TONIGHT, for the first time since January 11th, football will finally be played in Philadelphia again. Expect many people showing up to work wearing green. The words “Go Birds” outnumbering air molecules. The feel of an approaching September…
While the wins and losses won’t be counted in the record, the stakes for some players, will be monumental. Some careers will be ended before they even get started, and some guys may flash and rescue their career in final quarter of the final game. Just like 7th round S Kurt Coleman did in 2010, turning a near pink slip into a ten year career, with a Pro Bowl nod in 2015. So eyes open, Eagles fans. You never know what you might see.
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The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner. It’s to discuss which tactics will give our Eagles the best chance to defeat this week’s opponent. Except in preseason. Winning would be nice, but these games aren’t for that. They’re for helping us establish depth, and to perhaps uncover a gem or two.
So here’s what I’ll be keeping an eye on, in this match-up:
RB Will Shipley
1) Second Unit Run Game: While RB’s Will Shipleyand Carson Steele appear to be gamers vs reserves; we’ve seen Shipley run out of gas in a playoff game, and Steele is more of a small FB than a starting RB. If either has to start due to injury, our ground game isn’t scaring anybody.
I want to see competition for that fourth string/Practice Squad RB spot. So far all we’ve seen is Steele. I don’t recall a single carry from RB Dameon Pierce, and Jordan Mimswas just signed on Monday. It would be nice to see that we have a third guy who can break a game open.
2) Sitting This One Out:I don’t want to see LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., or Ty Robinson in pads for this one. Those roster spots are secure. There is no need to expose them to an injury risk. Same for QB Tanner McKee.
Ideally, QB Andy Daltonwould get the first half. That way he can put out some tape, and maybe he can catch-on with another team. Because we should be about the business of cutting him.
3) Payton’s Place:Give QB Cole Payton the entire second half, to start grooming him as our third stringer, (and possibly future second stringer). As a fifth round pick, his next contract will be very controllable. Especially if QB Jalen Hurts doesn’t miss much time over the next few years, so Payton can’t put much on tape. Steep him in the system and develop him as a long-term back-up, as a way to stash cost-controlled depth.
4) Any Reason For Hope:Since mostly third stringers will play this game, it’s bound to be a little sloppy here and there. So big runs, big catches, and kick returns may be exaggerated from what we’d see in the regular season. Meaning any that we see, have be taken with a grain of salt.
Still, even if it’s false hope, PLEASE give me something to look forward to, with our kick return game! Do you realize that WR Britain Covey has never returned a kickoff for more than 30 yards? Can we get something going? A 50 yard kickoff return? A 35 yard punt return? Something? Anything?? PLEASE!?
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WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know FOOTBALL and that’s it. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
1) Better Routes:Offensive Coordinator Sean Mannion made improvements to the passing game this week. Last week there were a bunch of short passes thrown into crowed areas. It made us look inept and almost got us shut-out.
In this game, when a ball was slung to a receiver, they generally had space around them. This allowed them to not only catch the ball, but to turn upfield and add YAC (yards after the catch). Such as WR Darius Cooper (4 – 3 – 44 – 14.6 – 0) on his 25 yard catch and run; RB Carson Steele(12 – 33 – 2.7 – 0 – 0 / 7 – 6 – 84 – 14.0 – 1) scoring on a 28 yard catch and run and hurdle; and even WR Britain Covey(2 – 1 – 14 – 14.0 – 1) scoring on a catch and scamper across the middle. (DONE)
DT Ty Robinson collecting one of his two sacks in this game
2) Ty Up The End:The notion was to see DT Ty Robinson (4 – 2.0 – 0 – 0) line up at DE and show how much potential he has at that spot. He logged no discernible snaps at DE and instead dominated from DT. At this point I don’t see how they keep him off the 53 man roster. He was great, but what I discussed didn’t happen. (NOT DONE)
3) Make Special Teams, Special:The hope was to see a KR playing hungry. NOPE! I don’t get it. Special Teams Coordinator Michael Claydoesn’t seem to motivate reserve players to want to step up and deliver more. If not for a blocked field goal here or there by starting linemen, this unit would be an absolute shrug. (NOT DONE)
4) Big Plays, Big Mistakes:I wanted to see one or two players taking chances and trying to impress. I wanted to come out of this game rooting for a long-shot. That long-shot’s name is Carson Steele.
This guy had not one, but two plays where he hurdled fuckers for extra yards. Watching him run, he strikes me more as a FB/H-Back type. Word is, he has no shot at the roster. However, behind RB Will Shipley(11 – 56 – 5.0 – 1 – 0) none of the other RB’s has flashed this preseason. If the Eagles keep four, right now Steele has to be that fourth. (DONE)
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So that gets us 2 of 4 for the week. This Friday, we’ll finally get to host one of these shindigs, as the Bengals roll into Philly for the preseason finale. Final cutdowns will follow.
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Game Hero:RB Carson Steele – The guy racked up over 100 yards from scrimmage and a score. Smiling ear to ear, and jumping over chumps in the process. He made watching the game fun.
RB Carson Steele hurdles a guy who’ll have a regular job in two weeks, during a 26 yard TD catch and run
Game goat: WR Quez Watkins – He had a rushing yard on one carry; caught none of the three balls thrown to him; and averaged 15.0 yards on two kick returns. The longest being 16 yards. He just seemed barely interested, all night long. I started this preseason pulling for him over WR Hollywood Brown(DNP), but it’s time to just let Quez go. Split his remaining reps between two guys who still have a chance.
On The Whole:This was a much better showing of our offensive concepts and operational smoothness. I can’t wait to see this system operated by our starters, backed up by a Secondary that can cover.
DT Uar Bernardbroke his cherry, with two tackles, and DE Joshua Weru(3 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) got his first sack. The question is how do we protect these guys without adding them to the 53 man roster. At this point I don’t think either player should be. I’d smuggle one onto Injured Reserve and the other I’d try to get on the Practice Squad.
Now that they have begun flashing, if we cut them in hopes of smuggling them onto the P.S., we run the risk of losing them to waivers. I’m willing to roll those dice with Weru, but I think Uar needs a phantom injury to send him to I.R. for at least eight weeks. At which point we’ll re-evaluate his and the roster’s situation.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: RAVENS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) The Defensive Interior: Looked pretty good out there. DT Ty Robinson (2 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) was essentially lined up at DE and did a nice job of getting upfield to create pressure. With his body type and physical style;I said last year that he was my favorite pick of the Draft, and that I thought if played at LDE, would be special. He played RDE in this one, but the telling was there.
