Jordan Mailata gives Jalyx Hunt a compliment worth remembering
We may not see a run like we've seen from Jordan Mailata again, if we see one like his ever. A seventh-round draft choice by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, he joined the NFL as part of the International Pathways Program.
During his tenure, he has gone from being a guy who didn't know how to put his helmet on to being named an All-Pro last season during the Eagles' most recent Super Bowl run (and win). The hard work has paid off. So has his baptism by fire. He's one of the valedictorians of Jeff Stoutland University, and this past season, his teammates named him a team captain.
He's using his leadership to inspire some of the younger players. Not bad for a former rugby player, huh?
Jordan Mailata offers Jalyx Hunt the most elite compliment possible.
The Eagles' 2024 rookie class couldn't have seen better starts to their careers. Imagine winning a Super Bowl in your first year. That's the joy that Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Will Shipley, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and so many others experienced. Their third-round selection of that class, Jalyx Hunt, earned a half-sack in football's biggest game, Super Bowl LIX. He enters year two with a ton of expectations.
Josh Sweat and Bryce Huff are gone now. Brandon Graham has retired. Hunt is now getting those first-team reps against Mailata.
He isn't disappointing. Eagles players spoke with the media after Philly's first training camp practice of the campaign. Mailata was one of them, and he offered some elite praise for the second-year defender.
Yes, you heard that correctly. Mailata just compared Hunt to Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons, and he should know. He's battled him enough. Mailata has sharpened his sword by competing against some of the best the game has to offer, so if he says Hunt is a baller, maybe we all should listen.
During his rookie campaign, Hunt appeared in 16 games with one start. He earned 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks while playing 25% of the snaps, 241 in total. In the postseason, he added ten tackles, 1.5 sacks, and another QB knockdown. We're calling it now. Prepare for a breakout season. We agree with Mr. Mailata. "He's going to be special... He's going to be special, man".
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New York Times
23 minutes ago
- New York Times
Eagles-Browns takeaways: Tanner McKee sits, offense sputters, Jihaad Campbell dazzles
PHILADELPHIA — Most of the intrigue during a week when the Eagles hosted the Cleveland Browns came Wednesday and Thursday, when the two teams practiced together. Those sessions were more competitive and revealing than the Eagles' 22-13 loss on Saturday afternoon when coach Nick Sirianni sat 28 players on the 90-man roster — most of whom were being saved for the season opener on Sept. 4. Advertisement But there was still a game, and there was still much to learn — such as these six takeaways: 1. The decision to sit No. 2 quarterback Tanner McKee was notable because it's a departure from how Sirianni approached the preseason during his first four years with the Eagles. Even though Sirianni is among the most conservative coaches when it comes to preseason playing time, he's played his backup quarterback in all three preseason games each year. The approach is different with McKee, who excelled in the preseason opener last week. 'He got a lot of good work in that joint practice,' Sirianni said. 'Sometimes we only get one joint practice. This week, we were able to get two joint practices in there. It was really good work all week, and we felt like in that situation we saw a good chunk of Tanner there and that was his work for this week.' The Eagles have had two joint practices in the past, yet the backup quarterback played in the game. Sirianni would not say if this was the plan for McKee entering the summer or whether McKee's performance last week swayed them, but it's telling that the Eagles saw enough from their No. 2 quarterback and did not feel the need to get him live, in-game work. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie emphasizes the importance of the No. 2 quarterback to the franchise — there's a statue of Nick Foles outside the stadium, and he went from backup to Super Bowl MVP — and the organization is bullish on McKee's development. There's a reason why they traded Kenny Pickett and not McKee this offseason. It might be true that the Eagles felt McKee's work at practice this week was sufficient. But it's also likely that they know what they have in McKee, and they're being careful with him just as they are with their starters on offense. 2. With both Jalen Hurts and McKee sidelined, the competition for the No. 3 job was the story at quarterback. The Eagles totaled 64 gross passing yards (55 net yards), so it was not as if either Dorian Thompson-Robinson or Kyle McCord excelled. They rotated throughout the game, with the plan of alternating every two series so both quarterbacks can play with the second- and third-team players. Jalen Hurts Eagles 'I felt like it was just not great complementary football today,' Sirianni said. 'Obviously, they had some good moments and had some plays that they made, but also we missed some plays. But, that's not always just on the quarterback if there was a misplay. I'll have to go watch the tape. It wasn't good enough out there on the field today. Coaching, playing, anything.' Advertisement Thompson-Robinson appeared to be the inferior of the two quarterbacks. He started the game and went 5 of 8 for 17 yards and an interception returned for a touchdown. McCord went 8 of 16 for 47 yards and a touchdown, although he also misfired passes. The highlight was a touchdown pass that came while he stood in the pocket and took a crushing hit that drew a flag for roughing the passer, yet McCord still completed the pass. 