SHUT the fuck up, until you have something worth saying, to say. I didn’t want to participate in the ridiculous past-time of defending QB Jalen Hurts, vs people who clearly don’t know football. I didn’t want to keep re-hashing the trade rumors surrounding WR A.J. Brown. I didn’t want to keep speculating on whether Cleveland would trade DE Myles Garrett. Would we get him? Would Dallas get him??
I had nothing to say worthy of your attention. So, instead of wasting your time, I kept my trap shut. At 51, I’m older. Wiser. More seasoned. I like it when I get to brandish my wisdom, and show the boys who always have to be “loud and first”, that surgical insight is more respectable than scatter-shot rumor mongering. After all, September is still months away. Why rush?
Now that Brown and Garrett have been traded, I get to give my two cents on this season’s schedule. Yes, the schedule. Lots of people (me included), made predictions already, but trades this big could have serious impact on those predictions. So I waited for them to be completed.
GM Howie Roseman
The latest on the rumor mill, is whether or not Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman will make a play for Raider DE Maxx Crosby, or if he’ll end up in San Francisco. With Crosby still rehabbing his knee, there just isn’t enough substance for me to wait on that. So I’m just going to plunge ahead, and give my overview of the 2026 season.
Regarding the schedule, there are things that I like about it. I’m a fan of hosting division rival Washington, for Week One. Foaming at the mouth, right out of the gate? I have to love that! The Week 10 Bye is nice. Having six straight weeks (weeks 6 through 11) which don’t require us to get on a plane, is also a dandy. I dig the three game home-stand in Weeks 14 through 16; and even the season finale has us playing in our own backyard (N.Y.)
What I don’t like, is the London game. The Birds having to play overseas, and me not getting to sleep-in on a Sunday? Frowny face. Then there’s facing four opponents who will be coming off of their Bye week. Two of which are divisional (Washington and New York). We have two games on short weeks, but those opponents will also be in that boat. So it’s a gripe, but a minor one.
On personal note, I’m also not a fan of having FIVE prime time games. That means taking the following day off work, so I can stay up late to write Four Things Reviewed. While the Christmas Eve game lets me off the hook, I still have to burn four vacation days. (They’re already on my department’s calendar.)
I still like us for 12 – 5, as I wrote in the Eagles Pre-Draft Preview, but that Week 4 Rams game, will tell us a lot.
I’m not yet getting into the players we added, or what kind of season I expect for WR DeVonta Smith. As I said earlier, there’s no rush. We’ll pick through the roster as we work our way through Training Camp. In the meantime, enjoy me. The Holy One has finally returned.
Note: This is probably the longest and most team comprehensive draft report you’ll read this year. You’re welcome.
Round 1: WR Makai Lemon 5’11, 192 – It was weird to see the Eagles trade up from 23rd to 20th, to select a smallish slot receiver. Before anyone gets pissed that I called him that, GM Howie Roseman and Head Coach Nick Sirianni already conceded as much, during their press conference about drafting him.
So yeah, it was weird drafting a slot, especially one who runs a 4.53 Forty, and doesn’t generate much buzz about his run after the catch skills. There is talk that he can play on the outside, and is competitive for jump balls. At least he has been in college. Well that talk had better be true at the NFL level, too.
No team moves up to draft a player at #20, for him to ride pine. Clearly the Eagles expect an early contribution from Lemon. His drafting signals that the rumors are true, about WR A.J. Brownbeing traded soon. If Lemon is the direct replacement, he lacks the speed, vertical leap, tackle breaking and size (at 6’1, 226 Brown is 2 inches taller and 34 pounds heavier) of Brown.
So if the Eagles are looking for Lemon to make his living on the Go routes, Slants and Hitches that Brown did, that would be sort of unfair. Lemon might be better suited to Drags, Screens and Quick Outs, all run from the slot. Then of course that can be built on, as Sirianni suggested right at the end of the presser.
Round 2: TE Eli Stowers 6’3, 239 – Seems like he can catch and make yards after contact, but the knock on him is that his run blocking is poor. That was the knock on TE Grant Calcaterra, right? The whole conversation we Eagles fans have been having around the TE position, is “Who can replace TE Dallas Goedert?”