Taken at face value, DT Uar Bernard(no stats) was a mixed bag. However, given that this was his very first competitive football game ever played, he was outstanding. He has a ton of technique stuff to iron out, but his passion and power were on display here. If he doesn’t let this year discourage him, the Eagles have a find on their hands. (+)
2) Flip-Flop: I suppose it was wise to not overwhelm rookie RT Markel Bell. He didn’t play any snaps at LT. He just stuck to RT, and didn’t do anything dumb. Nothing eye-popping, but he at least looked like he belonged out there. (+)
3) A Second Look:First, WR Hollywood Brown (1 – 1 – 4 – 4.0 – 0) caught the only pass thrown to him. That’s to his credit. That said, a four yard route to speedster, playing against second stringers in a vanilla cover scheme, was a pretty weak play-call. Offensive Coordinator Sean Mannion: Step you game up next week.
I wanted to see what WR Quez Watkins (no receiving stats) would do with any passes coming his way. Not one did. (-)
4) Bottom of the Roster:Of the two long-shots that I was keeping an eye on, only RB Ja’Quindon Jackson (1 catch for 11 yards), saw any action. (-)
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Next week we travel to face off against the New England Patriots. So far their forecast calls for rain, so don’t expect a whole lot of throwing the ball around. Unless the forecast changes by then.
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Game Hero: QB Cole Payton – (4/9 – 44.4 – 37 – 1 – 0) racking up 45 rushing yards on 3 carries, Payton provided the spark that kept the Eagles from being shutout.
Game goat: OC Sean Mannion – For a guy trying to establish himself and get his feet wet for real competition in less than a month, he didn’t seem very interested in challenging himself. The most of the routes were of the dink and dunk variety, leading to us seeing TE Eli Stowers (3 – 3 – 12 – 4.0 – 0) catch the same pass, three times for nearly the same result each time.
On The Whole:
I ended up more disappointed by the play-calling, more than anything else. The Ravens racked up yards more than points, but that largely had to do with our Offense not being able to stay on the field.
WHILE I can’t speak for you, fellow Birds fan, I can tell you that I’m starving for some Eagles football. I also want to get a look at the core concepts of the new offensive system being run by Offensive Co-ordinator Sean Mannion. More QB under C. More pre-snap motion. More play-action. And even better, play-action that teams have to respect now.
Whether we win or lose this game is meaningless, but that doesn’t make the game itself meaningless. Some of the guys we’ll see in this game, will be playing for their right to an NFL career. Their very dreams will be on the line. So I expect a spirited and lively display out there.
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The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner. It’s to discuss which tactics will give our Eagles the best chance to defeat this week’s opponent. Except in preseason. Winning would be nice, but these games aren’t for that. They’re for helping us establish depth, and to perhaps uncover a gem or two.
So here’s what I’ll be keeping an eye on, in this match-up
1) The Defensive Interior:Winning the point of contact is key So, I want to see how often DT Ty Robinsonand DT Uar Bernard, gain penetration, stone a blocker, or otherwise impact a play at the line of scrimmage.
2) Flip-Flop:We know that rookie OT Markel Bell is seeing extensive work at RT, especially with him being mentioned as RTLane Johnson’s heir apparent. The question is: How much work will he see at LT, tonight? It’s a great time to see if he’s up to playing the Swing, at the NFL level.
3) A Second Look:WR Hollywood Brown was brought in to be the vertical threat here, but so far the dude is showing why he’s on his fourth team in eight years.
Interestingly, after a two year hiatus, WR Quez Watkins is making a return in Eagles green. Like Brown, Watkins is a speed merchant, with a rep for not being clutch. I’ll be keeping a keen eye on these guys.
4) Bottom of the Roster:I want to look a couple of long-shots in, RB Ja’Quinden Jackson and TE Stone Smart, to see if they can make a case for themselves. Not necessarily to make the active roster, but see they can get into the discussion. These are likely Practice Squad guys, but I like parts of their game.
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Not going too deep on this one. Been a while since I just sort of sat back, and watched a game as a fan. I think I’m going to mostly focus on that, with this game. I’ll round into shape in time for the season, but for right now… I’m just glad to be cheering for my Birds again.
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WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know FOOTBALL and that’s it. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
THE mission started as “repeat as champions”, and ended with “For the love of Christ, FIRE Kevin Patullo!” There were fans who weren’t even bummed about the first round playoff loss, because it meant the Eagles were going to finally shit-can the Offensive Coordinator. His ineptitude was wall to wall, and week to week. It was so bad, that when the Eagles hired the completely inexperienced Sean Mannion to replace Patullo, fans were still pumped. Now the Eagles have to prove that it was in fact him and not them. With no idea what expect from Mannion. Buckle up, and try to go a little limp. This IS the Eagles we’re talking about.
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OFFENSE:
QB Jalen Hurts pre-snap.
QB: Jalen Hurts– 16 starts, 1 rest (playoffs) (294/454 – 64.7% – 3224 – 25 – 6) / (105 – 421 – 4.0 – 8 – 8). Not helped by a (since fired) pedestrian offensive coordinator. While, his overall statistics were respectable, week to week his completion percentage could swing as much as 28 points. In 9 of his 16 starts (56%), his arm found the end-zone, just one time or less.
His two biggest assets are his rushing, and the fact that he doesn’t make many mistakes. As a result, the Eagles either win games, or keep them very close. Unfortunately, his rushing yards, carries, and scores this season, were all career lows, since he became the starter.
Tanner McKee – 1 start (24/43 – 55.8% – 274 – 1 – 1) (8 – 8 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) A third year pocket passer with plenty of upside. His only start was an chance to play his way into being a trade target for QB needy teams. He didn’t play well enough for that, and as a result, would be smart to secure a multi-year extension, as the Eagles back-up beyond 2026. (+)
RB: Last year the world spoke of Saquon Barkley (280 – 1140 – 4.0 – 7 – 1 / 50 – 37 – 273 – 7.3 – 2) as if he was washed up. Yet despite all the team’s coaching struggles, and injuries along the o-line, he was still the number 10 rusher in the NFL. Tank Bigsby (58 – 344 – 5.9 – 2 – 0 / 4 – 3 – 32 – 10.7 – 0) ran every carry as if it would be his last, providing an excellent one-two punch with Barkley.
Will Shipley(14 – 49 – 3.5 – 0 – 1 / 12 – 9 – 56 – 6.2 – 0) simply isn’t very productive with the ball in his hands. Barring injury to another player, I expect that he’ll spend a lot of time on the Practice Squad, if he isn’t cut outright. Dameon Pierce spent most of his career on a bad Texans team, that kept using him less and less. He had a cup of coffee with K.C. last season, now he’s here as depth, and to bolster our kick return game. (+)
TE: Dallas Goedert (82 – 60 – 591 – 9.8 – 11) was a redzone nightmare in 2025. On top of which he’s a solid blocker in the run game. Grant Calcaterra (13 – 9 – 76 – 8.4 – 1) is not a very physical player, but he’s a decent receiving option. Johnny Mundt was ostensibly brought over to help the position with another credible blocker. Goedert is very good, but he tends to miss time, and this position is only one player deep. (-)
WR: A.J. Brown (121 – 78 – 1003 – 12.8 – 7) posted his fourth straight year with at least 1,000 receiving yards, and 7 touchdown catches. Real speed, strong hands, and he’s a problem after the catch. Rumor has it that he’ll be traded to the Patriots in June. (I’d rather it’d be Cleveland.) So let’s talk about what the Eagles might look like without him.