'As a quarterback, that's your way to show toughness,' McCord said. 'There's not too many times where you're physically showing your toughness. And so when the opportunity presents itself, and it's zero blitz, and you can stand in there to throw a touchdown, I think that's your way to exemplify that.' The next week and preseason finale will determine this job, but I'd give the edge to McCord if the roster needed to be cut to 53 players this weekend. 3. If you're looking for a bright spot in this game — outside of Drew Mukuba's performance, which Brooks Kubena documented — then the first-round pick should leave you encouraged. Jihaad Campbell rushed from the second level on the second play of the game, accelerating through the middle of Cleveland's line to sack quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Even if it takes time to develop as a potential edge rusher, his ability to rush the quarterback as a blitzer is going to be a tool for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to exploit. The way Campbell moves at his size is different. The closing speed on the sack was an example. Combine that skill with range in coverage and aggressiveness while swarming the ball, and it's likely he will be the Day 1 starter next to Zack Baun. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. made strides in his development this summer, but it's hard to compare the athleticism and versatility that Campbell offers next to Baun. There weren't many players on the field Saturday who the Eagles will rely upon on Sundays this season, but Campbell was one of them — and he's only scratching the surface. Advertisement 'It's a day-by-day process,' Campbell said. 'Just being that versatile piece, on the edge, off the edge, playing off (the) ball, and I just really, just appreciate (Fangio) and all the other defensive coaches just to grant the opportunity to learn and grow. Just keep understanding the whole defensive scheme and really the whole defensive playbook, so I can continue to go out there and make plays with my teammates.' 4. Tyler Steen has the starting right guard spot locked up with fewer than three weeks to go before the season opener. That's been apparent throughout the summer, and the decision to sit Steen after he played in the preseason opener cemented that status. The reserve offensive line spots appear shakier than in past years. The Eagles struggled in protection during this game (and even throughout the week), and there's more ambiguity about the depth linemen than in past years. Matt Pryor, a veteran who started at right tackle, allowed a bad sack and committed a false start. Neither rookie tackle (Myles Hinton and Cameron Williams) appears ready to play on gamedays. It's hard to say who the sixth and seventh best offensive linemen will be entering this season. That might seem like nitpicking, except this is a franchise that has had the luxury of starting-caliber linemen as reserves. Brett Toth, who has taken the first-team snaps at left guard in Landon Dickerson's place this week, started at that spot. It was notable that rookie Drew Kendall moved from center to left guard while Toth returned to center in the second half. This might be a way to prepare Toth for a versatile gameday role, although the Eagles might want Kendall to be the top reserve on the interior. Kendall, who has stuck to center this summer, worked at guard during walkthroughs leading up to the game. 'I don't know what the hardest part (of the change) is,' Kendall said. 'I think it's just a familiarity thing, like when you're so used to playing in one spot, even in the huddle, I was calling for the huddle sometimes and I was like, 'Wait, I'm not center.'' The Eagles still hope Dickerson returns for Week 1. And when they have their starting five together, it might be the best group in the NFL. But if their depth is tested this season, offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland might need to demonstrate his magic with development. 5. The ineffective passing game meant there were no standout performances among the wide receivers, but give Ainias Smith credit for taking a step this summer after a disappointing rookie season. Smith caught his second touchdown in as many preseason games and led receivers with 19 total yards. He has four catches on five targets in two games. 'I feel healthy — being able to get back and work hard this offseason, getting a true OTA, that was a little different, and continue to get better and improve,' Smith said. Advertisement It was a quiet game for Darius Cooper, who was a standout in last week's preseason opener. Cooper did not have a catch and was targeted once, although his special teams involvement could help his chances of making the 53-man roster. The Eagles are unsettled at wide receiver after A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson (who did not play on Saturday). Johnny Wilson, Smith, and Cooper appear to be the top contenders for two or three spots. 6. This was not the best week for the Eagles. Dickerson injured his knee last Sunday, another week passed without separation at No. 2 cornerback, and the Eagles did not outplay the Browns in practices before a lackluster performance in the preseason game. 'It's hard to score points when you move backwards and I just felt like we had a couple too many that we moved backwards on, and that's for different reasons,' Sirianni said. 'Whether that's a pre-snap penalty, whether that's a negative run, whether that's a sack, all those things stall drives out. That's what I felt like with that second day of practice, more so than anything.' This might not matter in a month. They practiced without A.J. Brown and Dickerson (plus Lane Johnson for one of the sessions), and some players can fast-forward to Sept. 4. The Eagles' success and their talent give them the benefit of the doubt. But there were joint practices in past years in which the Eagles clearly outplayed the opponent — and it can be an indicator for what's ahead during the season. The Eagles should hope this week is not suggestive of how they'll perform. My guess is any panic might seem like an overreaction come December, but it's at least worth keeping in the back of your mind with the season opener fast approaching. (Top photo of Jihaad Campbell: Kyle Ross / Imagn Images) Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
