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Tag: Weekend Eagles

  • Eagles’ Vic Fangio says safety starters are staying put, won’t increase Cooper DeJean’s snaps at the position

    Eagles’ Vic Fangio says safety starters are staying put, won’t increase Cooper DeJean’s snaps at the position

    Cooper DeJean isn’t moving to safety on a full-time basis any time soon.

    The play of Eagles starting safety Marcus Epps is under scrutiny following the Eagles’ 24-20 victory over Tennessee, particularly in regard to his missed tackle on Titans running back Tyjae Spears’ third-and-22 rushing conversion late in the game.

    Epps and Andrew Mukuba, the starting safety tandem, were credited with three missed tackles apiece on Sunday in Nashville, according to Pro Football Focus. The database also put the blame on Epps for conceding Titans receiver Elic Ayomanor’s 29-yard reception in the second quarter on third-and-13.

    But Vic Fangio responded with a blunt “no” on Wednesday when asked if he would consider moving DeJean — who starts at safety in place of Epps in base defense — to safety full-time.

    Rather, Fangio didn’t express long-term concern about Epps in the role. He acknowledged that the 30-year-old safety “had some plays that he would like to have back,” both against the run and the pass. But the Eagles defensive coordinator didn’t seem to be completely out on Epps as a starter.

    “He’ll bounce back,” Fangio said.

    Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio would not commit to changes at safety ahead of Week 3’s trip to Chicago. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Still, Fangio said that “there’s a chance” that he could lean more on Michael Carter II, the 27-year-old defensive back who’s primarily played at nickel cornerback throughout his career, but competed with Epps for the starting safety job in training camp.

    The Eagles also signed 31-year-old defensive back Kenny Moore to the practice squad. Moore, who spent nine seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, has primarily played nickel cornerback. He does have some safety experience, too.

    Fangio wouldn’t confirm that the Eagles were signing Moore, let alone describe his prospective role in the defense.

    “I’ve never laid eyes on him,” Fangio said. “Never watched him play, so we’ll see.”

    Bears on the run

    The last time the Eagles faced the Chicago Bears in Week 13 last season, the Bears rushed for a whopping 281 yards and two touchdowns on 47 carries.

    Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift led the way with 130 yards and a touchdown and 125 yards and a touchdown, respectively, on the ground.

    Fangio isn’t flushing that game. In fact, he said he will include plays from the Eagles’ last outing against the Bears in this week’s cut-ups of the offense.

    “We got to play it better, obviously,” Fangio said of the Bears’ Week 13 output in the run game. “They are one of the better running teams in the league. Got a really great O-line, great backs. Their scheme is good. We’re going to have to play it a whole lot better.”

    The Eagles were gutted on the ground against Kyle Monangai and the Bears in a home loss on Black Friday last year.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    The Eagles will need to clean up their tackling if they want to fare better against the Bears this time around. Last week against the Titans, the Eagles missed 12 tackles, according to PFF.

    “We missed a little bit more than we normally do,” Fangio said. “Missed a couple critical ones there. Just got to close space a little bit better, and we got to do it better.”

    While the Eagles are preparing to take on the Bears’ sound rushing attack, they might not have to prepare for quarterback Caleb Williams. The 2024 first-overall pick out of USC is “week to week” with a hamstring injury, according to Bears head coach Ben Johnson. Backup Tyson Bagent is in concussion protocol, paving the way for 38-year-old journeyman Case Keenum to take QB1 reps at Wednesday’s practice.

    But Fangio said he’s not necessarily operating under the assumption that Keenum will start on Monday night.

    “Don’t have enough information yet,” Fangio said. “We’re preparing for Chicago’s offense. I don’t think their offense will change a whole lot schematically. So that’s what we’ll prepare for.”

    Vic Fangio said Jonathan Greenard is getting closer but will not play a full complement snaps on Monday, even if he is active. David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

    Greenard getting closer?

    After sitting out the first two games, could Jonathan Greenard make his Eagles debut against the Bears?

    The 29-year-old outside linebacker has been practicing as a limited participant since the season began after he was sidelined throughout training camp due to a pectoral strain.

    Fangio said Greenard has a “better chance [at playing] than last week,” but he added that he wants to see how the veteran edge rusher will fare in practice this week before making a decision on his prospective role on Monday.

    Even if Greenard is able to play, don’t expect him to take on the majority of snaps in his first game back.

    “He’s definitely not ready for a full workload,” Fangio said. “He’s not only coming off inactivity; he’s coming off an injury. And his injury for a good bit, I don’t know, first four to six, seven weeks, he really couldn’t do a whole lot conditioning-wise either. So he’s nowhere near ready for full load.”

  • Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion talks Eagles’ early-down woes, potential Zach Ertz role

    Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion talks Eagles’ early-down woes, potential Zach Ertz role

    Sean Mannion knows his offense is still a work in progress.

    There have been positive signs, no doubt — like the team’s strong third-down conversion rate (53%) — but their track record in one particular area ranks near the bottom of the league:

    Early downs.

    According to Sportradar, the Eagles have an offensive success rate of 37% on first and second downs, which ranks last in the NFL. They’ve converted a first down on first down just one time and they’re tied for the most negative plays on offense through two weeks.

    Does Zach Ertz still have the juice to contribute to the Eagles? Here’s what the film — and history — says

    So, what gives? Mannion tried to explain this bizarre early- vs. late-down stat discrepancy during his Wednesday news conference.

    “There’s always going to be things to clean up each week,” the first-year offensive coordinator said. “We’re really close on a lot of our things on first and second down. Just some fundamental things to clean up, corrections to make. We’re always looking as a staff to put everyone in the best possible position to succeed. Not to make it coachspeak or anything like that, but I think we’re really close there.”

    Improvement in the run game would be a big first step. Eagles running backs averaged just 3.7 yards per carry in the first two weeks. They averaged 2.8 yards per carry in the last-minute win at Tennessee last Sunday.

    Coach Nick Sirianni didn’t offer much of an update Monday on Saquon Barkley, who missed the majority of the first half against the Titans, but he did finish the game so that could bode well for his Week 3 status. What does Mannion think of the current state of the run game?

    “We’re close,” he said. “A few little things fundamentally, just some of the smaller details that, if we attack those, it’ll really come to life for us. But the guys are bought in. I think what we’re doing, being able to stay on schedule on first and second down, allows you to call more runs. You never know when those are about to pop … I feel that, moving forward, those are going to start to break through.”

    Sean Mannion lauded Zach Ertz’s skills as a pass catcher. YONG KIM / Staff Photographer

    What will Ertz’s role be?