WR catches the go-ahead score. (DT Jordan Love would later seal the game.)
DeVonta Smith (113 – 77 – 1008 – 13.0 – 4) is a silky smooth route runner who uncovers quickly, and has reliable hands. He’s very slight of frame, so he can’t be sent over the middle too much. The recent trade and contract extension for Dontayvion Wicks(Packers), has many certain that Brown will be traded soon. Darius Cooper (11 – 9 – 92 – 10.2 – 0) was assignment solid in his rookie season, and is expected to take a big jump this season.
The Eagles added free agents Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Elijah Moore. Both have loads of starting experience but are smallish targets, inviting the question of whether both will be kept. This is especially true with 6’6 228 Johnny Wilson(a good run blocker), returning from an injury that cost him all of 2025. In addition to Smith, regardless of which four make the roster, this will be an extremely deep position. Even without Brown. (+)
OT: Perennial All-Pro and future Hall of Fame RT Lane Johnson, is coming back for another year. He’ll be 36, and is coming off of a Lisfranc sprain that ended his 2025 season. At LT Jordan Mailata has yet to get a Pro Bowl nod, but is well considered to be among the best at his position.
Swing T Fred Johnson tested free agency, hoping to start elsewhere; but his market kept him in Philadelphia. He’s generally reliable, but he doesn’t always bring his mean-streak, which is likely what’s keeping him a back-up. His presence however, stabilizes this group. Behind him are Cameron Williams and Myles Hinton, a pair of 6th rounders from last year. (+)
OG: Landon Dickerson returns to LG despite rumors that he was going to retire. Injuries dogged him in 2025 and caused him to seek stem cell treatment in the offseason. Interestingly, he had the three years left on his extension reduced to just two. Tyler Steenreturns to RG but lacks the mean streak to stand out there. Especially in the run game. This group fell off in 2025, and a bounce-back can’t just be assumed. It needs to be seen first.
Both Drew Kendalland Willie Lampkin can also play the pivot. Kendall has a single start in his career. Combined, they have played in 7 games, with none of those games being by Lampkin. They are young. Correction, they are Similac young. Dropper feed young. There is versatility here, but no truly experienced depth. (-)
C: Cam Jurgenswas voted to his second consecutive Pro Bowl, but in all truth he kind of sucked in 2025, due to his back. He gutted through it for 14 starts, then was one of two Eagles offensive linemen to receive stem cell treatment in Colombia, during the offseason. It’ll be interesting to see if there’s a resurgence of the Brotherly Shove in 2026, or if the Eagles keep avoiding it, and lend credence to the accusation that it’s an increased injury risk.
Behind Jurgens are Wilie Lampkin, Drew Kendall andJake Majors. The only one of them that’s ever played a snap in a real game, is Kendall with seven games and one start, during week 18. All four players at this position are also listed as Guards, so there is some versatility, but it’s very green. (-)
In A Nutshell: A brand new offensive system, and an Offensive Line that has to prove that it isn’t washed. Otherwise, there are some great pieces here. (-)
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DEFENSE:
DE: Brandon Graham(8 – 3.0 – 0 – 0) is currently still on the roster and listed at this position, despite being used last year as an interior rusher. He played just 113 total snaps in 9 games. Ta’Quon Graham (no relation) comes over as a free agent from Atlanta. He’s already a longshot to make the roster. Many of the players who would normally be listed as an End, are listed by the Eagles as OLB, and will be discussed there. (-)
DT Jordan Davis seals victory by blocking a FG. Then recovering it. Then returning it for a touchdown.
DT: Jalen Carter(33 – 3.0 – 0 – 0) Missed six games last year with shoulder injuries. Don’t let the numbers fool you, he faces double teams consistently, and still manages to be highly disruptive, batting down 7 passes last year. Jordan Davis(72 – 4.5 – 0 – 0) blocked and returned a field goal for a touchdown, and also batted down 6 passes. He had a monster year, where he was likely the most impactful player on the Defense and Special Teams. Which earned him a fat three year extension.
Moro Ojomo (38 – 6.0 – 0 – 0) has been a solid back-up, and will command a boatload of money once his rookie deal is up. Byron Young(37 – 2.5 – 0 – 1) had a nice year and will look to prove that he can be a consistent part of a rotation. Ty Robinson (5 tackles) needs to step his game up. (+)
OLB: (Players in this paragraph play on the Defensive Line.) Jaylx Hunt(52 – 6.5 – 3 – 1) led the team in both sacks (6.5) and interceptions (3) despite just starting 9 games. Nolan Smith (31 – 3 – 0 – 0) had an unremarkable 2025. He’s had big moments, but at 238 pounds he might be too small to rely on, on the line. Joe Tyron-Shoyinka and Arnold Ebiketie are free agents brought in to possibly bolster the pass rush.
Zack Baun(123 – 3.5 – 2 – 1) is an actual off-ball ‘backer. He covers well, plays the run great and is an effective blitzer. Smael Mondon (11 tackles) has to this point been a Special Teamer. He has the physical tools, but he’s deep on the depth chart. (+)
MLB/ILB: Jihaad Campbell(80 – 0.0 – 1 – 1) made enough of an impression as rookie, to render another player expendable, and take over his starting role. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (32 tackles) is the back-up, in a role that used to belong to his father. He’s not as physical, but has stickier fingers. Chandler Martin and Chance Campbellwere free agents brought in as depth. (+)
S:Andrew Mukuba (46 – 0.5 – 2 – 0) was improving weekly during his rookie season, until he was injured and lost for the season. Marcus Epps (21 tackles) made four starts last season. Epps isn’t a bad player, but he plays to not get beat, instead playing to make the play. So he’s always regarded as “experienced” or “veteran” or “reliable”, but never “good”. Andre Sam is on the roster. Still. (-)
S Andrew Mukuba gets first career interception from that OTHER Kelce’s drop.
CB: Currently the Eagles have 12 players at this position, but I’m only talking about the 6 likely to make the roster. Quinyon “Quinyonamo Bay” Mitchell (45 – 0.0 – 0 – 1) still doesn’t have a regular season interception, but is still very much a shutdown corner. Cooper DeJean(93 – 0.0 – 2 – 0) is possibly the best slot corner in the game. Jakorian Bennett(7 tackles) hardly saw the field, but is “traitsy” and could stick around as depth.