Newsweek
23 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Undrafted Rookie Wide Receiver Making Strong Case To Make Patriots' Roster
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Patriots entered training camp this summer with a very crowded receiver room. With two preseason games now in the books, some things are starting to shake out. Perhaps the most surprising development in that department can be found in the rise of undrafted rookie Efton Chism. The receiver signed with the Patriots in May to little fanfare after a five-year collegiate career at Eastern Washington. The 23-year-old consistently impressed coaches and media on the practice field, and when given the opportunity to play in preseason games, he's been even better. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 16: Efton Chism III #86 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a first down reception during the second quarter of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Minnesota Vikings at... MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 16: Efton Chism III #86 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a first down reception during the second quarter of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. MoreChism played the first half of Saturday's Patriots-Vikings preseason games, catching six passes on six targets for 71 yards and a touchdown. Chism with 6 to put the Pats up! 📺: WBZ — New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 16, 2025 That performance came after Chism caught six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut the previous week against the Commanders. All told, Chism has caught 12 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns. And while Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte appear to have roster spots locked in, it's become quite difficult to imagine how the Patriots could cut Chism at the end of this summer. At the very least, head coach Mike Vrabel won't be holding Chism's lack of draft status against him when making such a decision. "Doesn't matter how you get here," Vrabel told reporters after the preseason win in Minnesota. "Only thing that matters is what you do when you're here." While it's certainly premature for anybody to suggest the Patriots might have gotten Cooper Kupp 2.0 out of Eastern Washington, Chism has nevertheless looked like a solid find at a position of need for the Patriots. More NFL: Saints Could Cut Ties With Former Chiefs Super Bowl Champion
Newsweek
23 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Commanders Coach Has Unfortunate Reveal After Terry McLaurin Update
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. On Saturday morning, the Washington Commanders took a step in the right direction with Terry McLaurin. Ahead of their second NFL Preseason matchup, the Commanders activated McLaurin off the PUP list. The team made an official announcement on Saturday morning. via @Commanders: We have activated WR Terry McLaurin off the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List We have activated WR Terry McLaurin off the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 16, 2025 Commanders head coach Dan Quinn spoke on the situation, expressing excitement over the idea that McLaurin is now cleared for action after dealing with a minor ailment. However, the head coach made it clear that the activation doesn't mean that progress was made in contract negotiations between the Commanders and the wide receiver. "Definitely separate," he told reporters. "This is about him getting ready to play, which is honestly awesome. It's just cool seeing him get closer, because now you know [that] steps are getting closer to return to being on the field." Prior to getting added to the PUP list, McLaurin wasn't even around the team at the start of training camp. Seeing as though he wants a long-term extension with a price tag the Commanders aren't currently willing to meet, McLaurin was a holdout at the beginning of training camp. Eventually, the wide receiver showed up, but was quickly placed on the PUP. Earlier this week, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury dropped a statement to the media, which suggested the obvious: having a key player sitting out on the side doesn't help much for the team. Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2022 in Philadelphia. Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2022 in Philadelphia."I don't know exactly how much you can get out of that," Kingsbury said at his press conference on Friday, via Pro Football Talk. "I think we're kind of at that point to where we need to start getting those guys, when they're available, out there and jelling to see where we are as an offense." Everybody on the Commanders, including the head coach and quarterback, understands McLaurin's situation. Every key member of the team outside of the front office has been supportive of McLaurin's approach. Still, at a certain point, they need their top wideout in the mix. There seems to be a lot of optimism surrounding McLaurin's eventual return. How long will it last without a new deal? That's the biggest question. At this time, it seems the Commanders still aren't willing to meet the two-time Pro Bowler's demands. At some point, somebody will have to budge. For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