    The Eagles signed tight end Zach Ertz — who spent the first eight-plus years of his career in Philadelphia — to their practice squad Tuesday. The franchise legend will help fill the void left by Dallas Goedert, who is likely out several weeks due to a sprained MCL.

    The offense Mannion runs leans heavily on tight ends. So how, exactly, does he plan on using the 35-year-old Ertz?

    “He’s a very comfortable pass catcher,” Mannion said. “He’s had a really strong track record in that area. When you look at the tight end group, it’s really about the composite of everyone’s skill sets together. It’s what makes that position specifically unique — it’s about complementary skill sets and how they play off one another… We’ll use the week to evaluate and see what Zach’s role looks like.”

    Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion on how Zach Ertz will fit into the Eagles' offense
    Video: Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion on how Zach Ertz will fit into the Eagles’ offense

    With second-round pick Eli Stowers (quad/hamstring) and Grant Calcaterra (back) on injured reserve, Johnny Mundt and E.J. Jenkins are the only healthy tight ends on the Eagles roster. They’re both blocking tight ends. That could mean targets are coming Ertz’s way (he’s only 11 receptions shy of breaking Harold Carmichael’s franchise record of 589).

    “We’ll use this practice week and see what it looks like moving forward with us,” Mannion said. “Excited to add him. I know [we’re] a little dinged up at the position… But Zach has a lot of history with the organization. Excited to bring him in and use the week to see what his role may or may not look like.”

  • Russell Wilson sees his approach to the game in Eagles QB Jalen Hurts. Having the same mental coach helps.

    Russell Wilson sees his approach to the game in Eagles QB Jalen Hurts. Having the same mental coach helps.

    Russell Wilson watched Jalen Hurts throw two interceptions against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, then lead the Eagles to a last-minute victory.

    To Wilson, Hurts’ response looked familiar.

    “I think Jalen Hurts and I are very similar,” Wilson said Tuesday on CBS Sports’ Set, Hut!

    The comparison predates Wilson’s remarks. In 2021, then-Eagles cornerback Darius Slay likened Hurts to a young Wilson on a CBS Sports podcast. Slay pointed to the running games that supported both quarterbacks early in their careers and to Wilson’s development as a passer. He believed Hurts could make a similar progression.

    Wilson said the connection goes beyond their ability to run and throw. The quarterbacks have talked often over the years, he said, and both worked at different points with mental conditioning coach Trevor Moawad.

    Moawad met Wilson at IMG Academy in 2012, as Wilson prepared for the NFL draft. He became Wilson’s longtime coach, mentor, and friend. After Moawad died of cancer in 2021, Wilson recalled how he had helped him through both winning a Super Bowl and losing one the following year.

    Does Zach Ertz still have the juice to contribute to the Eagles? Here’s what the film — and history — says

    Wilson said Moawad taught him an approach he called “neutral thinking.” A quarterback has to deal with the play in front of him, Wilson explained, rather than carry an interception into the next series or dwell on a successful drive. Some teammates thought Wilson’s steady demeanor was an act. He said it was how he stayed present, and he sees that same steadiness in Hurts.

    Former Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson holds the Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2, 2014.Julio Cortez

    Wilson did not overlook the turnovers. He called Hurts’ first interception a bad throw and described the second as an attempt to take a shot against a Titans defense that was making the game difficult.

    What impressed Wilson was Hurts’ response after both mistakes.

    The first interception ended the Eagles’ 15-play opening drive. Tennessee safety Amani Hooker picked off Hurts in the end zone and returned the ball 92 yards, setting up a Titans touchdown.

    NFL power rankings roundup: Jalen Hurts’ Week 2 heroics give Eagles a boost heading into Monday Night Football

    With the game tied at 17 and about six minutes remaining, cornerback Marcus Harris intercepted an underthrown pass intended for DeVonta Smith. Tennessee later took a 20-17 lead on a field goal with 1 minute, 56 seconds left.

    Hurts answered by completing a 20-yard pass to Dontayvion Wicks on third down, later finding Smith for 19 yards on another third down to reach the Titans’ 3-yard line. His next pass went to Darius Cooper for the winning touchdown with nine seconds remaining. The nine-play, 65-yard drive gave the Eagles a 24-20 victory and gave Wilson a clear example of the composure he had been describing.

    Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in action against the Tennessee Titans last Sunday in Nashville.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    “He never gets flustered. And that’s not fake. That’s who he is,” Wilson said.

    Hurts described that responsibility in similar terms after the win, saying a quarterback has to manage the weight of the position without losing focus.

    “You’ve got to keep your poise and keep your focus,” Hurts said. “Today we were able to do that.”

    Wilson also reflected on what their Super Bowl victories mean beyond the field. He was the second Black starting quarterback to win one, following Washington’s Doug Williams in 1988. Wilson called Williams an inspiration and said he valued seeing Patrick Mahomes and then Hurts join them.

    Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (left) and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes are two of just four Black quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl as QB1. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Their paths also intersect in Eagles draft history. Philadelphia considered taking Wilson in 2012 but hoped he would still be available in the third round. Seattle selected him 75th overall; the Eagles took Nick Foles 13 picks later.

    That missed opportunity influenced how general manager Howie Roseman approached Hurts in 2020. The Eagles selected Hurts 53rd overall, in the second round, while Carson Wentz was still their starter. Roseman later explained that the 2012 draft had taught him to take a quarterback he valued when he had the chance, rather than risk waiting another round.

    After the Eagles beat Wilson’s Steelers in December 2024, Hurts told him on the field that he had watched him throughout childhood. Hurts later explained what Wilson had meant to him.

    “He’s paved the way for a ton of guys, including myself,” Hurts said.

  • Does Zach Ertz still have the juice to contribute to the Eagles? Here’s what the film — and history — says

    Does Zach Ertz still have the juice to contribute to the Eagles? Here’s what the film — and history — says

    The Eagles’ depth at tight end was tested early when Eli Stowers and Grant Calcaterra both landed on the injured list before the season began. Two weeks in, the Eagles now are also down starting tight end Dallas Goedert, who suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee during Sunday’s win over the Titans.

    An old friend, Zach Ertz, reunited with the Eagles on Monday, signing with the team’s practice squad. Before suffering a season-ending injury last year, Ertz, in his age-35 season, finished with 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games for the Washington Commanders.

    Ertz has spent the last nine months rehabbing from tearing both the anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, and with the Eagles in need of a receiving tight end, the reunion makes sense on paper.

