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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL analyst predicts a matching win total for the Eagles and an NFC rival
There are two issues found in a recent NFL projection that has Eagles tying the win total of an NFC foe. At some point while growing up, we all had a mother or grandmother warn us about the dangers of using words like 'hate'. You all remember what we were told. 'Never say you hate someone.' It sounded like great advice, but then we all discovered football, and we learned something. Falling in love with the Philadelphia Eagles made it impossible not to hate the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys. Now, we all say things like 'I hate Dallas', and each time it happens, it seems normal and natural. It rolls off the tongue so well. Try it... 'I hate the Giants... Do you see how great that felt? Big Blue and the so-called America's Team have drawn the ire of Birds fans for years, but over time, annual events like the NFL Playoffs can help birth extended rivalries. While everyone may not feel this way, we can guarantee many of you have close friends and relatives who have developed a strong dislike for the San Francisco 49ers. While the Niners aren't a traditional Eagles rival, they have become slightly irritating recently. Maybe it was that NFC Championship Game. You know the one. San Francisco's quarterback got knocked out of the game. They were taken to task, and they and their fans couldn't accept the loss and move on. Nothing is promised in this game, and while it's too early to make guarantees about anything, we can offer our predictions. If one NFL projection crafted recently is correct, there stands a chance that the Birds and 49ers may cross paths during the postseason again. Eagles and 49ers are both expected to produce 12-win regular seasons Persusing the timeline and web at this time of year can lead to some intriguing discoveries. One was found on Bleacher Reports. They tried their hand at predicting each division's standings for the 2025-26 NFL season. In the National Football Conference, the Green Bay Packers claimed the NFC North's crown while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers again claimed the NFC South. The Eagles and 49ers claimed the NFC East and NFC West, respectively. Boh finished with a 12-5 record. Philadelphia claims home-field advantage. Most Birds fans will love that. Maurice Moton, the writer of this one, names one question mark. "New offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo is the biggest question mark in Philadelphia. The first-time play-caller must optimize the plethora of talent on that side of the ball. Nevertheless, the Eagles' wealth of offensive talent could overcome any play-calling inefficiencies." We throw the challenge flag here. We'll throw a couple. One, the transition from Kellen Moore to Kevin Patullo will be smooth, smoother than some believe. He has too many weapons to fail. As far as the 49ers winning the NFC South... That too may prove to be erroneous. The league seems to be catching up to Kyle Shanahan, and San Fran has gotten old in a hurry. Many of their best players are past their prime. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams appear to be on the upswing. Much of the Rams' success will hinge on how much Matt Stafford has left in the tank, but even if he isn't what he once was, L.A. has an answer. Backup quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett are both good enough to win some games if necessary.
USA Today
31-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles' training camp: Looking at Philadelphia's biggest perceived weakness
A recent review of the Eagles' defense misses key details in the latest critique from We're getting closer to the launch of the Philadelphia Eagles' 2025 campaign. The regular season begins at Lincoln Financial Field with a Super Bowl banner reveal and a game vs. the hated Dallas Cowboys. There's still work to do. The goal? It's pretty obvious. Win the National Football Conference. Then, win Super Bowl 60 two weeks later. NFL columnist takes his shot at revealing the Eagles' biggest weakness Santa Clara provides the backdrop for football's biggest game this time around. Every team entered training camp with dreams of booking a flight there. Some teams have better chances than others. Some teams, all of which shall remain nameless, have no shot at all. We've reached the point of the calendar year when we begin discussing strengths and weaknesses, and who might raise the Lombardi Trophy and why. recently released the biggest challenges facing each team as they enter the regular season. Jeffri Chadiha, the writer of this one, says the most significant obstacle facing the Eagles is acclimating the new faces on defense. "The Eagles lost some valuable veterans (on defense) after stomping the (Kansas City) Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX... As is usually the case, Philadelphia has been grooming players to move into all these positions, but change isn't always easy. The edge-rusher situation is particularly interesting to watch, as third-year pro Nolan Smith is the only player in that group without major questions attached to him. That said, these are the Eagles. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will make it all work." That last line is key. Vic Fangio will make this work. The 'losses' angle has been bludgeoned to death. Key contributors are gone, but Philadelphia isn't rebuilding. They're reloading. Everywhere they've lost someone, they have someone else who is potentially just as good, if not better. There aren't many reasons to be fearful about this defense. If you're looking for real potential obstacles, here are a few. Don't worry about the defense's acclimation. Worry about its depth, especially at edge rusher, and cross your fingers that a committee system is used in the backfield. This team can't overwork Saquon Barkley as they did last season. Philadelphia must find actual depth behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Lastly, let's hope Howie Roseman pays some of this young talent before the asking price gets too high. Coach Fangio has his unit under control. There aren't many reasons to question that theory, if any.