Michael Carter(10 tackles) is a Nickel who might be in line for a position switch. Free agent Tariq Woolen is one of the best man-coverage players in the sport, but he’s had some trouble with allowing immaturity to draw penalties. Jonathan Jones is another free agent addition. His age and experience being the key assets in a room loaded with youth. Loaded. (+)
In A Nutshell: Safety is a concern. Otherwise, this unit could ALREADY be better than last year’s. (+)
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SPECIAL TEAMS:
P: Braden Mann(72 – 49.9 – 8 – 20) kicked his way into a shiny new deal of 4 years for 14M$. With 20 punts landing inside the 20 yardline as opposed to touchbacks (8), he really sets the Defense up with a steep advantage. (+)
K Jake Elliott
K: For a second straight year, Jake Elliott(20/27 – 74.0% – 41/42 – 97.6%) has made less than 80% of his field goal attempts. That 74% is glaring, yet the Eagles reworked his contract, instead of cutting him or bringing in a second player. Not sure about the reasoning on this. (-)
In A Nutshell: Mann should take photos with the Defense. Competition needs to be brought in for Elliott. (-)
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BOTTOM LINE:
The Eagles biggest problem, is mostly that they have to demonstrate that they don’t have any big problems. Speculation about them is rampant, but actual evidence of their demise, is sorely lacking. Prediction: 12 – 5
Missed playoffs, 7 – 9 – 1, second place in the NFC East, 27.7aps, 30.1apa
STUMBLING out of the gate to a 1 – 2 – 1 record, in the first four weeks; the Cowboys were never able to recover solid footing. Falling to 3 – 5 – 1 by the mid-season Bye week, it seemed the season was lost. However, back to back victories over the Eagles and Chiefs (both teams were had been in the last Super Bowl), gave the Cowboys a 6 – 5 – 1 recored and hope. After which they went 1 – 4, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, to finish 7 – 9 – 1.
During the offseason, a new defensive coordinator was added. But do they have the pieces they need for the switch?
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OFFENSE:
QB: Dak Prescott 17 starts (404/600 – 67.3% – 4552 – 30 – 10) (53 – 177 – 3.3 – 2 – 6) His 2025 stats practically mirrored his annual averages. He’s very settled into his game, and that has pros as well as cons.
Pros: He doesn’t try to force throws he can’t make, and he executes familiar routes on a tight schedule. Cons: Everyone knows what he is and isn’t comfortable with, so he can be baited into extremely costly turnovers. Mostly because he keeps such a tight schedule.
Joe Milton (15/24 – 62.5% – 183 – 1 – 2) (5 – 50 – 10 – 0 – 1) Young guy with an absolute bazooka for an arm. Problem is, he relies on velocity far too much. As a result, his passes lack touch. More often he ends up throwing the ball at a receiver, as opposed to throwing them open. (+)
RB: Javonte Williams (252 – 1201 – 4.7 – 11 – 2 \ 51 – 35 – 137 – 3.9 – 2) earned a big shiny contract with his best season as a pro. That said, his team finished 7 – 9 – 1, with him failing to reach 70 rushing yards in 7 of the 16 games he played. If Dallas is to make the playoffs, more is needed from him.
Malik Davis (52 – 250 – 4.8 – 2 – 0 \ 5 – 2 – 16 – 8.0 – 0) and Jaydon Blue (38 – 129 – 3.3 – 1 – 1 \ 1 – 1 – 5 – 5.0 – 0) are both smaller types that offer a change of pace from the larger Williams. Hunter Luepke (16 – 71 – 4.4 – 0 – 0 \ 15 – 13 – 109 – 8.3 – 1) is more of a FB. (+)
TE:Jake Ferguson (102 – 82 – 600 – 7.3 – 8) won’t scare a defense. But he’s a reliable security blanket. Luke Schoonmaker (23 – 14 – 132 – 9.4 – 0) is the primary back-up but mostly a blocker. Brevyn Spann-Ford (13 – 9 – 90 – 10.0 – 1) big target with questionable hands. It’s not flashy, but it works. Better still, it works because it contrasts with the rest of the passing game. (+)
WR CeeDee Lamb misses one
WR: Last year’s top receiver, George Pickens (137 – 93 – 1429 – 15.3 – 9) has yet to sign his franchise tag; but CeeDee Lamb (117 – 75 – 1077 – 14.3 – 3) has focus drop issues, but is still capable of leading the room.Ryan Flournoy (56 – 40 – 475 – 11.8 – 4) spent 2025 blossoming into a reliable option.
KaVonte Turpin (38 – 26 – 396 – 15.2 – 2) is still trying to establish himself as a real receiver, but at 5’3” is a very small target to hit, especially while under duress. Jonathan Mingo (5 – 1 – 25 – 25.0 – 0) has caught just 46 percent of his targets in his career. This is a good, but not great group, with a lot of flash. The joke is that many teams have caught on, that this group is not as good as the Cowboys think it is. (+)
OT: There’s speculation that Tyler Smith may again be moved to LT. That would likely move Tyler Guyton to the bench, with Terence Steele manning the RT post. Smith was drafted to be a LT, but he was average at best there, before being moved inside and becoming a perennial Pro-Bowler. Why shake that up?
Steele is serviceable, but he will never be mistaken for a star. Guyton is only in his third year and still on his rookie deal, which makes him super-affordable; but he’s a penalty generator. Nate Thomas had four starts as a rookie last year, and is still figuring it out. (-)
OG: LG Tyler Smith was drafted for the edge, struggled a little and was kicked inside. There he has found a home as a perennial Pro Bowler, and earned himself a contract extension that averages 24M per year. RG Tyler Booker was drafted last year and started 14 games. He was pretty average overall, but for a rookie, that’s not awful.
Trevor Keegan is the backup. He’s appeared in 3 games with no starts. No, seriously. That’s all the depth here. Zero interior depth, on a line with three Black guys named Tyler. As long as the starters are healthy, everything is fine. If someone gets nicked up… Scary stuff. (+)
C: Cooper Beebe is a wide load, but he has trouble with quickness inside, and has trouble getting his second arm involved, resulting in him often playing his one arm against two. If you’re running HB dive all game, he’s a road grader. Otherwise, he’s not much. Matt Hennessy is a career back-up, who comes over as a free agent to provide depth. (-)
In A Nutshell: Every position on this unit, looks better if you don’t look closely at it. They’ll score, but they have some glaring weakness. (+)
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DEFENSE:
DE: With a new coordinator comes a new scheme. Specifically, a shift from a 4-3 front, to a 3-4. That means a shift for some player positions as well. The Cowboys have recently favored smaller faster Ends, and that’s going to cause some headaches.