    With tight ends hurt and blockers struggling, the Eagles need Zach Ertz to be more than a good story

    But does Ertz, who turns 36 in November, still have the skills to contribute in an offense that needs production from its tight ends? Here’s what his film over the last two years with the Commanders — and NFL history — says about Ertz, who is 11 receptions away from becoming the Eagles’ all-time leader.

    Manning the middle

    For the past 13 seasons, Ertz has thrived on targets over the middle of the field, including his last two seasons with the Commanders. According to Next Gen Stats, 90 of his 116 receptions and 919 of his 1,158 receiving yards over the last two years have come between the numbers.

    A route the Eagles are familiar with is his in-breaking route that is somewhere between a slant and dig route, and often mirrors a running back angle route out of the backfield. Ertz sets up the route by widening his route to the outside and sharply cutting upfield at an angle, allowing him to break open vs. both man and zone coverage.

    The route was especially effective in the red zone, where he scored all 11 of his receiving touchdowns with Washington. On this specific angle route, he scored five of those touchdowns, including against the Eagles in their Week 11 matchup in 2024.

    The big-bodied tight end (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) also thrived on traditional in-breaking routes, where he occupied the middle of the field, finding soft spots in zone coverage.

    About a third of his production in Washington came from in-breaking routes: According to Next Gen Stats, Ertz finished with 385 yards on 37 catches on those routes over the last two seasons, including eight of his 11 touchdowns.

    Though his speed to stretch the field vertically and athleticism to create after the catch are not what they were when he was last in an Eagles jersey in 2021, there is some route-running savvy he brings to his old team. Specifically, Ertz still showed the ability to break open on corner routes downfield, when matched up with safeties or linebackers.

    He uses his size to outmuscle smaller defenders and creates bigger target areas to throw the football. He takes his corner routes a few steps toward the middle of the field and breaks out toward the sideline at a sharp angle to allow the quarterback to throw him open. When he generated big gains over the last two years, they specifically came on those corner routes.

    While Ertz still can thrive as a receiver, he does not bring much as a blocker, an area where the Eagles have struggled through two weeks. Much of his time in Washington was spent as a detached slot receiver on run-pass option plays or as a lead blocker on the perimeter for zone-read runs with Jayden Daniels.

    He has not had an in-line blocking role for the majority of his career, and that is unlikely to change in this reunion. But with Goedert missing time, Ertz’s contributions as a pass catcher seemed to be what the Eagles are seeking in the franchise legend.

    Aging like fine wine?

    According to StatMuse, which has NFL data that goes back to 1932, only three tight ends eclipsed 500 yards in their aged-36 season: Tony Gonzalez (930), Travis Kelce (851), and Antonio Gates (548). Gonzalez repeated the feat at 37 and 38, Kelce appears on track to do so in 2026 at 37, and Gates failed to reach that marker again over his last two NFL seasons.

    If you widen the scope, two other players reached 500 receiving yards after their age-35 seasons, and one of those circumstances relates directly to Ertz. Jason Witten, who finished with more than 500 receiving yards in 2017 at 35 years old (560), retired in 2018, returned to Dallas in 2019 at 37, and finished with 529 yards in 2019. He did not reach 500 yards with Las Vegas in 2020.

    Benjamin Watson (82) had a late-career renaissance but like Zach Ertz, battled injuries in the twilight of his career. Patrick Semansky

    The other player in that category was Benjamin Watson, who had a career-best 825 yards at age 35 in 2015 with the Saints, but missed all of 2016. After returning at age 37, Watson finished 2017 with 522 yards on 61 catches, but he did not cross that threshold with the Saints in 2018 or Patriots in 2019.

    Injuries in 2022 and 2023 with the Cardinals prevented Ertz from reaching that marker, but Ertz played 17 and 13 games over his last two years, his most games in a two-year span since 2020 with the Eagles and 2021 split between Philly and Arizona.

    Gonzalez, Kelce, Gates, Witten, and Watson stayed remarkably healthy, though the latter faced injuries late in his career. With the exception of Kelce, they were two-way players as blockers and receivers. Ertz has missed time with injury in nine of his 13 seasons, suffering season-ending injuries in three of them, and does not offer much in the blocking department beyond doing so in space.

    Previous Goedert replacements

    When Goedert has been out of the lineup over the last four seasons, the Eagles have traditionally not relied on the backups for heavy receiving workloads. In 2022, when Goedert missed Weeks 10 through 14 with an injury, Jack Stoll caught seven passes for 74 yards in that time frame, while Calcaterra caught four passes for 41 yards.

    In 2023, when Goedert missed Weeks 10 through 12, Stoll had two receptions for 17 yards, and Calcaterra was inactive for two of those three games.

    In 2024, when Goedert missed Weeks 6 through 8, then 13 through 16 with injuries, Calcaterra had an increased role, catching 14 passes for 165 yards and one touchdown

    And last season, when Goedert missed only one meaningful game, Calcaterra had one catch for 6 yards in a Week 2 game in Kansas City.

    This offense under Sean Mannion requires more from tight ends than previous iterations of Eagles offenses, which made Ertz’s signing necessary, though learning the scheme could take time for the 13-year veteran to make a significant impact on the passing game.

    Expectations should be set low for Ertz, considering his age and return from a significant injury. But if the tight end can look somewhat like he did as a receiver last season, when he contributed a throwback performance against the Broncos one game before his injury (10 catches, 106 yards) the Eagles may get more than a feel-good story.

  • Eagles-Titans: Hall of Famer Drew Brees to call first Birds game in second chance with Fox

    Eagles-Titans: Hall of Famer Drew Brees to call first Birds game in second chance with Fox

    The Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) are on the road this week to take on the Tennessee Titans (0-1), and a Hall of Fame quarterback is joining them in Nashville.

    Drew Brees, the Super Bowl XLIV MVP who spent 20 seasons in the NFL, will be in the booth to call the game on Fox alongside play-by-play partner Adam Amin. Kristina Pink will report from the sidelines of Nissan Stadium.

    Similar to his playing career, Brees has been forced to overcome adversity as a broadcaster. He was hired by NBC in 2020 and appeared to be on track to replace Cris Collinsworth on Sunday Night Football, but a widely criticized performance in his first NFL broadcast — a 2021 wild-card game — led to his departure from the network.

    “When Drew shows up in the booth, who wouldn’t want to listen to him?” Fox Sports’ president and executive producer Brad Zager told Sports Business Journal before the start of the season. “You saw with Tom [Brady] that he had 18 weeks of reps with an ‘A’ crew his first year, and you saw that improvement. Drew never really had that on the NFL level. He does that playoff game, and everybody has their opinions.”