This pick doesn’t help us with that. A TE who can’t run block, means we get less out of our 20M$ per year RB. It means our brand new system, operating with a rookie WR instead of a perennial All-Pro, top ten WR; starts out half-handicapped for our never called plays before Offensive Coordinator.
Whether you like the athlete or not, is beside the point. The question are: How will we use him? How will he fit? At this rate it would be wise to extend Goedert beyond the one year deal that we have him on.
Round 3: OT Markel Bell 6’9, 346 – When we talk about premier NFL pass rushers, we mention how they can flatten and bend the edge. That means they get low to exploit an OT’s center of gravity. The average OT is 6’4 – 6’5. Bell is 6’9, and he’s not all a knee bender.
Here is a link to some of his highlights. You may notice that they all feature opponents engaging him upright. You never get to see him facing a bender. Going against NFC guys like OLB Brian Burns, and OLB Micah Parsons, his elevated center of gravity is a liability that we’re going to have to work on, before he gets pressed into playing.
That’s not to dismiss his strength or ability to anchor. However, his weakness is built-in and easy to access for even the most average of opponents. He’s really a high ceiling low floor sort of pick, and he feels like a reach at the moment.
Round 4: NONE
Round 5: QB Cole Payton 6’2, 232 – I like this athlete and I love the value on this pick. One knock on him is that his mechanics need work, and really his back leg IS atrocious. He tends to drag it, instead of step with it on throws. That said, the ball goes where he wants it to go. Another knock is his passes are said to lack velocity. I don’t see that.
The real knock, is that he’s a lefty. Teams with really good offensive lines won’t want to flip their blockers, to accommodate a different blindside. A shitty or re-building o-line? Sure no problem. But an annual All-Pro LT won’t want to be flipped to RT.
I love his athleticism and his competitiveness. What I really love, is how much closer his game is, to QB Jalen Hurts. Like Hurts, Payton is a dual threat. Our current back-up QB Tanner McKee is a pure pocket passer. With McKee already eying the door, having a back-up that doesn’t require the OC to change his play-calling style, is a huge help.
Round 6:Micah Morris 6’5, 334 – I heard that his issue is keeping his weight down. Okay. But I’m also not in love with how he anchors in pass pro. I see that he hasn’t allowed a sack in 900 snaps, but my eyes also show me how often he almost backs into his QB. That has to stop with college.
He looks like a better puller than outright run blocker off the line. For such a big man his lateral movement is smooth and even better, it’s controlled. I see depth, but not necessarily a starter. I would be surprised to find him on this roster in three years.
Round 7a: S Cole Wisniewski 6’3, 219 – The word on him is “Box S” and that he doesn’t have the most natural hands. Watching him play, I also didn’t see a S, I saw an underweight LB. I saw a guy who can discard blocks, make secure tackles, and doesn’t let the rat out the back door, but who needs a little more bulk to hold up to 17 games.
I saw a guy who needs to spend a couple of months in the weight room, and at Reading Terminal eating cheesesteaks, cheesecake, roast pork, gumbo and ice cream… Basically we need to put eleven to eighteen pounds on this guy, and move his position.
Note: He had 8 interceptions in 2023 when he played for North Dakota State, but those stats aren’t simple to find. He sat out 2024 with a foot injury, and the only thing easily on record for him, is his 2025 season. The man played five seasons of football (2020 – 2023 and 2025) , and only one is easily searchable. That’s bullshit, Internet. Boooo.
Round 7b: DL Uar Bernard6’4, 306 – Alright, here is where most Eagles fans and I won’t agree. It seems like I’m the only one is who NOT excited about this pick. Sure, as an Eagles fan and as Human being, I’m rooting for the guy. That said, I don’t get why we used a pick on him? Who else was looking to snatch him up?
I don’t want to get into measurables. Workout warriors never impressed me. You know, ‘Look like Tarzan, play like Jane’. This guy was discovered while playing basketball, then signed to the International Player Pathway program. LT Jordan Mialata had at least played a similar sport to Rugby, when he was discovered.
Bernard has never played a down of football. So we don’t even know how he will react to being hit. Can he take one? Can he dish one? Oh, and many of the hits he takes, will be served with a side of ill will. Can he keep his cool when those hits pile up, or is he a pile of laundry waiting to happen? Don’t show me muscles. Show me mentals.