Donovan Ezeiruaku (40 -2.0 – 0 – 0) was a 4-3 End, but weighing 248 pounds he cannot be a 3-4 End. He’ll likely be moved to OLB. As of now however, he’s still listed at this position. At OLB some coverage duties will fall to him. Thing is, even in college he didn’t do that. Given the hip surgery that he had in January, adding coverage to his game, won’t be easy. James Houston (35 – 5.5 – 0 – 1) at 241 pounds is in that same boat. He, (like Ezeiruaku), has also never made a play on a ball in coverage.
As for other players listed at this position, there’s Jonathan Bullard who has had a long and unremarkable career. We’re talking ten years, 6.5 sacks, and 0 turnovers. Then there’s Tyrus Wheat. Spent two years in Dallas, went to Detroit last year, had a career-high 1.5 sacks, then decided to return to Dallas. (-)
DT Quinnen Williams
DT: Quinnen Williams (53 – 1.5 – 1 – 0) started 7 games here last year, after coming over in a trade. He didn’t look too bad in the 4-3 they ran, but now they’re switching to a 3-4, which will likely see him moved to an End spot. Kenny Clark (36 – 3.0 – 0 – 0) started every game here last season, and will probably switch to Nose, where he’s already earned two Pro Bowl nods.
Otitio Ogbonnia comes over in free agency as a big body added for depth. For four years he’s been entirely unremarkable. Jay Toia (3 tackles) is also a huge body for depth. Again, if the starter (Clark) stays healthy, all is butter. The fall-off from him to the back-ups, is massive. (+)
OLB: Rashan Gary at 277 pounds will be moved to End in this 3-4. DeMarvion Overshown (28 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) yet again had to dance with an injury bug that robbed him of double digit games. He played in six games, starting the final five. When healthy, he’s an absolute menace, but his build (6’2 220) is rather slight for the position, and keeps him in street clothes.
LB DeMarvion Overshown makes a tackle
Like Overshown, Shemar James (91 – 1.5 – 0 – 0) is lightning quick, but his build (6’1 222) doesn’t suggest a long career at this position. Particularly at the speed he plays at. Marist Liufau (30 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) has played both inside and outside. He’s high effort and energy, if he can lower his percentage of missed tackles, he might get more opportunities to play.
MLB/ILB: Justin Barron has played just on Special Teams. Two games and no stats so far. He’s it here. There aren’t even camp bodies. Expect a Draft pick to be spent here early. (-)
S: Malik Hooker (52 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) is coming off possibly his worst season as a starter. Perhaps a change of scheme will rejuvenate him. Markquese Bell (41 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) had three starts last year. Whether he showed enough to be considered a starter this year, remains to be seen. The addition of Denver free agents Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, puts an immediate cloud over that idea. (-)
CB: DaRon Bland (73 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) is likely to be used on the outside instead of the slot, according to the head coach. Weird since he’s been at his best in the slot.Shavon Revel (35 tackles) made five starts as a rookie, but was hampered by injuries. Odds are that he gets the other corner spot, since the Cowboys don’t have a clear second.
Caelen Carson (17 tackles) had three starts, but instead of elevating him, the Cowboys went out and spent free agent money. The same thing can be said of Trikweze Bridges (23 – 0.0 – 1 – 0), who started two games. Free agent Cobie Durant wasn’t handed a 1year 4M$ deal, to ride pine. Corey Ballentine (2 tackles) re-signed with the Cowboys, but for much less (just 1.3M) than Durant’s deal. (Just in case you were trying to sort out where the Cowboys value these guys.) (-)
In A Nutshell: A 3-4 front being run with 4-3 players, and no stability in the Secondary. (-)
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SPECIAL TEAMS:
P: Bryan Anger (41 – 48.6 – 0 – 14) wasn’t needed much last season, which at least helps save wear and tear on his leg. (+)
K Brandon Aubrey
K: Brandon Aubrey (36/42 – 85.7% – 47/48 – 97.9%) Just signed a big 4 year deal. His ability to hit from 70 yards is goddamned special. (+)
In A Nutshell: As long as the field position battle is being won, the Cowboys we be alive and kicking in every game.
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BOTTOM LINE:
This team has the ability to get points out of most of their drives. That means they have to place an emphasis on defense. If they can figure out a defense, they immediately become a player in the NFC. Prediction: 10 – 7
AFTER appearing in the NFC Championship game, everyone was sure this would be a Super Bowl team in 2025. Except me. I said they’d regress and go 9 – 8. They did regress. Injuries, a tougher schedule, and a reliance on aging players who couldn’t get over that hump, combined to kill the Commanders season in its crib. Problem is, this season, they face many of the same issues. Just a year older.
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OFFENSE:
The Washington offense
QB:Jayden Daniels 7 starts (114/188 – 60.6% – 1262 – 8 – 3) (58 – 278 – 4.7 – 2 – 3) He was limited to less than half a season due to a knee sprain, a hamstring sprain, and a dislocated (non-throwing) elbow. Which he later re-aggravated, leading to the coaches shutting him down for the last three games. He played through a broken rib in 2024, starting all 17 games.
The kind of damage he’s taking, isn’t simple wear and tear. While he shows a great deal of maturity, poise and ability, the number one ability in sports, is availability. While his toughness isn’t in question, his durability clearly is. Going forward it has to be.
Marcus Mariota 8 starts (139/227 – 61.2% – 1695 – 10 – 7) (50 – 297 – 5.9 – 1 – 6) In the right situation, he’d be a dangerous back-up. Washington is not that situation. However, at 32 what he still brings to a team is sound judgment, and a set of wheels that are still getting him 30 and 40 yard runs. So he provides enough dynamism to give an offensive coordinator the ability to throw in a wrinkle or two. (+)
RB: Rookie “Bill” Jacory Croskey-Merritt (175 – 805 – 4.6 – 8 – 4 \ 13 – 9 – 68 – 7.5 – 0) rocketed up the depth chart after being drafted in the 7th round. Failing to post 70 rushing yards in 13 of the 17 games he played, helped chain his team to their 5 – 12 record. It would not be weird to see a third round draft pick spent here.
Jeremy Nichols (44 – 221 – 5.0 – 1 – 1 \ 31 – 25 – 196 – 7.8 – 0) played in all 17 games last year, and may see a larger role in 2026. Or he may not, with the addition of Rachaad White from Tampa Bay. Jerome Ford is a refugee from the failed state that is the Browns. (-)
TE: Ben Sinnott (12 – 11 – 114 – 10. 3 – 1) could be the new starter in 2026. He hasn’t done much in two seasons, but he’s a second round pick, so he’ll get a chance to prove that he belongs. John Bates (16 – 11 – 103 – 9.4 – 1) is a back-up and a blocker, as is Colson Yankoff (3 – 2 – 18 – 9.0 – 0). And yes, that’s his real last name. (-)
WR: Allowed their top receiver from 2025 to walk. Terry McLaurin (60 – 38 – 582 – 15.3 – 3) due to an injured and re-injured quad, missed 7 non-consecutive games last year. (More than the total that he’d missed in his career.) While he played the final 6 weeks of the season, he did not finish strong.