    Drew Brees spent 20 season in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with the Saints. YONG KIM / Staff Photographer

    Fox turned to Brees last season to replace former Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez, who was fired following a late-night fight in October where he allegedly attacked and stabbed a delivery driver. Brees has now called nine game in the network’s No. 3 booth alongside Amin, who has been impressed by the Hall of Famer’s deep understanding of the game and the gravitas he brings to the booth.

    It was certainly on display last week when the pair called the Chicago Bears’ 59-37 drubbing of the Carolina Panthers. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams credited advice Brees offered during a production meeting before the game with helping him focus on sticking with his reads and not overlooking open targets in search of a big play.

    “We want to encourage him to use his voice and take [viewers] another layer deeper,” Amin said. “And I think he’s starting to improve as a presenter. He still has to learn some of the timing and rhythm, but a lot of that just comes with doing the job. And the rest of it, the presentation, is going to come with timing and confidence.”

    Adam Amin and Drew Brees are paired together in Fox’s No. 3 NFL booth.Fox Sports

    In a way, Brees is fortunate to have been paired with Amin, who is in his seventh season with Fox and has a track record of working with recently retired players. That includes Sanchez on the football side and Adam Wainwright and A.J. Pierzynski on MLB games. Despite working with former All-Stars and MVPs, Amin has found most of his on-air partners to be coachable, and Brees has been no exception.

    “Most people don’t get a lot of coaching or guidance when they first step into the booth,” Amin said. “I have a process. I know what the feel of the broadcast looks and feels like and what the timing and rhythm of it is. And I go, ‘Man, here’s the timing and rhythm that I work off of. Let’s start there.’”

    “It’s funny to listen to him use television terminology,” Amin added. “Like, ‘Hey, let’s talk about this graphic’ or ‘Hey, what does the viz do?’ It’s like learning a new playbook for him.”

    As for Sunday’s game, one thing Amin will be watching is how the Eagles offensive line deals with Titans star Jeffery Simmons, who appeared to take a shot at Jalen Hurts earlier this week.

    “Simmons did not get a whole lot done against Landon Dickerson the last time they met in 2022,” Amin said. “Obviously, Dickerson is hurt, so who gets the assignment on Simmons?”

    According to The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, all indications point to the assignment falling to Drew Kendall in what would be his first career start.

    “The All-Pro lines up at multiple spots inside, but it’s likely Titans coach Robert Saleh will concentrate his efforts vs. Kendall,” McLane wrote.

    How to watch and stream Eagles vs. Titans

    Eagles-Titans will air on Fox Sunday at 1 p.m. Troy Taormina, Imagn Images

    Sunday’s Week 2 game between the Eagles and Titans is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Philadelphia time on Fox.

    The game will stream on Fox One, the network’s subscription streaming service. It’s also available on any so-called skinny bundle that carries Fox, including fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream. Most offer a free trial.

    If you live in Philadelphia or any other TV market where the game is airing, you can also stream the game on NFL+, the league’s subscription streaming service, which runs $6.99 a month.

    If you’re looking to stream the game for free and you live in or around Philadelphia, your best option is to use a digital antenna, since the game will air on broadcast television on Fox 29.

    The game can also be heard on 94.1 WIP, with Merrill Reese — in his 50th season as the voice of the Eagles — calling the game alongside former Birds receiver Mike Quick.

    Live Eagles coverage from The Inquirer

    Staff writers Jeff McLane, Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, and Ryan Novozinsky will be covering the action live on Inquirer.com.

    Notes and observations about the game can be found at Inquirer.com/Eagles. Don’t forget to subscribe to our free Sports Daily newsletter.

    The Eagles haven’t had much success in Nashville

    The last time the Eagles played in Nashville Carson Wentz was still QB and Nick Foles was his backup. Michael Bryant / Staff Photographer

    Sunday’s matchup is just the fourth time the Eagles have traveled to Nashville to face the Titans since the franchise moved to Nissan Stadium in 1999.

    Overall, the Eagles are 8-5 against the Titans, but they haven’t had much success down in the Music City, losing all three games they’ve played there. The most recent was an overtime loss to the Titans in 2018, when Carson Wentz was quarterback and Nelson Agholor — who recently joined NFL Media as an analyst — was still dropping passes.

    The last time the two teams played was in Week 12 of the 2022 season, with the Birds dominating the Titans in a 35-10 win in something of a revenge game for former Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown.

    Going to the Eagles-Titans game? Here’s what to know about Nashville, from Birds tailgates to celebrating Dolly Parton.

    Other NFL games on TV in Philly Week 2

    Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will play on “Sunday Night Football.” Charlie Riedel
    Sunday
    • Jaguars at Broncos: 4:05 p.m., CBS3 (Ian Eagle, Ross Tucker, Evan Washburn)
    • Commanders at Cowboys: 4:25 p.m., Fox 29 (Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi)
    • Colts at Chiefs: 8:20 p.m., NBC10 (Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark)
    Monday
    • Giants at Rams: 8:15 p.m., 6abc, ESPN (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters, Laura Rutledge)

    Eagles news: Five things to read

    Can Saquon Barkley and the Eagles running game get going amid a new-look offensive line in Week 2?Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Eagles 2026 TV schedule

    Jalen Hurts walks out to the field before Week 1’s win against the Commanders. David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
    • Week 1: Eagles 24, Commanders 22
    • Week 2: Eagles at Titans — Sunday, Sept. 20, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 3: Eagles at Bears — Monday, Sept. 28, 8:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)
    • Week 4: Rams at Eagles — Sunday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 5: Eagles at Jaguars (London) — Sunday, Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m. (NFL Network)
    • Week 6: Panthers at Eagles — Sunday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m. (CBS)
    • Week 7: Cowboys at Eagles — Monday, Oct. 26, 8:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)
    • Week 8: Eagles at Commanders — Sunday, Nov. 1, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
    • Week 9: Giants at Eagles — Sunday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 10: Bye week
    • Week 11: Steelers at Eagles — Sunday, Nov. 22, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
    • Week 12: Eagles at Cowboys — Thursday, Nov. 26, 4:30 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 13: Eagles at Cardinals — Sunday, Dec. 6, 4:05 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 14: Colts at Eagles — Sunday, Dec. 13, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 15: Seahawks at Eagles — Saturday, Dec. 19, 5 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 16: Texans at Eagles — Thursday, Dec. 24, 8:15 p.m. (Prime Video)
    • Week 17: Eagles at 49ers — Sunday, Jan. 3, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
    • Week 18: Eagles at Giants — TBD (TBD)
  • Eagles vs. Titans: Predictions, odds, injury updates, and why everyone is talking about the weather in Week 2

    Eagles vs. Titans: Predictions, odds, injury updates, and why everyone is talking about the weather in Week 2

    Jordan Davis didn’t think for very long before offering an answer to the hottest football game he has ever played in.