Round 7c: OLB Keyshawn James-Newby 6’1, 240 – Normally I wouldn’t be very enthusiastic about a third or fourth round pass rusher, but we got this guy in the seventh. He’s a got a low center of gravity, and has that bend that GM’s covet in pass rushers.
Even if he doesn’t make the active roster, he’s a guy to keep on the Practice Squad so that our back-up OT’s can get reps dealing with the exact problem that he presents. If he’s not going to be a player, he’ll still be an excellent teaching tool. The same way that WR Danny Gray has been for our CB’s, for the last couple of years.
****
You wish I was more enthusiastic and didn’t always lead with a criticism. I get it. We’re fans and it’s a fan’s nature to cheer. Mostly.
Coming into this draft, aside from maybe S, the Eagles didn’t have a starting hole to fill. So this was mostly restocking the pantry. Grabbing supplies for the future. Well, like any time you do that, you have to look at what you have already, and make sure that you aren’t about to spend on several things that you don’t use, and already have four or five of.
So going from an All-Pro WR to a rookie who we hope isn’t a bust? Hard to cheer about that. So getting stuck with another TE who can’t block? Hard to cheer about that. The complete unknown that we used a pick on? I fail to see the wisdom there. There are however some things to be happy about.
We have enough depth on our Offensive Line, that our rookies won’t have to step up immediately in case of injury. They have time to learn. This is fine. Got a couple of LB types who will be good for Special Teams and even the Practice Squad. Those are hidden value picks. Nice. The QB, hopefully won’t see action this regular season.
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 hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for theseFour 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: COMMANDERS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Start Tanner McKee:That is precisely what happened, and there is good news and bad news, as a result.
First, the bad news. Had McKee won the game and looked like the phenom that he did last year, we could have used him as trade bait for QB hungry teams. Instead he lost, while displaying little mobility, or improvisational talent, while looking more like a typical back-up.
The good news. If he’s still here when his contract expires, there’s now a decent chance that we can re-sign him ourselves. Make no mistake, this game cost McKee an easy opportunity and likely millions of dollars. Without another chance to prove himself in 2026, he won’t have a body of work that teams can project into being a starter.
I said that we should let QB Sam Howelltake the fourth quarter, so we could get a look at our future back-up. However, as I mentioned when discussing McKee, due to the missed opportunity, I’m pretty sure that we did get a look at our back-up. (DONE)
2) Chase the Yards: I wanted the Eagles to play WR DeVonta Smith, so that he could get the 44 yards that he needed, to reach 1,000 receiving yards on the season. He played and he got 52.
I also wanted to see RB Tank Bigsby get a start and maybe get 100 rushing yards. Well, he rushed for 75 with a touchdown, and added a 31 yard catch and run. So he had 106 total yards on the day. I mentioned that a sighting of RB A.J. Dillon (1 – 1 – 3 – 3.0 – 0) would be welcomed, and he caught the only ball thrown to him. (DONE)
3) Get A Long Look: There were certain players that I had my eye on in this game.
On Defense, DT Ty Robinson (3 tackles) got washed around a lot early, but then seemed to find his legs later on. CB Jakorian Bennett (1 tackle) gave up two pass interference penalties. Both were in the endzone, setting the Commanders up at the 1 yard line, and eventually becoming touchdowns. MLB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (12 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) was all over the place. A run stuff, a tackle for loss, a QB knockdown. He’s excellent depth to have
On Offense, WR Darius Cooper (5 – 3 – 33 – 11.0 – 0) got the five targets I’d hoped he get, and he proved reliable as a blocker. He also got flagged on a bullshit taunting call early in the game. TE Cam Latu(no stats) still has yet to see an NFL target in his career. He did help clear space for Bigsby’s touchdown run, though. (DONE)
4) Don’t Shy Away From Kicking:We didn’t, and everything that left K Jake Elliott’s toe, ended up between the uprights. (DONE)
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This week’s Four Things score was 4 of 4, mostly because I already was sure that back-ups would play, so I wrote this accordingly. That wraps the season at 11 – 5, as division winners, and the #3 seed in the playoffs. Now we go to start preparing to host the 49ers next week.
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Game Hero: OLB Jalyx Hunt – Intercepted a ball and recovered a bad snap, to earn two turnovers in this game. He ends the season with 6.5 sacks (team leader) and 3 interceptions (team leader). The thing is, though he’s listed at OLB, he’s actually more of a DE, which makes those interceptions all the more impressive.