Jaylin Lane (32 – 16 – 225 – 14.0 – 0) and Luke McCaffrey (15 – 11 – 203 – 18.4 – 3) contributed as youngsters last season, and will be expected to step up in 2026. The Commanders seem to think they’ve found something in Treylon Burk (22 – 10 – 130 – 13.0 – 1), so they re-signed him in free agency. A star on the decline and three unproven youngsters. (-)
OT: Josh Conerly is the young cornerstone of the Commanders line. He started every game as a rookie last year, but the Commanders offense struggled, all season long. Laremy Tunsil started 14 games in his first year with the team. Whether he will be the 2026 starter, or whether the Commanders will roll the dice on the youth movement; to give Brandon Coleman a shot at the job, remains to be seen. Sam Cosmi is rumored to be a cut candidate. (+)
OG: Chris Paul started 15 games last season, which was the biggest opportunity he’d gotten in his four year career. Nick Allegretti and Andrew Wylie may have to compete for the other starting spot. Both have been starters, but neither has exactly shined. This may allow undrafted, second year men, Tyler Cooper and Timothy McKay to also enter that mix. (-)
C: Julian Good-Jones is the only player listed at the position. He’s been in the NFL since 2020, is 29 years old, and has played exactly two snaps in his entire career. Last year. The Commanders literally don’t have another player on the roster who is more qualified to start. (-)
In A Nutshell: Fragile QB, weak receivers, and a bad interior line. If this team regresses, don’t act surprised. (-)
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DEFENSE:
DE: Dorrance Armstrong (24 – 5.5 – 0 – 0 ) seems like he’ll be the only serious holdover from last season. He played seven games last year, before a knee injury ended his season. K’Lavon Chaisson is a free agent from the Patriots, coming off a career-high 7.5 sacks. In each of the last three seasons Chaisson has increased his sack number, and the Commanders are banking on that for 2026.
Veteran presence Charles Omenihu comes over from Kansas City. Both Drake Jackson (3 – 0 – 0 – 0) and Javontae Jean-Baptiste (6 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) were both on the team last year, but they don’t look like they factor much into future plans. Pretty sure a draft pick gets spent here in the first two rounds this year. (-)
DT: Javon Kinlaw (43 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) started every game last season, but probably wasn’t as productive as the team would have liked. Daron Payne (46 – 3.0 – 0 – 0) added 5 batted passes while starting all but two games. Jer’Zhan Newton (38 – 5.0 – 0 – 0) had a mixed bag as a rookie. While his pass rush help was welcome, he was sort of liability vs the run.
The Commanders are hoping that former Texan, free agent Tim Settle will bring some the swagger that Houston’s defense showed last season, when Settle started twelve games. Rickey Barber (5 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) and Shy Tuttle (4 tackles) are deep reserves. (-)
OLB: Frankie Luvu (86 – 3.0 – 0 – 0) has seen his solo tackles slide for the third year in a row. This is despite starting every game, and logging a career-high 1107 snaps on defense. Decline has set in. Irrefutably. Jordan Magee (54 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) made eight starts, but didn’t do much with them. Nick Bellore (12 tackles) is a Special Teamer who sometimes plays FB.
Looking to beef up their defensive playmaking, the Commanders added a few free agents. Leo Chenal (K.C.) who has a history of playing every position upfront. Odafe Oweh (Chargers) was added to punch up the pass rush, since he’s been productive at that, throughout his career. DJ Johnson (Carolina) is listed at this position, but they may try him at End. (-)
MLB: Okay, here’s what’s going on. Bobby Wagner (162 – 4.2 – 2 – 0) isn’t on the roster. He’s a free agent right now, and the “door is open” for his return. But he’s not here now. So lets look at who is.
Ale Kaho (5 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) has just 5 tackles in his career. Kain Medrano (5 – 0.0 – 0 – 1) has just 5 tackles in his career. The Commanders need to stop lying to themselves about having options, and call in a dump truck of money for Wagner. (-)
S: Quan Martin (99 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) sees his tackles go up each year, as his interceptions go down. Will Harris (38 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) didn’t have a great year in his first year as a Commander. Jeremy Reaves (91 – 1.0 – 1 – 0) got to start eight games and had his best year.
Nick Cross was brought over in free agency from the Colts, to try to resuscitate this Secondary. Meanwhile Tyler Owens (13 tackles), and Percy Butler (14 tackles) will remain back-ups. (-)
CB: Mike Sainristil (85 – 0.0 – 4 – 0) has started reliably. How he’s played has been another story. The club is convinced the issue is the lack of help around him, so they spent some money this offseason. Rookie Trey Amos (32 tackles) saw eight starts, so the question is ‘can he elevate his game this year?’
Ahkello Witherspoon comes over from the Rams on a minor prove it contract; but it’s free agent Amik Robertson who may be the straw that stirs this drink from the slot. Tre Hawkins and Darius Rush are also on the roster. Two of their three top players here, just had to be added. They have more talent, but they still have to see if it works out. (-)
In A Nutshell: There are literally no strong parts to this unit. Expect a rough year. (-)
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SPECIAL TEAMS:
P: Tress Way (56 – 47.3 – 4 – 29) putting over half of his punts inside the 20 was a hidden gem in the Commanders lost 2025 season. (+)
K: Jake Moody (10/11 – 90.9% – 10/11 – 90.9%) spent 2025 on three rosters, finally ending up here. For what it’s worth, he’s the only player on the roster at the position today. (+)
In A Nutshell: It’s not exciting to look at, but the stability here will keep this team in games closer than they should be. (+)
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BOTTOM LINE:
They lost production from last season. Didn’t make any free agent splashes, and are without a second and fourth round pick in this draft. Where is the boost supposed to come from? Prediction: 5 – 12
IT started slow, but then there was a storm ignited by a pair of rookies. QB Jaxson Dart and RB Cam Skattebo, came out guns blazing. Playing with swagger. A fast and hard brand of football. So hard in fact that they spent large amounts of time in the blue tent or not playing football at all. The 4 -13 record got head coach Brian Daboll fired, and John Harbaugh formerly of the Ravens, took over. Now after having traded away a cornerstone player, the giants sit with the #5 and #10 picks in this year’s NFL Draft, taking place in just 4 days. This should be good.
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OFFENSE:
QB: Jaxson Dart 12 starts (216/339 – 63.7% – 2272 – 15 – 5) (86 – 487 – 5.6 – 9 – 5) The rookie’s style was full of swag. Young, brash and exciting. He also missed two starts due to one concussion, and has had to be evaluated to rule out a few others. He’s going to have to learn to protect himself better, or be better managed, if he’s going to stick with his ‘rough and tumble’ brand of football.