    “It has to be Tampa two years ago,” Davis said Friday.

    The Eagles, in their last game before an early Week 5 bye that changed the trajectory of their Super Bowl season, were dominated by the Bucs, 33-16, in a game that wasn’t even that close. The real feel on the field reached triple digits.

    Davis, who is from North Carolina and played his college football at Georgia and all across the American South, knew he was in for a long day long before the game started.

    “It’s when you’re walking out, the warmup before the warmup, and you’re already sweating in like two minutes,” he said. “You didn’t even finish stretching yet, and you’re dripping.

    “I don’t like that feeling.”

    He won’t be able to avoid it Sunday. The Eagles and Titans play in Nashville at noon local time, and the city is under a heat advisory. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-90s, and the feel on the field could reach triple digits, just like it did in Tampa, Fla., each of the last two years.

    Sunday will be the Eagles’ seventh game against the Buccaneers (including playoffs) — and their sixth in Tampa — in Nick Sirianni’s six seasons. They are 2-4 in the previous six.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Nick Sirianni studies everything his team does, down to travel times and all that goes into a trip. The Eagles had another early-season game in Tampa last year, and they took their data from 2024 and left a day earlier to try to acclimate. Sirianni doesn’t like to be entirely results-oriented, but the Eagles left Florida with a 31-25 victory.

    That’s in part why they left for Tennessee on Friday evening.

    “It benefited us,” Sirianni said of leaving early last year, “and that’s why we decided to do that again.”

    What are some of the worst parts about playing in extreme heat?

    “It kind of slows your cognitive ability,” Davis said. “You can’t think as fast. You’re just kind of fighting for survival and also playing a football game at the same time if you really feel it.

    “You really have a second opponent if you’re not careful.”

    Mind over matter, right?

    “It’s mind over matter until your body is cramping up and locking up,” center Cam Jurgens said. “Then you’re like, ‘Well it’s a little bit of matter now.’”

    — @Jeff_Neiburg

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    ❓Have a question you want answered in a future edition? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    How to watch Eagles vs. Titans

    The Eagles and Titans kick off at 1 p.m. Philadelphia time on Sunday (noon central time). The game will be broadcast on Fox with Adam Amin (play-by-play), Drew Brees (analyst), and Kristina Pink (reporter) on the call.

    As always, 94 WIP is where you can hear longtime Eagles play-by-play voice Merrill Reese call the game on the radio with Mike Quick.

    Looking to watch the game somewhere in the city with fellow Eagles fans? Here’s our latest list of places to watch.

    Final injury report

    Eagles assistant coach Jeremiah Washburn (left) speaks with linebacker Jonathan Greenard, who didn’t play last week and is out again Sunday.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    The Eagles again will be without top edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, who continues to practice in a limited capacity but is not ready to play as he recovers from a pectoral injury.

    “I feel like they’ve done a great job here with the rehab process,” Greenard said Thursday. “I’m feeling better. I’m getting more and more confident in it and just only going to stack days to where I can eventually get out there.”

    Eagles

    Out

    • OLB Jonathan Greenard, pectoral

    Questionable

    • S Andrew Mukuba, knee

    Titans

    Questionable

    • CB Cor’Dale Flott, quad
    • LB Cedric Gray, concussion
    • LB James Williams, elbow

    Storylines to watch

    Jalen Hurts was sacked three times last week as Landon Dickerson tried to play through an injury.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    The biggest takeaway from last week’s 24-22 win over Washington probably was the offensive line’s inability to consistently protect Jalen Hurts from pressure and create lanes for Saquon Barkley.

    The line will look different Sunday in Nashville. The Eagles have been keeping Landon Dickerson’s replacement close to the vest, but it’s expected to be Drew Kendall. Could this be addition by subtraction for the Eagles? We’ll find out Sunday.

    Elsewhere on offense, Makai Lemon’s first real NFL game went about as well as his first preseason game. It’s way too early to be alarmed by Lemon’s usage and production, but the Eagles are going to need more from their first-round pick if the offense wants to be more dynamic. Lemon knows he has “lots to improve on” moving forward.

    • Could Hollywood Brown get more involved this week? The receiver Howie Roseman signed to a deal worth $5 million in guaranteed money didn’t see the field in Week 1 and was surprised by it.
    • Jalen Carter and Cooper DeJean sat out on Wednesday, the first practice day of the week, before returning Thursday. Both are set to go Sunday, but Carter was sporting a cast on his right wrist.
    • DeJean, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from a Week 1 performance he said “wasn’t good enough.”

    Our Eagles Week 2 preview show

    Landon Dickerson’s health was a major topic on this week’s Gameday Central preview show.Staff Illustration

    I said that and more on this week’s Gameday Central preview show with my beat partner Olivia Reiner. Watch our full Week 2 show here.

    Want instant reaction after Sunday’s game? Ryan Novozinsky will be live from Nissan Stadium after the final whistle to recap what he saw.

    Eagles-Titans predictions

    Jeff McLane: Eagles 25, Titans 10

    Jeff Neiburg: Eagles 27, Titans 10

    Olivia Reiner: Eagles 31, Titans 17

    Ryan Novozinsky: Eagles 28, Titans 13

    You can also check out the reasoning behind our picks and McLane’s keys to the game. As for the rest of the country, here’s a look at the national media predictions for Sunday.

    One number to know

    Jalen Hurts found success throwing the ball downfield in Week 1, and could have more opportunities against the Titans.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    176

    Jalen Hurts threw for 203 yards in Week 1, and 176 of them came on throws that traveled at least 10 air yards, according to Next Gen Stats, which counts any throw of 10 or more air yards as a “downfield” pass.

    Hurts completed six of his nine downfield attempts and the Eagles scored all three of their touchdowns that way.

    The Titans were susceptible to the deep ball last year and that carried over into Week 1.

    There are other numbers working in the Eagles’ favor, too.

    Latest Week 2 odds

    The Eagles are favored by a touchdown in their road game Sunday in Nashville, a number that has held steady at most sportsbooks throughout the week.

    The over/under for the game, 39½, is the lowest of the 16 Week 2 NFL games.