Game goat: Our CB’s – The Eagles were flagged for 4 pass interference penalties. Three of which set-up first and goals at the one yard line. And don’t get me started on Kelee Ringo(5 – 0 – 0 – 0) running away from the Commanders QB, and he ran into the end zone
On The Whole: Our back-ups went toe-to-toe with starters, and we were in the game until the final incompletion. The only group that I saw out there that worries me, is our CB’s. Or more to the point, our reserve CB’s. Whether they were setting up first and goal situations for the Commanders, or running away from a touchdown scoring ball-carrier, they looked like they didn’t belong on an NFL roster.
Regarding QB Tanner McKee, some of the balls he threw were high, and some were behind the receivers. In all truth, he just seemed like he was doing to much as the game wore on. Given all the career opportunities that were riding on his performance in this game, it’s easy to understand why he might have been pressing. I could have put the
I don’t want to hand-wring about the play-calling this week, for a myriad of different reasons. Suffice it to say, a passing attack that features more than one concept at a time, might apply more stress to the coverages we’ll see, starting next week.
WINNING the NFC East last week, clinched at least one home playoff game for us. Now that we’re assured of at least the #3 seed, we are resting some starters and manufacturing a Bye Week for ourselves. This is beyond smart.
We beat the Commanders two weeks ago, and because after a touchdown, we went for a two point conversion instead of the extra point, they implied that we were running up the score. (Over a point!) Their coach said something like ‘if that’s how they want it, we’ll see them in two weeks.’
I don’t know if that was his way of hinting at putting bounties on our guys, or what. In any case, it’s better that we don’t risk key players, against a team playing for nothing, which also doesn’t have to worry about suspensions that could derail their current season.
With a win, we would finish at 12 – 5 (the record that I predicted in August). Note: Depending on the outcome of the Bears/Lions game we could end up as the #2 seed in the Conference.
With a loss, we stand on 11 – 6, settle for the #3 seed and host at least one playoff game.
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The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game. Often I list fundamentals, as some of the four things. BUT NO MORE! Unless something specific is needed, fundamentals like Running the ball; playing lots of Man Press; and Tackling instead of going for the strip, will be automatically included. (Like the five consonants and a vowel that Wheel Of Fortune automatically spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Commanders.
QB Tanner McKee contributes to our 41 – 7 win over Dallas.
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1) Start Tanner McKee: The rookie contract for QB Tanner McKee is up after the 2026 season. He’s talented, he wants to play, and he knows there’s no way we’ll elevate him above Hurts. In a nutshell, he won’t be resigning with us after 2026. So, if we’re smart, we’ll trade him ASAP (before the Draft). Before an injury (or a headline) can lower his trade value.
During the last game of last year, McKee guided back-ups to victory over the giants starters. If he can match that feat again on Sunday… For teams like the Steelers, Jets, Falcons, and Cardinals, a proven player like McKee, paired with our 2026 first rounder (we don’t need another first round contract, right now), could be worth a lot of future draft capital
Give McKee three quarters, then play QB Sam Howellfor the final one. If we trade McKee prior to the Draft, having a veteran, back-up QB already in harness, would be the smartest move. In regards to searching for a back-up, Howell (who is on an expiring contract), is as good a jumping off point as any. If he plays well Sunday, ink him for two to four years, and be able to trade McKee with full confidence in our QB room.
2) Chase the Yards:He doesn’t have to play the whole game, but let’s get WR DeVonta Smith the 44 yards that he needs to get to 1,000 yards on the season. Just a bunch of routes that let him get out of bounds, or get down quickly. No need for him to be a hero. Just get the yards, and go change into street clothes at the half.
RB Tank Bigsby rushed for 104 yards vs the giants in this game
It would also be great to see RB Tank Bigsby get a start and another 100 yard rushing day. I would also welcome an appearance from RB A.J. Dillon. I feel like we already have a sense of what RB Will Shipleycan be with the ball in his hands, and I’m extremely not impressed.
