Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images As the Chase turns. Game week is here for the Cincinnati Bengals, and it’s still a big question mark whether Ja’Marr Chase suits up Sunday against the New England Patriots or not. ‘Or not’ appears to be a very real possibility now. After sitting out the final two practices last week, Chase was once again in street clothes for the start of Monday’s practice. Chase is considered day-to-day, and it’s unclear if he plans to practice at all this week if a contract extension is not struck. The good news is this isn’t one of the three official game-week practices. Those begin on Wednesday and will offer the biggest hint as to whether or not Chase plans to play this week without a contract extension. Let’s hope a deal gets done soon and the Bengals can put this all behind them. Ja’Marr Chase (white shirt) is at practice and in stretch. pic.twitter.com/lebbbGrvFS — Mike Petraglia (@Trags) September 2, 2024 Want more Cincy Jungle coverage? Then go follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get all the latest Cincinnati Bengals news and views. And Who DEY!
Ja’Marr Chase is still sitting out of Bengals practice
Report: Former Super Bowl champion Leonard Fournette to visit Colts for workout
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin #14 and Leonard Fournette #7 celebrate during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium — November 28, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. | Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images Free agent running back Leonard Fournette is visiting the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Free agent running back Leonard Fournette is visiting the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Indianapolis welcomed Fournette, 29, to a group workout with other free agents. The Colts feature star running back Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, but may aim to address the depth in the unit before the start of the 2024 regular season. Fournette signed with the Bills practice squad last year and added 40 rushing yards on 12 carries in two games. Former Buccaneers and Bills RB Leonard Founette is visiting today with the Indianapolis Colts, per source. pic.twitter.com/PIHyXi7ztv — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 2, 2024 After Fournette spent his first three NFL seasons in Jacksonville from 2017 to 2019, he was suddenly waived less than two weeks before the Jaguars’ 2020 season opener against the Colts. Fournette signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Buccaneers six days later and his career was revitalized when he joined legendary quarterback Tom Brady on a new quest in Tampa Bay. Fournette won Super Bowl LV with the Buccaneers and ran for a game-high 89 rushing yards on 16 carries, including a 27-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter. Following a stellar collegiate career at LSU, Fournette was selected by the AFC South rival Jaguars with the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He found immediate success on the gridiron, becoming the first player in Jaguars’ franchise history to rush for 100 yards in his NFL debut and reach the end zone in his first six career games. In 81 career games, Fournette has compiled 4,518 rushing yards with 34 rushing touchdowns and seven receiving TDs. He tallied 10 total TDs in 10 career playoff games. Indianapolis added one veteran free agent on both sides of the football this offseason, including backup quarterback Joe Flacco, 39, and defensive tackle Raekwon Davis, 27. If the Colts sign Fournette to the 53-man roster or the practice squad, ‘Playoff Lenny’ will be the most experienced skill position player on the team besides Flacco. The Colts intend to bolster the running back unit with the addition of Fournette, since RBs Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson took just 48 carries last season and have a combined three NFL starts.