    As for what oddsmakers think about Hurts’ ability to throw against a Tennessee defense that isn’t all that strong? They don’t expect Hurts to throw for a whole lot more than he did against Washington.

    What we’re saying about the Eagles

    Nick Sirianni (right) flew his team down to Nashville a day early due to the heat.Monica Herndon / Staff Photo

    Here’s what our columnists are saying this week, starting with David Murphy, who ponders if “expecting a 40-spot is really too much to ask?”

    David Murphy: “Every week, Nick Sirianni reminds us that winning is hard in the National Football League. Every victory is like a delicate child, something to nurture and cherish. … But, please, convince us. Forget all of that mumbo jumbo about a win being a win on any given Sunday. Wins are great. They’re much better when you feel good about them.” Read more.

    Mike Sielski: “You ask why Landon Dickerson played against the Commanders, why in doing so he basically dared coach Nick Sirianni to make the difficult decision to bench him, why he was willing to damage the cohesion and performance of the Eagles’ offensive line, and the question answers itself. Next man up is a convenient cliche. Too many people forget or don’t give a damn about its corollary: First man, out. Sometimes for good.” Read more.

    Murphy: “Two plays from Sunday illustrate the blurry line between results and reality. Both involve Makai Lemon, the rookie wide receiver who is currently threatening the integrity of the space-time continuum with a career average of minus-1.7 yards per reception on three catches.” Read more.

    What the Titans are saying

    Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons had social media buzzing after his comments about Jalen Hurts.Stew Milne

    Titans star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons certainly provided some bulletin board material earlier in the week when he said the Titans “just need to make Jalen Hurts be a QB.”

    Perhaps he didn’t mean it as a slight, but the reaction to Simmons’ comments took it as one.

    Eagles left tackle and captain Jordan Mailata, though, didn’t take the bait.

    “I don’t see them,” Mailata said when asked about Simmons’ comments. “I don’t pay attention to that stuff. That’s clickbait stuff. That’s what you guys get paid for, you guys that promote that stuff.

    “He can say it. You guys don’t need to say it to me. That’s all I know. I don’t listen to that stuff. I only care about everybody in this locker room. This locker room is the only thing I give a damn about. I don’t care what you guys say about this locker room, and I don’t care what any other locker room says about this locker room.”

    Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll on playing the Eagles: “Coach Sirianni is an excellent head coach. 42-4 when he wins the turnover ratio, which is a pretty impressive stat. So that’s going to be paramount. Coach Fangio has done this for about 40 years in the NFL, plus whatever he did in college. Tremendous scheme, very sound. … And then, you add the players, a collection of players that Howie [Roseman] assembles each and every year. It’s a tough challenge.”

    Hear more about what the Titans are saying heading into Sunday’s game.

    What the national media is saying

    Second-year quarterback Cam Ward was 19-for-32 for 140 yards in Tennessee’s Week 1 loss to the Jets.George Walker IV

    How bad were the Titans in Week 1? Here’s what ESPN’s Ben Solak had to say earlier in the week:

    “I cannot remember a team that looked less functional on offense in Week 1 than the Titans in Sunday’s loss to the Jets. I went back and looked at the past few seasons of Week 1 travesties — Russell Wilson’s Giants had six points in 2025; Daniel Jones’ Giants had six points in 2024; Jones’ Giants also had zero points in 2023; oh my goodness, are all of these just Giants games? — and I still don’t remember seeing something I found this particularly problematic.

    “The Titans looked as if they had never played together before.”

    Yikes.

    Jason Kelce on Dallas Goedert: “This offense I think will fit [Goedert] pretty well,” Kelce said. “All this misdirection and stuff, they scheme things up, and it stresses those linebackers.”

    What else we’re reading and watching

    Thanks for reading. The weekly Eagles newsletter will arrive in your inbox on Sunday next week, a day ahead of the team’s Monday Night Football game in Chicago.

  • Eagles’ Jonathan Greenard out vs. Titans; Andrew Mukuba is questionable

    Eagles’ Jonathan Greenard out vs. Titans; Andrew Mukuba is questionable

    The Eagles have ruled out Jonathan Greenard (pectoral) for a second straight week ahead of Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.

    Safety Andrew Mukuba (knee) is listed as questionable to play. Both players were limited participants in Friday’s practice. Everyone else on the Eagles active roster is available to play in Week 2.

    Greenard, the 29-year-old edge rusher, was sidelined throughout the offseason program (in team drills) and training camp (in its entirety). During the spring, he was recovering from shoulder surgery, which he underwent earlier this year while he was a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

    Eagles respond to shot by Titans’ Jeffery Simmons at Jalen Hurts: ‘Don’t care what any other locker room says’

    Shortly before training camp, he strained his pectoral muscle while lifting, which prevented him from practicing all summer. Greenard has returned to practice since the regular season began, but he has been listed as a limited participant for each session.

    On Thursday, Greenard, who hasn’t played in a game since December, acknowledged the difficulty of sitting out from game action.

    “I was just mad at, obviously, the timing of the injury,” Greenard said. “But at the end of the day, everything happens for a reason, so all I can control is moving forward and my next step forward. And I feel like they’ve done a great job here with the rehab process. I’m feeling better. I’m getting more and more confident in it, and just only going to stack days to where I can eventually get out there.”

    Safety Andrew Mukuba showed up on the Eagles injury report Thursday with a knee injury.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

    Mukuba, a second-round pick out of Texas in 2025, popped up on the injury report Thursday, when he was missing from practice. He passed through the Eagles locker room afterward with a sleeve on his left leg.

    Last year, Mukuba fractured his fibula in his right leg in Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys, ending his rookie year. He played 100% of the snaps in his return to game action in Week 1 against the Washington Commanders.

    If Mukuba isn’t healthy enough to play on Sunday, or if he’s on a snap count, Michael Carter II could take his place. Carter, 27, competed with Marcus Epps for the starting safety job next to Mukuba during training camp.

    Eagles rookie Makai Lemon says he has ‘lots to improve on’ after quiet Week 1

    Carter wears a variety of hats as a backup in the Eagles secondary. He is the sixth defensive back in the dime package, plus he’s capable of playing safety and nickel cornerback. He has taken the vast majority of snaps in his NFL career (particularly in his 3½ years with the New York Jets) at nickel cornerback.

    Still, Carter said in an interview with The Inquirer on Wednesday that he has felt “comfortable” in his cross-training at safety. He took four snaps at safety in Week 1 against the Commanders.