3) Get A Long Look:There are a handful of defensive back-ups, that I really would like a good look at. Players like rookie DT Ty Robinson, LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and CB Jakorian Bennett finally getting to start a real game, here. Offensively, it’d be great to see WR Darius Cooperget five targets, as well as a couple of balls to TE Cam Latu, who has yet to see a single target in his career.
We need a sense of how these young players measure up against full-time starters. If we have players instead of just bodies in those spots, we’re less dependent of drafting depth, overspending for free agents, or reaching on old players with baggage or lengthy injury histories.
4) Don’t Shy Away From Kicking:We need to know before the playoffs, just how hard we can lean on K Jake Elliott. He’s again had a shaky season, but if we can show some confidence in him, maybe it will help him past his yips. If it doesn’t, then the coaching staff knows they have to compensate with the play-calling, for not being able to trust his foot.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
Our advancement to the two seed partially depends on the outcome of another game, which we cannot influence in any way. So, while winning this game would be nice, it can’t be our only focus. We should use this game as a tool for inflating the trade value of some of our players, and to discern the difference between quality depth and bodies.
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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.
WINNERS of the NFC East for a second year in a row! The division’s first back -to-back winner, since we last did it in 2004. With the clinching of our division comes the clinching of a playoff spot, and at least one playoff home game. However, all that good stuff is for later. There are still two more regular season games on our dance card.
After victories over two losing teams (Raiders and Commanders), we could really use a sparring match against an actual heavy hitter. Lucky for us, we face the 11 – 4 Bills this week. Even better, they have a difference making QB. That makes this exactly the kind of measuring stick game, that the Eagles need right now.
For the last couple games, it looks like our Offense (especially our run game), has gotten back on track. We need to demonstrate that against a playoff team. The Bills have been known this year for their generosity vs the run. Regardless of how generous they feel on Sunday, we need to show that if we want the yards, we can take them.
With a win, the Eagles would be 11 – 5, with the conference’s number two seed still up for grabs.
With a loss, we stall out at 10 – 6, and will likely stay locked in as the 3rd seed.
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The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game. Often I list fundamentals, as some of the four things. BUT NO MORE! Unless something specific is needed, fundamentals like Running the ball; playing lots of Man Press; andTackling instead of going for the strip, will be automatically included. (Like the five consonants and a vowel that Wheel Of Fortune automatically spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Bills.
RB Saquon Barkley gets loose for another explosive run.
1) Run Off-Guard:The Bills top two DT’s are either going to either be out, or far from 100 percent. Also, after the brawl with Washington last week, it would be nice to see our Guards get more opportunity to unleash some violence, work up to the second level, and throw the Bills undersized LB’s, out of the club.
More than looking for rushing yards from this, I’m just looking for 10 or more hand-offs that hit the gap between the Guard and the Tackle. That’s the easiest path to get RB Saquon Barkley some explosive runs, so we need to be practicing it, to master it for when we call on it during the playoffs.
2) Exploit Our TE Mismatch: The Bills OLB’s haven’t made many plays vs the pass this season, and vs TE Dallas Goedert, I wouldn’t expect them to suddenly improve in that area. There’s just too much of a physical mismatch. It will be a crime if Goedert sees fewer than 6 targets in this game.
TE Dallas Goedert scoring a touchdown last week.
3) Mush the Rush:We need our DE’s to play the outside edges of the Tackles they’re facing. Their RB is no bulldozer. If we can keep the gaps narrow and trap him behind his blockers, it’ll make it hard for them to run off-Guard. For any plays that involve pitching or sweeping, those DE’s on the edge can now give chase, or spill plays wide.
Their QB has already run for 500 yard this season, usually because defenses vacate the middle of the field, and it allows him to run for drive sustaining first downs. Using LB Jihaad Campbell in a spy/shallow zone coverage, would give us the speed needed to quickly run their QB down, and take away easy passes over the middle.
4) Move Their QB’s Platform Left:Again, regarding their QB’s mobility, he can also throw on the move. Like most QB’s, he’s a righty, so the objective is to move him to his left. Take some velocity off of his throws, and alter his typical release angle, and he may just share one or two passes with us.
DE Brandon Graham sacks QB Josh Allen in 2023
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
While this game could help us improve our seeding, it’s real value (beyond the seeding thing), is that it practically doesn’t count at this point. That allows us to use it almost as a practice game, and lets us give quick hooks to key starters. We can also give our deep back-ups some game experience in case we need to call on them.
