat the Miami Marlins, 11-1, at home and hit a franchise-record eight home runs in the process. Slugger Kyle Schwarber hit Nos. 55 and 56, and Edmundo Sosa (three), Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, and Otto Kemp got in on the fun, too.

Mike Sielski’s take

After two Central Bucks High School East student-athletes died by suicide in a span of less than four months, a group of the school’s girls’ soccer decided something had to be done. They arranged a mental health awareness night in the wake of the deaths and invited the mom of one of the late athletes to speak.

Megan Hanson’s son, Sam, died the day before Easter. She wasn’t sure she was ready yet to speak, but she offered her insights to those assembled before a soccer game between CB East and CB West. Mike Sielski was there to capture the scene and share some insights of his own.

What you’re saying about former Eagles

We asked: Which active former Eagle would you like to bring back and why?

Given the woes of the offensive line, I would welcome back Mekhi Becton. While he was a bust with the Jets and the Chargers, he flourished with Eagles during their last Super Bowl run. Howie, I believe Mekhi is a free agent — let’s make a call! — Bob C.

I have to say that of all of the active players that I would want back in midnight green — Mekhi Becton is at the top of my list. He may not be that glamorous skill-position player racking up stats week after week. But when he played for the Eagles — he was a difference maker.

Becton’s only season with the Eagles led to a Super Bowl championship. He helped to open up huge running lanes for Saquon Barkley — and kept Jalen Hurts’ jersey clean throughout the game each week. And did I mention that he’s currently a free agent? — Michael L.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Ariel Simpson, Conor Smith, Olivia Reiner, Ryan Novozinsky, Lauren Jones, Jonathan Tannenwald, Mike Livingston, Gabriela Carroll, Jackie Spiegel, Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, and Mike Sielski.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading along! Kerith will be back in your inboxes to close out the week. — Maria

It’s kind of hard to believe that it’s been five years since Zach Ertz was traded away midseason. (That also means that Jalen Hurts has been the Eagles’ full-time starting quarterback for five years. Time flies, doesn’t it?)

Ertz is back in the flock, and now we’ll see how much he can wind the clock back as he steps in for the injured Dallas Goedert.

His receiving prowess isn’t in doubt. But Goedert played a big role in new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s scheme — as a receiver and a blocker.

Even in his prime, Ertz, now 35 and coming off a torn ACL, wasn’t known for his blocking. It’ll largely be on the likes of Mannion to figure out the personnel side of things. The question for Ertz is if he can be the player the Eagles need now.

— Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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How much juice does Ertz still have?

Ertz finished with 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games for the Washington Commanders last season before tearing both the anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament in his right knee.

But history has not kind to 36-year-old tight ends, and Ertz turns 36 in November. Ertz’s best traits are well known to the Eagles. But Father Time might be the biggest hurdle for the Birds’ tight end legend to be effective.

And after Week 2, here’s how the national media ranks the Eagles.

Next: The Eagles are back on the road for a Monday Night Football clash with the Chicago Bears (8:15 p.m., 6abc, ESPN).

Will Mattingly return?

Don Mattingly is now the only interim manager in baseball after the Mets and Red Sox announced Tuesday that they will keep Andy Green and Chad Tracy, respectively, at the helm of their clubs.

With the Phillies on the verge of a fifth straight trip to the postseason, is Mattingly next?

They are in no hurry to make a decision about his future.

Mattingly gave a glimpse of how he may manage in the playoffs as the Phillies used a three-run eighth inning to beat the Brewers, 6-4, and moving one game closer to a wild-card berth.

Next: The Phillies return to action tonight against the Brewers (6:40 p.m., NBCSP). Aaron Nola (7-10, 4.49 ERA) takes the mound against Brewers righty Logan Henderson (10-3, 2.51).

Teen spirit

Neil Pierre is well-known to Union fans who’ve watched his rapid rise this summer and soccer aficionados.

But he could be getting a whole lot more popular soon. Pierre, 18, is one of three young Union standouts who were called into this U.S. men’s national team camp, and he admitted some nerves, but he’s already impressed at least one veteran in camp.