Raiders NFL Draft: Sanders, Beck, 2025 QB class gets off to hot start
Shedeur Sanders | Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images First full weekend of college football provides some optimism for Raiders’ future at quarterback While the ideal situation for the Las Vegas Raiders is that Gardner Minshew (or even Aidan O’Connell) emerges as the franchise’s quarterback of the future this season, let’s be honest, the Raiders are likely going to address the position during the NFL Draft. Meanwhile, this past weekend was Week 1 of the College Football Season and several big names showed why they’ve been getting some buzz heading into the campaign. Shedeur Sanders Game result: 31-26 win over North Dakota State Stats: 26/34 (76.5%), 445 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT Sanders made a handful of ‘big-time’ throws (BTTs)—five to be exact, per Pro Football Focus—but what was most encouraging to me was he showed much more poise in the pocket. His arm talent has never been a problem but last season he would often leave the offensive tackles out to dry by dropping too deep or drifting out of the pocket and holding the ball too long. However, Sanders was only sacked once on 12 pressures for an 8.3 percent pressure-to-sack rate compared to last year’s figure of 25.1 percent, via PFF. Clearly, the Buffalo was focusing on that in the offseason and it was on display last Thursday. That combined with the outstanding throws was good to see to begin the year. Per @PFF, Shedeur Sanders had the highest possible passer rating of 158.3 on plays in which he was in the pocket for 2.5 seconds or more. And these were NOT always clean pockets. pic.twitter.com/Y4Ail7gcYQ — Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) August 30, 2024 Carson Beck Game result: 34-3 win over Clemson Stats: 23/33 (69.7%), 278 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs One of Beck’s biggest issues last year was that he would have too much faith in his arm strength and make throws that he shouldn’t have. But against Clemson, he was much more measured and did a good job of going through his reads, picking and choosing his spots to be aggressive. Also, the Bulldog was pretty accurate for most of the game as the completion percentage above was deflated by four drops, according to PFF. The site credited him with an 81.4 adjusted completion percentage. Overall, it was an impressive season debut for Beck when it comes to his prospects as a pro. This is probably my favorite throw from Carson Beck on Saturday. He sees the corner is out leveraged, and the only other defender (No. 7) has his back turned and has no way of knowing the ball is coming. A good decision by Carson, and a good adjustment by Humphreys. pic.twitter.com/R5qxmia7PM — Harrison Reno (@HarrisonReno) September 1, 2024 Cam Ward Game result: 41-17 win over Florida Stats: 26/35 (74.3%), 385 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT Heading into the weekend, Ward wasn’t the biggest name and wasn’t getting much first-round buzz but those conversations will likely start after Saturday. He has a funky side-arm style release, but he can throw the ball all over the field, throw from multiple arm angles and fit balls into tight windows which was on display against Florida. Ward kind of reminds me of Philip Rivers in that regard, just without Rivers’ size, and the Hurricane can certainly sling it as PFF credited him with four BTTs. #Miami QB Cam Ward vs. Florida Loose, relaxed playmaker with easy arm strength. His best throw of the game came on 3rd-and-11. pic.twitter.com/IMDSRYvHxX — Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) September 1, 2024 Drew Allar Game result: 34-12 win over West Virginia Stats: 11/17 (64.7%), 216 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 6 rushes, 44 yards Allar had the least-impressive performance of the quarterbacks mentioned but that’s primarily due to having the lowest volume of passes. But he did show off some arm talent by pushing the ball down the field, recording 12.7 yards per attempt with a 12.0-yard average depth of target. The Nittany Lion also made a few plays with his legs, rushing for four first downs and forcing a couple of missed tackles, per PFF. 37 seconds of Drew Allar being a DUDE vs West Virginia pic.twitter.com/VHJGgJ2qhA — LandonTengwall (@landon_tengwall) September 1, 2024
How to buy Buffalo Bills vs. Arizona Cardinals 2024 NFL Week 1 tickets
How to buy Buffalo Bills vs. Arizona Cardinals 2024 NFL Week 1 tickets Nick Wojton The start of the Buffalo Bills’ regular season is just a few days away. The Bills and Arizona Cardinals will kickoff their respective seasons with a Week-1 matchup in Orchard Park, NY on Sept. 8 2024 at 1 p.m. This Week 1 intra-conference matchup will feature two hyper-mobile quarterbacks in Josh Allen and Kyler Murray. Limited tickets remain for the season opener in Buffalo. SHOP: Buffalo Bills vs. Arizona Cardinals tickets The Bills are the defending AFC East champions, but after another disappointing loss against the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs and an offseason that saw star receiver Stefon Diggs traded away, there is trepidation in Buffalo. Arizona is looking to rise from the cellar to the crowded top of a division that features three teams who finished last season above .500 and the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers. A road win against Buffalo to begin the season would be just what the doctor ordered for Cardinals fans. Will the Bills are Cards start the season with a win? Tickets are available from $135. Shop Bills vs. Cardinals Week 1 tickets We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Bills Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Vikes Views: What is your Prediction for the Vikings Season?