Forbes
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
NFC Training Camp Preview: New Coaches, New QBs In The Spotlight
Jalen Hurts embraces the Super Bowl trophy after the Eagles' victory over Kansas City last season. ... More (Photo by) The National Football Conference provided memorable moments in 2024, capped by the Philadelphia Eagles' dominating victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Running back Saquon Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards, the eighth-highest total in NFL history, and was the consensus Offensive Player of the Year after joining the Eagles as a free agent. The Detroit Lions scored 564 points, the fourth-most all-time, and led three NFC North teams into the postseason. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft, outshone the No. 1 pick, Chicago's Caleb Williams. But that was then. There are new storylines to follow this summer. New Coaches in Dallas, Chicago and New Orleans Brian Schottenheimer was the highest profile hire. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones promoted him from offensive coordinator to head coach after firing Mike McCarthy following a 7-10 season mitigated by another injury to quarterback Dak Prescott. Brian Schottenheimer will make his NFL head coaching debut after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones promoted ... More him. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) Schottenheimer, the son of Hall of Fame coach Marty Schottenheimer, was seen an underwhelming hire by some. CBS Sports ranked him No. 31 of the 32 NFL coaches, primarily because of his inexperience. But Prescott and wide receiver Cee Dee Lamb are top-tier talent, and the Cowboys ranked first in the NFL in scoring in both 2021 and 2023, the last two times Prescott played the entire season. The Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints hired offensive-minded assistants, a recent trend. Ben Johnson, who called plays for the Detroit's remarkable offense last season, replaced Matt Eberflus in Chicago. Johnson was brought in to continue the development of second-year quarterback Williams, whose talent is unquestioned. The Saints turned Kellen Moore to replace Dennis Allen. Moore was the Eagles' offensive coordinator in 2024 after serving in the same position with the Cowboys and the Los Angeles Chargers. He spent five seasons in Dallas. Does Russell Wilson Have Anything Left? The New York Giants' search for a quarterback to replace Daniel Jones landed on Russell Wilson, 36, who will be playing for his fourth team in five seasons. It is a one-year, $21 million gamble. Russell Wilson will have a new playmaker in Giants' wide receiver Malik Nabers. (AP Photo/Seth ... More Wenig) Wilson was 6-5 as Pittsburgh's starter last season after returning from injury. His numbers were good, but the Steelers' offense generated only 57 points during a season-ending four-game losing streak that ended with a playoff loss. Jameis Winston and rookie Jaxson Dart are in camp, but Wilson was named the starter last week and will hold the reins. He is not the same player he was during the glory days in Seattle, but the Giants are counting on his deep-ball success and his interception avoidance, even if sacks follow. Is Sam Darnold More Than a One-Hit Wonder? Seattle is betting on Darnold, who turned career-year with the Minnesota Vikings into a whopping three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seahawks that includes $55 million in guaranteed money. Darnold would not have been the Vikings' 2024 starter had rookie J.J. McCarthy not suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp, but Darnold met opportunity head on and took advantage. He threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns as the Vikes went 14-3 before stumbling against the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs. Darnold will replace inconsistent Geno Smith, whose career-high 4,320 passing yards were offset by a 15 interceptions and 50 sacks. Darnold's passer rating was sixth in the league a year ago. Smith's was 18th. Smith landed in Las Vegas with former coach Pete Carroll and first-round draft pick running back Ashton Jeanty. Who Will Be This Season's Saquon Barkley? Barkley became the poster guy for 'difference-making free agent' when joined the Eagles last summer, and his dazzling season led to a two-year $41.2 million contract extension in the offseason. Wilson and Darnold are the biggest money free agents signees, plenty of others could provide impactful performances with a change of scenery. The Baltimore Ravens signed wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and his 984 career receptions for a miniscule one-year, $5 million to pair with Lamar Jackson. The Arizona Cardinals signed Josh Sweat to a four-year, $76.4 million contract to stiffen the defensive line, and Vikings added defensive tackle Jonathan Allen on a three-year, $51 million deal. Sweat had eight sacks last year, and run-stuffer Allen was a two-time Pro Bowler in Washington.