Back home in the Philly area, Villanova has become one of the best defensive teams in Division I women’s soccer.

Next: Training continues ahead of the USMNT’s next match against Peru on Saturday (4:30 p.m., TNT) in Orlando.

To the point

Cam York always wants to work on his defensive game, but if his offense can take a step forward — without sacrificing or cheating the game in the Flyers’ end — it could be huge for his game and the team’s success.

The Californian has 23 goals and 103 points in 309 career regular-season points, but his 103 career points rank third all-time among defensemen in U.S. National Team Development Program history.

After a spirited practice on Tuesday, his defensive partner and friend Jamie Drysdale fed him puck after puck as he fired one-timers from the point — after taking time to refine puck retrievals and outlet passes.

It was just another layer added to what the defenseman worked on over the summer to have an effective shot.

Next: The Flyers will take the ice in Philly for the first time this preseason tomorrow, when they host the Boston Bruins (7 p.m., NBCSP+).

Sports snapshot

• Sheppard’s flock: Temple will turn to quarterback Ajani Sheppard against Army.
• From Eagles to Hawks: St. Joseph’s men’s basketball coach Steve Donahue is a familiar face for one Hawks recruit.

🧠 Trivia time answer

We asked you: Which tight end holds the record for the most single-season receiving yards in Eagles history?

Answer: C: Pete Retzlaff. Retzlaff, who played for the Eagles from 1956 to 1966, had 7412 career yards — the second-most receiving yards by any Eagle — on 452 catches with 47 touchdowns.

What you’re saying about Zach Ertz

We asked: What is your reaction to the Eagles signing Zach Ertz?

I always liked, respected and rooted for Zach, even after he was traded by the Eagles. Zach, and his wife Julie, truly embraced the culture of the team and the city. I’m glad that he will get a chance to end his career back in Philadelphia and I wish him good health and much success on the field. — Jim V.

Hopefully he’s not past his time being an effective target. His experience should help. — Tom G.

Fantastic! Welcome home Zach! The best tight end in Eagles history! — Bob A.

Good decision. Other two tight ends are blockers, Ertz always could catch. — Bill M.

To grab a guy from out of nowhere there could not be a better choice than Zach. An Eagle hero and who can ever forget that 11 yard crucial SB TD from Foles that must have been reviewed 20 times. And also his 6 other catches for a total of 67 yards. You have to assume that he is in great shape if the Eagles are seriously going to bring him back. No tight end would we rather have than Zach. — Everett S.

I was very disappointed when Ertz left for Arizona. He has always been an elite tight end as well as a positive influence in the clubhouse. Never a negative word was attributed to him. While sorry that Goedert went down with his injury, I look forward to seeing Zach on the field again. — Nick S.

While a feel-good story, reunions with players past their prime rarely work out. Zach will be new to the system, did not participate in any training camp and is coming off a serious injury. No YAC (yards after catch) Zach will be challenged in this new system, whereby the tight end will be counted on to both block and take passes across the middle. Hope this works out, and Dallas Goedert isn’t out long-term. Troubled that Howie could not find a younger journeyman. — Bob C.

What a GREAT pick up. Love to see to see to old boy back home. — Nathaniel G.

The signing of Zach Ertz to the Eagles roster doesn’t just mean a bandaid while Dallas Goedert is out. It is the addition of a future Hall of Fame tight end who started a Super Bowl winning career right here in Philadelphia as a draft pick from Stanford back in 2013.

Thirteen years later — he’s still a force at the position with excellent hands, size, and speed. He isn’t just a reliable option at the position — he’s also a veteran presence that can mentor younger talent like Eli Stowers. And did I mention that he is a Super Bowl LII champion? One with the Eagles, that is. — Michael L.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from David Murphy, Devin Jackson, Mia Messina, Scott Lauber, Jonathan Tannenwald, Finn Courtney, Jackie Spiegel, Mike Livingston, and Conor Smith.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading along! I’ll be back in your inboxes tomorrow. — Maria