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports This year is very hard to judge for me. I can’t tell if I am optimistic because the pass rushers look improved and CBs might be alright or if I am pessimistic because the DL is weak and Darnold might not magically improve. I usually lean optimistic on my record predictions. I nailed the 13-4 prediction in 2022. I was fairly optimistic last year with my 11-6 Prediction. That might have been spot on if Kirk didn’t go down. I will write my prediction this week, but would love to hear everyone’s thoughts. Let me know what you think in the comments. Reasons for Hope – Improved Pass Rush, Improved CBs, Kevin O’Connell without Kirk Cousins Reasons for Doom – Sam Darnold is who they think he is, Defensive Line, Interior OL, Injuries, Strong Divisional Opponents, Tough Opening Schedule, Early Bye Week 1 – at Giants Week 2 – 49ers Week 3 – Texans Week 4 – at Packers Week 5 – Jets in London Week 6 – Bye Week 7 – Lions Week 8 – at Rams Week 9 – Colts Week 10 – at Jaguars Week 11 – at Titans Week 12 – at Bears Week 13 – Cardinals Week 14 – Falcons Week 15 – Bears Week 16 – at Seahawks Week 17 – Packers Week 18 – at Lions
Everything we learned from Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel during Today’s Press Conference | 9/2
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Miami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel spoke with the media first time since his contract extension as the team prepares for Week 1 vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Miami Dolphins kick off the 2024 NFL Season in six days as the team faces the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. Head Coach Mike McDaniel met with the media briefly to give his thoughts on his recent contract extension, Miami’s 2024 team captains, injury news, a look ahead at the Jaguars, and everything in between. Here’s everything we learned from Mike McDaniel’s 9/2 Press Conference. Mike McDaniel on his new contract extension “Congratulations goes to the organization. There are a lot of people that lift you up to give you an opportunity to be a head coach, but for that program to sustain (success), I see that as each and every person involved. So I see that as an accomplishment for the entire organization.” McDaniel said he had dinner with Ross a few weeks ago to discuss the contract negotiation and finished his steak. He continued: “For me, I haven’t really thought twice about it afterward from the regard of, I guess I’ve had a ton of reasons to approach every day with everything I have, and giving myself to everyone as best I can. I guess this is another reason to be motivated to attack each and every day to your fullest… I probably have some more reasons to do what i’ve been tending to do since i got on grounds here.” McDaniel on Miami’s eight captains and what it meant to those players: “Really good players. I think, off the top of my head, 28 Pro Bowls. BOOM, how about that!? Fast facts. I think you have guys that not only have respect and regard from their teammates, but they’ve earned their stripes from the league… I think the National Football League, the opinions of your peers, and there’s nothing that can have a stronger attachment towards you if you’re a player. It’s as important as the name on the back of your jersey. With our particular unit, I think it was cool to see the amount of conviction the team had for the individuals across the board.” McDaniel on what it meant for David Long to be named a captain: “There were a lot of captain-worthy leaders, and I could tell by how the award winners were received; it meant a great deal because it was a very high honor on this team. “He tried to play it cool in front of all his teammates. I’m convinced he and a couple of other fellow captains probably had an emotional moment behind closed doors. But that’s just me guessing because I know how much this game means to David Long. This was a very cool orchestration to let him know how much regard his teammates hold for him. It was a very cool moment to be a part of.” McDaniel on Jacksonville’s defensive front “How they come off the ball. How they play with consistent technique and fundamentals and their relentless strain… I think that’s pretty obvious from the minimal game tape we’ve watched, but that’s been a paramount part of their D-line. They are a very talented group playing hard together. McDaniel says both Tavon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen are very good players, and the Dolphins have worked this off-season to improve their protection. “It’s a very timely matchup…any time you have speed with depth rushers on the EDGE, they can really expand your pocket. And if you’re not tied together with your launch point or where your blockers are, you can have players get EDGEd pretty quickly & that’s tough… they’re a good group to start with because they’re super talented, and if you’re not on your game, you’ll be exposed. And that’s something you need to be used to in the NFL when protecting the passer because you do not get a week off against #elite pass rushers. McDaniel on Aaron Brewer and Benito Jones: “You’re going to see them participate in practice this week.” He says the Dolphins believe Brewer can play center with the laceration on his hand. McDaniel says he feels good about the starting o-line and the contingencies they have in place if players can’t go… “my crystal ball is broken.” McDaniel says both Waddle and Hill will be practicing today. “No setbacks to relay — as