Brian Daboll sends Meal Ticket back into the game, even though his eyes look wrong.
How he’s going to respond to a total regime change, with the firing Brian Daboll and the hiring of Jim Harbaugh, will be interesting to watch. The two coaches approaches couldn’t be more different.
Jameis Winston 2 starts (37/66 – 56.0% – 567 – 2 – 2) (7 – 23 – 3.2 – 1 – 1) He’s the personified chaos of snorting a line of cocaine off live rat, and then going straight to church. Something. Is. Going. To. Happen. His every snap teeters on the edge of a highlight reel play for either his team or the opponent’s. He’s all wrong for this roster, but the Big Apple loves lightning rods. (+)
RB: Tyrone Tracy (176 – 740 – 4. 2 – 2 – 1 \ 48 – 36 – 288 – 8.0 – 2) may be their most explosive player at this position, but that may not be enough to hold off Cam Skattebo (101 – 410 – 4.0 – 5 – 1 \ 32 – 24 – 207 – 8.6 – 2), whose hard-nosed approach was winning over the fanbase last year. It also helped him to a couple of injuries. If he’s recovered from the leg injury that ended his season, he may be given the starting nod.
RB Cam Skattebo sustains a season-ending ankle injury.
Devin Singletary (119 – 437 – 3.6 – 5 – 0 \ 19 – 18 – 151 – 8.3 – 0) saw more snaps due to other players being out with injury. He was serviceable, but not impressive. He might want to step away from the game soon, before it starts to embarrass him. (-)
TE: Theo Johnson (74 – 45 – 528 – 11.7 – 5) has the tools, but may not be surrounded with the right complementary pieces. Especially with Isaiah Likely being brought over from Baltimore. Chris Manhertz (2 – 1 – 7 – 7.0 – 0) is essentially a small offensive lineman. Same for Thomas Fidone. (+)
WR: After losing last year’s top receiver to the Titans, the return of Malik Nabers (35 – 18 – 271- 15.0 – 2) from a season-ending injury, gives the giants a needed boost of morale. Darius Slayton (63 – 37 – 538 – 14.5 – 1) provides solid veteran depth, as does free agent addition Darnell Mooney.
Ryan Miller, Jaylin Hyatt, Gunner Olszewski and Isaiah Hodgins are just guys and Special Teamers. This team will be spending an early draft pick here. (-)
OT: RT Jermain Eluemunor started 16 games in 2025 and was rewarded with a three year extension for 39M$. Probably not wisest use of 40 million bucks, but the giants are kind of experts in that field. They may simply want to use him less as a quote/unquote cornerstone, and more as a point of stability for rebuilding their line.
LT Andrew Thomas was enjoying a sort of resurgence until his hamstring put him on season-ending Injured Reserve. Marcus Mbow was a fifth round rookie last year and he looks to be the Swing T this year. The fourth guy at this spot is Reid Holskey, but he looks to be JAG. (-)
OG: Jon Runyan Jr despite his consistency as a starter and playing at both spots, is rumored to be a possible cap casualty. Given the volatile state of the line’s interior that may not be the smartest move. Aaron Stinnie was demoted from starter last year and Jake Kubas only has three starts.
Evan Neal is moving inside as an experiment and the g-men have added former Raven Daniel Faalele, who is massive, but misses a ton of blocks. (-)
C: John Michael Schmitz is the starter. He has yet to distinguish himself despite having been a second round pick (which is high for this position). Bryan Hudson is an undrafted back-up, who played a total of three snaps in two games last year. (-)
In A Nutshell: Having a lackluster offensive line and skill players who want to play roller derby, is a bad mix.
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DEFENSE:
DE: New defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson favors a 3-4, and the giants are built for it, so expect it to continue. They don’t specifically list players at this position. Some of their players are listed as DL (defensive linemen). So I’ll try to sort that here.
Chauncey Golston (20 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) is largely a run control player. He parlayed one fugazi season of 5.5 sacks, into bamboozling the Commanders into a three year deal. His agent should either win an award or do hard time. Sam Roberts is coming off a career-high sack last season. That’s it. (-)
DT: The trade of Dexter Lawrence to Cincy REALLY shakes up this group. More like unravels it, because there are no replacements in this Draft. Roy Robertson-Harris (35 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) started every game here last season, so with the move to a 3-4 alignment, he’s the odds-on favorite to be the Nose. However, third round pick Darius Alexander (20 – 3.5 – 0 – 0) had two starts as a rookie, so it wouldn’t surprise if he got the starting nod.
At six foot 278 pounds Elijah Chapman (3 tackles) isn’t beefy enough to hold up as an interior lineman, in the NFC East. He might have value as an End, but as an interior lineman, he’s a career back-up at best. Marlon Tuipulotu comes over from K.C. presumably as depth. (-)
OLB Brian Burns
OLB: Brian Burns (67 – 16.5 – 0 – 1) exploded last year, racking up as many sacks as he had in the previous two seasons combined. It earned him his first All-Pro nod. Abdul Carter (43 – 4.0 – 0 – 2) had to walk back some of his rookie talk, when the NFL showed him how much work he still needs to put in.
Kayvon Thibodeaux (25 – 2.5 – 0 – 0) started ten games, but his production continues to frustrate the giants front office. Couple years ago, I asked if he was an over-drafted role player. Oh well. Free agent Caleb Murphy was added for depth. (+)
MLB: Micah McFadden (3 tackles) was lost for the year in first game. Nonetheless, the giants re-signed him this season. That speaks volumes. Darius Mauau (51 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) started eleven of twelve games, when things in the middle had to be shuffled due injury. Still it seems as if the giants aren’t confident in him taking the next step, so they spent good money in free agency.
Free agent Tremaine Edmunds will make the middle of the field considerably less safe for offenses in 2026. He’s a reliable tackler, but at 6’4 he also gets his fingers on passes like he’s a DB, and comes down with more than a fair number of them. (+)
S: Jevon Holland (63 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) mixed bag in his first year as a giant, despite fourteen starts. Tyler Nubin (78 – 0.0 – 0 – 1), his eleven starts were two fewer than his rookie season, even though he played as many games (thirteen) in both. Jason Pinnock returns from a year in San Fran, but everyone below him, is basically a camp body. (-)
CB: Paulson Adebo (73 – 0.0 – 1 – 0) found the NFC East a little more of challenge than the NFC South had been. We’ll see if he’s made the adjustment in 2026. Andru Phillips (66 – 0.0 – 2 – 1) is a gamer, but could use more support around him. Deonte Banks (31 tackles) is safe to say is a bust now. It’s odd that he’s still on the roster.