    “I feel pretty good, and I feel like the preseason was good, training camp, and just getting so many reps at the position, at safety,” Carter said. “And then playing in the games, I felt like helped me out a lot, because I was able to get the feel of it, game pace, game speed, and everything like that. So Sunday wasn’t my first time going out there and playing safety live. And so I felt like that was really helpful and beneficial for them to throw me out there and make sure I got those reps, live action.”

    Additionally, defensive tackle Jalen Carter (wrist) was a limited participant in Friday’s practice, but did not have a game status on the final injury report, indicating that he is available to play.

    Defensive back Cooper DeJean (calf/abdomen) was a full participant in Friday’s practice. He did not participate on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday.

    The Eagles had two additions to Friday’s injury report — wide receivers Hollywood Brown (hamstring) and Elijah Moore (neck). Both players are available to play against the Titans.

  • Eagles respond to shot by Titans’ Jeffery Simmons at Jalen Hurts: ‘Don’t care what any other locker room says’

    Eagles respond to shot by Titans’ Jeffery Simmons at Jalen Hurts: ‘Don’t care what any other locker room says’

    Titans star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons made headlines this week when he seemed to take a shot at Jalen Hurts.

    Asked a question about the Eagles quarterback Wednesday, Simmons said, via ESPN: “We just need to make Jalen Hurts be a QB. Stop his runs, make sure Hurts doesn’t get out of the pocket and make plays.”

    This quote seemed like textbook bulletin board material, a motivator ahead of the Eagles’ Week 2 matchup with Tennessee on Sunday. But when left tackle Jordan Mailata was asked about it, he downplayed its impact.

    “I don’t pay attention to that stuff. That’s clickbait stuff,” said Mailata. “That’s what you guys get paid for. … I only care about everyone in this locker room. This locker room is all I give a damn about. I don’t care what you guys say about this locker room, I don’t care what any other locker room says about this locker room. This is my focus.”

    Cam Ward has yet to live up to his promise as a No. 1 pick but has the Eagles’ respect, per Nolan Smith Jr. George Walker IV

    Edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. took it one step further. Smith was asked about Titans quarterback Cam Ward, who had a QBR of 34.4 in Tennessee’s Week 1 loss, which was the seventh worst in the league. Smith took the opportunity to praise the former No. 1 pick.

    “Man, I ain’t gonna do what [Simmons] did,” Smith said with a smirk. “Man, they’re a good team. Any team in the NFL, they get paid just like we get paid and they go out there and put their best foot forward. And Cam Ward is a great quarterback. The media may portray this and that, but he’s a really good quarterback.”

    Simmons’ analysis came days after a solid Week 1 showing from Hurts. The seventh-year QB was one of only three quarterbacks to toss three-plus touchdowns with zero interceptions. He finished with 203 yards on 14-of-25 passing, along with 46 rushing yards on seven carries.

    How, in Smith’s opinion, did Simmons’ comments ring throughout the locker room?

    “Man, everybody got phones,” Smith said. “Everybody’s got social media, you know? I just tell people, they’re an NFL team, too. They get paid just like we get paid and they go out there and try to put their best foot forward. I’m not a big ‘tearing people down’ type of person, man. Just because you never know what somebody is going through personally in life off this field.”

  • Where to watch Eagles games in Philly, from sports bars to giant screens

    Where to watch Eagles games in Philly, from sports bars to giant screens

    Football and the Eagles are back, and every week fans will be packed into tailgates, living rooms, and watering holes to watch the Birds’ potential path back to the Super Bowl.

    Philly has hundreds of spots to catch a game, from breweries with wall-size projectors to restaurants streaming the broadcast over the bar. Here are some of the top picks — big venues, sports bars, breweries, and restaurants — to help you plan your game day.

    Eagles fan Justin Ghee (right) gets in the face of his friend Packers fan Ronald Roberts when the Eagles sacked the Packers quarterback in the first half of the Eagles vs. Packers NFL playoff game. The friends were viewing the game at XFINITY Live! Philadelphia on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Both men are formerly from Philly, attended Howard University and now live in Washington, D.C.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Big venues, bigger screens

    Live! Casino

    Right next to the South Philadelphia sports complex is the fairly new Live! Casino and Hotel, with at least two venues located within the casino to watch the games. Take your pick between the 52-foot screen at Sports & Social, or Luk Fu, the casino’s pan-Asian restaurant with game-day specials.

    📍900 Packer Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19148, 📞 833-472-5483, 🌐 philadelphia.livecasinohotel.com

    Stateside Live! (formerly Xfinity Live!)

    So close to the Linc that you can hear the stadium roar from the patio, Stateside Live! (formerly Xfinity Live!) has a 58-foot screen and dozens of TVs in its bars.

    📍1100 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19148, 📞 215-372-7000, 🌐 xfinitylive.com

    Rivers Casino

    Watch the Eagles play on a massive HD video wall at BetRivers Sportsbook inside Rivers Casino in Fishtown. Game-day beer specials and giveaways will be available, plus each game brings a chance for fans to win tickets to a forthcoming Eagles game.

    📍1001 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19125, 📞 877-477-3715, 🌐 riverscasino.com

    Craft Hall

    Craft Hall is a massive beer hall, with family- and pet-friendly fixtures, equipped with two projector screens and several TVs lining the walls playing every Eagles game. Enjoy $5 draft beers and $15 beer pitchers with under-$20 food specials, including wings and pizza.

    📍901 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, 📞 267-297-2072, 🌐 crafthallphilly.com

    Classmates from the Philadelphia area attending East Carolina University in North Carolina meet at Founding Fathers on South Street to watch the Eagles. Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer

    Sports bars and breweries

    Cavanaugh’s Headhouse & Rittenhouse

    Cavanaugh’s sports bars are some of the best venues to be at on game day, with locations in Rittenhouse and Headhouse Square off South Street. The Rittenhouse location will offer Bud Light in $5 cans and in $22 bottle buckets. Headhouse will have $4 draft Michelob Ultras and $20 buckets of Bud Light.

    📍421 S. Second St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147 / 1921 Sansom St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 📞 215-928-9307 / 215-665-9500, 🌐 cavsheadhouse.com / cavsrittenhouse.com

    Founding Fathers

    South Street’s premier sports bar with TV-lined walls, an extensive bar-food menu, and a draft beer list that offers popular craft beers and local talent.

    📍1612 South St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19146, 📞 267-519-0253, 🌐 foundingfathersbar.com

    Dock Street Brewery

    Philadelphia’s oldest craft brewery invites you to their Washington Avenue brewery and bar every game day to watch on their wall-size projectors alongside food and drink specials.