USA Today
29-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former GM doesn't believe in the Eagles ability to break a two-decade-long jinx
A former NFL GM has his doubts about the Eagles breaking a longtime NFC East curse. It's one of those statements that you have heard so often that, as soon as someone begins its utterance, the natural reaction is to join in and complete the sentence. No NFC East team has repeated as division champion since the Philadelphia Eagles captured the crown four consecutive times from 2001 until 2004. Did you notice that? You did it again, didn't you? Don't worry. Familiar phrases and longstanding jinxes may finally be approaching their expiration date. Not only is Philadelphia expected to claim divisional superiority again. There are whispers of a deep postseason run. If those theories are correct, that also quells discussions about a Super Bowl hangover. Much has happened since Andy Reid's reign as Eagles coach. He has since been relieved of his duties. He moved on to the Kansas City Chiefs. He has been coaching there for a dozen seasons and has won three Super Bowls. Sadly, he has done so for many of the reasons he never won one in Philadelphia. Since the 2004-05 season, the NFC East has been most often won by the Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. Both have triumphed seven times. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders have both earned the division title three times. Odds favor the Birds coming out on top this time around, but a former GM doesn't seem to believe the 20-year trend of alternating champions will end during the coming campaign. Mike Tannenbaum worked for the New York Jets from 1997 to 2012, serving as assistant general manager and director of pro personnel from 2001 to 2005. He was also the general manager and senior vice president of football operations from 2006 to 2012. Tannenbaum is the founder of The 33rd Team and an ESPN mainstay now. Recently, he appeared on the highly popular First Take. He believes the Commanders are the best bet to claim the NFC East title and offers the following as part of his defense. "It's gonna be the Washington Commanders. You have a great young quarterback in Jayden Daniels, and they fortified the offensive line... You give me someone like Jayden Daniels with an offseason program, two really good tackles, sprinkle in Deebo Samuel, some more time with Kliff Kingsbury..." Yes, friends, Philadelphia still receives little respect. Tannenbaum believes this is not true regarding his theory; he recognizes something special in Daniels. "I like Philadelphia a lot. This is not an anti-Eagles position. I just think we're looking at an emerging superstar in Jayden Daniels." Okay, let's see. That appears to be another vote from ESPN cast in favor of a 2025 Jayden Daniels takeover. Former Cowboys star Marcus Spears offered one of his own. While it's probably true that the NFC East is a two-team race between Philadelphia and Washington, we're going to hold serve and cast lots in the Eagles' direction. Still, it should be an interesting season. The National Football Conference's eastern division will be featured on HBO's Hard Knocks: In Season with the NFC East and should provide fireworks all season.
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
A stacked Eagles roster didn't prevent the NFC East from a poor divisional ranking
A stacked Eagles roster didn't prevent the NFC East from a poor divisional ranking The Eagles are again expected to be contenders, but that wasn't enough to help the NFC East move the meter in a recent ranking of divisions in the NFL Another banner will be hung on opening night. The Philadelphia Eagles will celebrate last February's Super Bowl win. They do so by hosting one of their fiercest rivals, the hated Dallas Cowboys. These two renew their feud twice per season and throw darts at one another. Those clashes have often determined who will wear the NFC East's crown. That changed this past NFL season. Dallas took a backseat and missed the playoffs as rookie QB Jayden Daniels helped the Washington Commanders become a contender in the National Football Conference. Philadelphia won the division and another Lombardi Trophy. Their last defeat was a Week 16 collapse vs. those same Commanders. Revenge was sweet as the Birds throttled Washington during a 55-23 win in the NFC Championship Game. The 2025-26 pro football season should deliver fireworks. The Birds are expected to contend, and Washington is expected to be their biggest obstacle in reaching divisional superiority. We'll see what happens with Dallas and the New York Giants. The NFC East figures to be an interesting watch, but it received a low ranking in a recent take on all eight NFL divisions. The Eagles' brilliance isn't enough to elevate the NFC East in an NFL divisional ranking. The adrenaline is flowing as we approach May's end and Eagles OTAs. Every platform is dishing out tons of content as fans, players, coaches, and the media prepare for another NFL season. Pro Football Focus offered an interesting take. They ranked all eight of pro football's divisions as we inch toward the 2025-26 season. Overall strength and cumulative over/under win totals were the significant factors in the list. The NFC East landed fifth, finishing behind the NFC North, AFC West, NFC West, and AFC North. Philly and company land ahead of the NFC South, AFC East, and AFC South. Trevor Sikkema is the author of this one. He mentioned his reasoning for making that determination. "The NFC East sent both representatives to the NFC championship game last January, but those two teams — the Eagles and Commanders — are carrying most of the weight for the division as a whole... The Cowboys were derailed by injuries at quarterback last season, and while the arrival of Brian Schottenheimer as head coach brings some uncertainty, they still have the talent to be competitive... As for the Giants, their quarterback situation remains unresolved, with three players currently in contention for the starting role. The offensive line hasn't seen meaningful improvement, which raises concerns regardless of who starts under center." Let's make long stories short. Expect the Birds and Commanders to excel. Expect another mediocre season from Dallas and next to nothing from the Giants. This season, Birds fans and the division's three other teams will give fans unprecedented access. They'll be featured on Hard Knocks: In-Season With the NFC East. If HBO's behind-the-scenes documentary on the AFC North is any indication, Eagles fans and the fans of their rivals are in for a thrill ride all season.