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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.
Drive Killer: CB Cooper DeJean(TD: 0/Int: 1/ FR: 0/ 4th down stops: 0/ FF: 0)
Sack Leader: DE Brandon Graham(Sacks:1.0/ FF: 0/ Tackles: 1)
Special Teams Ace: N/A
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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 Thingsarticles. 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: COMMANDERS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
1) Exploit Age On the Perimeter: I mentioned working in a couple of Pitch/Toss runs and we did. Most notably on the 22 yard touchdown run by RB Tank Bigsby (4 – 37 – 9.2 – 1 – 0), in the fourth quarter, that salted the game away. I also mentioned working in a Jet Sweep. It wasn’t exactly a Sweep, but we did use WR DeVonta Smith (8 – 6 – 42 – 7.0 – 1) on a Shovel pass and run to the edge, that lost a yard.
As far as using the C/RG hole to run behind, I counted 7 hand-offs. One that went for double digits. In this case I wasn’t counting yards, but it was still a box hat we checked off. (DONE)
2) Exploit the Loaded Boxes:With the Eagles using fewer receiver bunch formations, the Commanders couldn’t quite pack the box, like teams have been doing for almost a year now. Our Offensive Line wasn’t looking at a man (or a man and a half) in every gap, so, Saquon started plays with time to at least reach the line.
TE Dallas Goedert hits paydirt
Commanders OLB Von Miller (1 tackle) was virtually invisible as a pass rusher in this game, and outlet passes to TE Dallas Goedert (3 – 3 – 32 – 10.6 – 1) and WR Jahan Dotson (3 – 3 – 13 – 4.3 – 0) were there for the taking, as every pass thrown to them, was completed.We took advantage of the few opportunities to exploit loaded boxes, that we were presented with.(DONE)
3) Stay Fresh Up Front: Washington came out playing No Huddle, but we still managed to get guys on and off the field okay. Until they got inside our 20 and then kept running it inside of our five yard line. They scored a touchdown on that drive.
Otherwise, we managed substitutions pretty well. Partly because, when the Commanders back-up QB (who had started this game) was knocked out of the game; they continued to try running the No Huddle with their third stringer. Which at times blew up in their faces, and then gave us opportunities to make substitutions. (DONE)
4) Force Longer Passes:We gave up a 40 yard pass that led to a later touchdown, and a pass interference in the end zone that led to another touchdown. Those were the kind of big plays that I said we risked giving up, with this strategy. However, we consistently took away options that would have let them be consistent.
CB Cooper DeJean intercepts a pass.
We took scrambling off the board, as the Commanders QB’s combined for 0 rushing yards on 2 carries. As far as passing they were 12/23 – 52.1% – 130 – 0 – 1. At no point were they allowed to be consistent, and so they eventually fell out of the game. (DONE)
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This week’s Four Things score was 4 of 4. This is the third week in a row like this, and one of the weeks was a loss. It feels weird, but this is what’s happening. Next week we head up north, in a measuring stick game vs the Bills. That game isn’t about winning or losing. It’s about looking at where our Offense truly is, when the other team is good at scoring.
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Game Hero: Defensive Co-ordinator Vic Fangio – It wasn’t “just the Raiders”. This was a division rival, that knows us well. Big deal. Fangio’s defense held them to 130 yards passing, and 91 rushing. For perspective, Washington averages 191 passing yards and 137 rushing yards, per game. Both are modest numbers, and we managed to keep them from even that.
Game goat: Special Teams – This game featured a Kick Returner fumbling the opening kickoff; a Punt Returner who is no threat to bring one back; and a Kicker with the yips. Aside from the onside recovery, this unit was an outright embarrassment.
On The Whole:
I liked the physicality that I saw in this game. From Saquon’s man-sized touchdown run, to the brawl after our fourth quarter two-point conversion. It was nice to see the Eagles fired up and dominating up front.
DT Jordan Davis tackle for loss.
Speaking of which, DT Jordan Davis (6 tackles, 2 for losses) seemed to single-handedly shutdown the Commanders run game. Davis of course had plenty of help, but every time you looked up, there he was. Blocking out the sun. Looking like a king-sized mattress with the number 90 printed on it. Totally engulfing ball carriers. Kick-ass!