    📍2118 Washington Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19146, 📞 215-337-3103, 🌐 dockstreetbeer.com

    Evil Genius Beer Co.

    This Fishtown taproom will treat you to Evil Genius’ celebrated classics and latest craft brews while watching the game on a 16-foot screen. Game-day specials include $42 beer towers and $45 Stateside buckets.

    📍1727 N. Front St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19122, 📞 215-425-6820, 🌐 evilgeniusbeer.com

    Lucy’s Bar

    This Rittenhouse sports bar has a 16-foot screen and game-day deals, including a $40 appetizer platter stacked with wings, cheese curds, onion rings, and pretzels. Drinks include a $6 citywide (dubbed the “buddy system”) and $10 to $12 cocktails.

    📍1720 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 lucysphiladelphia.com

    Yards Brewing

    Philadelphia’s largest brewery is delivering specials every game day at its Spring Garden Street taproom, including $6 Trash Talks, an IPA made especially for the Eagles season.

    📍500 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, 📞 215-525-0175, 🌐 yardsbrewing.com

    Libertee Grounds

    A block away from the Girard Avenue BSL station is an Asian-fusion sports bar with a curated craft beer list, several TVs playing the Eagles on game day, and a slew of specials: $1 Jell-O shots, $20 beer pitchers, $10 wings, and more.

    📍1600 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19130, 📞 267-324-3487, 🌐 liberteegrounds.com

    The Bayou Bar & Grill

    Manayunk’s Bayou Bar & Grill has been playing every Eagles game for decades. Enjoy its festive atmosphere, and a weekly Eagles merchandise giveaway all season long.

    📍4245 Main St., #1602, Philadelphia, Pa. 19127, 📞 215-482-2560, 🌐 bayoubargrill.shop

    Independence Beer Garden

    A Center City open-air beer garden with every Eagles game projected onto a big screen along the wall, accompanied by domestic beers on tap, cocktails, and classic pub grub.

    📍100 S. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 📞 215-922-7100, 🌐 phlbeergarden.com

    Bar-Ly

    Chinatown’s premier sports bar, Bar-Ly carries a whopping 60 beers on tap with TVs and large screens lining the walls. It gets busy on game day, so call ahead to reserve a table.

    📍101 N. 11th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 📞 215-922-2688, 🌐 bar-ly.com

    The Rook

    Every Eagles game day at the Rook in Manayunk, fans can watch the game while taking advantage of the $12 domestic beer pitchers and a $12 “Philly Special” pulled pork sandwich, with broccoli rabe, roasted long hots, and provolone.

    📍4001 Cresson St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19127, 📞 267-323-2906, 🌐 therookmanayunk.com

    Restaurants

    Jaffa Bar

    Jaffa Bar will be playing every Eagles game on the bar’s TVs and offering a bevy of game-day specials: $12 black lime pepper wings with herbed labneh; $2 raw bar items (oysters, New Jersey top neck clams, and shrimp cocktail), and $6 french fries with tehina ketchup. Plus, $9 specialty cocktails.

    📍1625 N. Howard St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19122, 📞 267-857-9944, 🌐 jaffabarphilly.com

    Positano Coast

    Aldo Lamberti’s Positano Coast in Old City will offer a rotating menu of specials, with games playing across the bar’s TVs.

    📍212 Walnut St., 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 📞 215-238-0499, 🌐 positanocoast.net

    Patchwork

    Patchwork, nestled inside Rittenhouse’s Hyatt Centric, will play the Eagles games all season long, offering $10 citywide, $11 Super Lyte (Blue Chill), and $13 seasoned crinkle-cut fries.

    📍1620 Chancellor St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 📞 215-985-1234, 🌐 patchworkphilly.com

    Taqueria Amor

    Head to Taqueria Amor on Manayunk’s Main Street for every Eagles game to watch with sound on and $3 off beer pitchers.

    📍4410 Main St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19127, 📞 267-331-5874, 🌐 taqueriaamor.com

  • Eagles rookie Makai Lemon says he has ‘lots to improve on’ after quiet Week 1

    Eagles rookie Makai Lemon says he has ‘lots to improve on’ after quiet Week 1

    Makai Lemon used just four words when asked to sum up his first NFL game.

    “Lots to improve on,” Lemon said from his locker room stall Thursday.

    He’s not wrong. In the 24-22 win vs. the Washington Commanders last Sunday, the Eagles’ first-round rookie wide receiver caught 3-of-4 targets for minus-5 yards. He did make a key block during Jalen Hurts’ crucial third-and-18 conversion in the fourth quarter, but it’s clear the 22-year-old is kicking himself due to his stat line.

    What does Lemon need to improve?

    How will the Eagles replace Landon Dickerson? They’re trying their best to keep the answer close to the vest.

    “Route details,” Lemon said. “Just making sure I define my routes and assignments.”

    Lemon’s Week 1 showing comes after a forgettable offseason, during which he was injured for most of training camp. When he played in the preseason finale, he recorded just 3 yards on three catches, plus a drop that led to an interception.

    Lemon was brief when fielding questions on Thursday, but it’s clear he’s trying to keep a positive mindset.

    “Really just playing for my teammates,” Lemon said, when asked for areas where he thought he did well on Sunday. “Blocking, doing things like that, just trying to help the team anywhere I can.”

    Makai Lemon (right) made a key block on Jalen Hurts’ third-and-18 conversion against the Commanders last week.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Despite his slow start, the Eagles remain confident in their rookie. They took a risk when they traded up to take him with the 20th pick of the NFL draft in April — dealing with the rival Cowboys in order to do so — so they’re not hitting the panic button yet.

    Lemon was one of college football’s top receivers in 2025, becoming the second Southern Cal player ever to win the Biletnikoff Award for most outstanding receiver in college football. He caught 79 passes for 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his final collegiate season.

    Eagles wide receiver Hollywood Brown was ‘surprised’ by lack of playing time in Week 1 win

    On Monday, coach Nick Sirianni said he “trusts” Lemon to improve quickly.

    “There’s a lot of things that Makai did in that game that don’t reflect on the stat sheet,” Sirianni said. “We constantly talk about that: What are you doing to help this team win the game, particularly if you’re a skill guy?

    “That might not be able to be seen from the stat book or to the naked eye. What he’s always done a good job since he’s been here [is] blocking, doing the right things, being in the right spots. Obviously the ones that went to him [on Sunday] didn’t equal out to a big yardage game, right? But he did little things to help us win the football game that sometimes are unseen.”