CB Greg Newsome
From free agency Greg Newsome was added, but just on a one year deal. If he goes off this year, the giants may regret not locking him longer, at a lesser price. There are four players at this position who are essentially Special Teamers only. Ughhhhhh! This team. (+)
In A Nutshell: The trade of Lawrence was a grenade going off in their pocket. They don’t have the players to compensate for what they lost in him.
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SPECIAL TEAMS:
P: Jordan Stout was brought up from Baltimore with the new head coach. He had a career year last season, but he’s going to find that kicking in MetLife Stadium is one of the trickiest gigs in the league.
K: Ben Sauls (8/8 – 100 – 7/7 – 100) as a rookie, made everything he attempted in the three games he played last year. So I don’t understand bringing in a second player to compete with him. Enter Jason Sanders, a 30year old former Dolphin, who missed all of 2025 with a hip injury. Seriously. Make that make sense! Ughhhhh. This team!
In A Nutshell: This is the giants, doing giants things.
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BOTTOM LINE:
If I didn’t know better, I’d say they were already trying to tank for next year’s Draft. Too many of their recent decisions have been half-measures or just outright dumb. Nothing about this team’s moves lately, signals that they wish to compete in 2026. Prediction 6 – 11
I’VE been sitting this one out, because I find the subject matter silly. However, too many things are going unsaid, in order to help perpetuate a story with no story to it. So I’m weighing in, because an adult perspective is needed.
Since last season, there’s been a non-stop conveyor belt of rumors, regarding the Eagles trading WR A.J. Brown. Much of that has been fueled by Brown’s social media posts, sideline behavior, and post-game interview coyness. So for Brown’s part, he himself has helped feed the rumor mill.
For the Eagles part, (namely General Manager Howie Roseman), the team’s assertion is that Brown is a great player, and you don’t give away great players. Local media and many fans, are saying the Eagles must be tired of Brown’s antics, so surely they want to trade him. (To me that sounds like folks projecting their own frustrations.)
Understand, if a good enough deal comes down the pike, I think Howie jumps on it. We ask for a king’s ransom, and wait to see if the other court has a fool willing to part with it. It’s just smart business. That being said, for my part, I don’t think the Eagles have much real interest in trading Brown, and there are a few reasons for that.
First, I’m pretty sure they want Brown this year. In fact, I’m pretty sure they need him this year. Not just a really good wide receiver. Him. A.J. Brown specifically.
The Eagles have a brand new Offensive Coordinator, in Sean Mannion, whose system has yet to be demonstrated. So opposing defenses have no reason to fear, or even respect it yet. What they do have to respect, are the players we have operating that system.
Due to QB Jalen Hurts past success with Brown, they will generate different coverages than say, second year WR Darius Cooper can. That aspect cannot be replicated quickly or easily. So, Brown’s mere presence will dictate coverages, that help get other receivers open, and loosen the box for both the RB and QB run games.
Starting Mannion off without Brown, is to handicap both Mannion and Hurts. God forbid our Offense stinks, the first thing fans and the media (local and national), will say is “Well maybe if they didn’t get rid of A.J…” Mannion deserves at least one season with Brown.
Second, (and any of you with a background in Sales can vouch for this), the Eagles aren’t pricing Brown to move. When you really want to sell an item, you make the price attractive to as many potential buyers as possible. The Eagles are doing the opposite of that. They’ve made him almost prohibitively expensive, to all but the most niche of purchasers.
Third, the consensus is that the Eagles are waiting until after June 1st, to avoid a 40M$ dead money hit. If that was really their big concern, and Brown were truly so eager to leave, they could simply re-work his deal, like they just did for K Jake Elliottand G Landon Dickerson. They could even sweeten it by adding non-void years for the next team. But they didn’t.
Fourth and finally, if the plan was to play without Brown this year, then we’d want to make sure we brought in a new weapon for Hurts. The sooner the better. The cheaper the better. That means a draft pick. Why wait until after the draft, to get a player that we’ll likely need this season? Does that sound like Howie to you? Not by a damned sight!
If the Eagles are offered an absolute haul, I think they leap at it. That being said, my money is on Brown scoring double digit touchdowns as an Eagle this season.
(Add-on: If we do move on from Brown, I like Draft prospect WR Josh Cameron, as a 4th round pick, or even as a 3rd round reach.)
Special Teams Ace: P Braden Mann (4 – 208 – 52.0 – 1TB)
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I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: 49ers did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Run At Their DE’s: We actually did more of this than I was hoping for! So much so that that our first score was a 1 yard run by TE Dallas Goedert(receiving: 7 – 4 – 33 – 8.2 – 1). Even DeVonta got a Sweep, but both of those were in the first quarter. All the creativity was gone in the second half. Still, we did work the ends. (DONE)
2) Get Their QB’s Feet Moving:We only got one measly sack, but that doesn’t tell the story of how often we made their QB launch off-platform passes. On his two longest passes of the day, he was able to stand in the pocket and throw with confidence, but for most of the game we kept him moving. (DONE)
3) Unleash A.J. Brown: How did it go for WRA.J. Brown(7 – 3 – 25 – 8.3 – 0)? One actual deep shot. Three drops. No attempts to him in the second and third quarters, and for most of the fourth. (NOT DONE)
4) Muddy Coverage Underneath: We didn’t do this nearly as often as we should have, considering that the guy we needed to stop was a RB who specializes in catching short passes and turning them into more yardage. (NOT DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 2 of 4. Close, but no cigar. Which is why our season came to a much deserved close.
****
Game Hero: CB Quinyon Mitchell – Notching two interceptions and forcing a fumble to end the 49ers scoring threat at the end of the firsts half, Q personally ended three drives to help us get ahead and stay ahead of San Fran. Sadly, that meant turning the ball over to our Offense.
Game goat: Offensive Coaching Staff – For half the game, I was listening to announcer Tom Brady, say that the Eagles weren’t operating with a sense of urgency, and they didn’t seem to be on the same page. He was 100 percent correct. The lack of proper preparation has been a season-long, and now season-ending problem. Changes need to be made, and that is the last I will write about that, until after the Super Bowl.
On The Whole: What we saw in this game, was the same thing we’ve been seeing since the season opened with our players having not played in the preseason. A roster that should have gone 15 – 1, instead settled for 11 – 6 and a seed that was not the #1. For all of our work today, we got an early playoff exit, and a shitty draft position.
This won’t mean a lot to the players. It probably will only mean slightly more to the coaching staff.
Who it WILL mean a lot to, is OwnerJeff Lurie, who is apparently paying nearly 60 million dollars to two WR’s to drop passes.
Paying 50 million to a QB who no longer does the running that made him special, since he can’t throw touchdowns at the rate that truly elite QB’s can. I think once Lurie communicates how much this means to him, it will start to mean much more to the players and coaches.
RB Will Shipley
DT Ty Robinson celebrates getting a sack. 
DT Ty Robinson from 2025
WR Quez Watkins scores in 2022