of yet — so they’ll be out on the field today. McDaniel on Chop Robinson’s growth: “We ask a lot from EDGE defenders in our defense. We ask them not only to be a primary importance in the run game, but pass game as well. I think understanding the box you have to play in as a pass-rusher is huge… gone are the days of looping… typically, you have to really tighten that angle because QBs don’t drop back as far, as well as different keys about how to play the game within the game. Different stance keys that diagnose run or pass, situational awareness, all these things, he doesn’t waste a day out on the field. Which is good news for us because he’s talented, and we expect him to contribute… he attacks each practice the way a veteran would where you try to get something out of it and add to the tools of your game.” McDaniel on Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas: “Super talented of player that has a unique combination of being a down-the-field third-level receiver that can track & make plays while also having the route-running skills to do the underneath stuff..you see a very talented individual that can take his game as far as he can take it… We will be well aware of where he is on the field because we did a lot of work on him. McDaniel on how the running back room will play out during a game: “Just to give individuals opportunities and to let that shape
Ifeatu Melifonwu’s Week 1 status ‘unsure,’ remaining injured players ‘good’ to go
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images On Monday, Dan Campbell noted the majority of injured Lions players would be “good” to play in Week 1, with only the status of a couple players still up in the air. It’s officially Week 1 of the 2024 NFL regular season and during Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell’s time with the media on Monday, he provided updates on the players dealing with injuries. Fortunately, the news is mostly good, as the majority of injured players are expected to play in this Sunday’s game, with only defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu’s—and likely defensive tackle DJ Reader’s—status being in flux. Melifonwu is currently dealing with an Achilles injury, and according to Campbell, it’s been something that has been lingering for some time, and the the healing process is “slow moving.” Campbell has previously mentioned that Melifonwu didn’t have a clear recovery timeline established, and the team needed to take its time and deal with things as they come. On Monday, Campbell said the plan was to test Melifonwu out later in the day, but they still are not sure how far along he is in the recovery process. “Yeah, Iffy [Melifonwu] will be the only one right now who’s still not sure, still not sure on him,” Campbell said. “We’re going to try to get him moving around a little bit today and tomorrow and see where he’s at. Everybody else we’re good.” While Campbell said the remaining injured players were good, it’s worth pointing out he was likely not including Reader in this group because Campbell had previously told the media the bulking nose tackle likely wouldn’t be ready until Week 2 — though he did leave the door open just a bit. “I would love to say we’re targeting that (Week 1). We’re just going to take it as it comes,” Campbell said of Reader ahead of cutdowns. “We’d always said, long term, that we were kinda shooting for (Week 2 vs.) Tampa [Bay]. Look, our eyes are open, and we’re going to pay close attention and see how he does, how he feels, and kinda go from there if it’s sooner.” While it’s possible Reader could come back early, it’s worth noting that when discussing the defensive tackle depth for Week 1, Campbell identified Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, and Mekhi Wingo as players they needed to count on this week. This further points to Reader still targeting Week 2 as a potential return to game action. The injured Lions players expected to be ready include starters Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Kevin Zeitler, Carlton Davis, and Terrion Arnold, as well as Malcolm Rodriguez and Ennis Rakestraw, all of whom returned to practice over a week ago. The Lions’ official injury report is due out on Wednesday, and we will provide a more detailed update once practice participation levels have been released.
Dan Campbell thankful Aaron Donald is gone, but knows Rams DL filled with youth
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK Dan Campbell is glad they won’t have to tirelessly game plan for Aaron Donald this week, but knows the Rams young DL will present its own problems. For the first time in a decade, the Los Angeles Rams be without future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. The eight-time Defensive Player of the Year opted to retire this offseason, leaving a massive hole along the defensive line that, quite simply, cannot be replaced by one man. For Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell, that’s a major relief. Between his time with the Lions and Saints, Campbell has had to help game plan against Donald six total times. And as he explained during his Monday morning press conference, it’s an exhausting job to account for Donald. “You needed to know where he was at, at all times, really on all downs,” Campbell said. “It was a constantly—you were shifting and motioning just for him, and you’re damn near doing it every play.” But the Rams have been proactive in planning for Donald’s exit. Last year they drafted Kobie Turner with a third-round pick, and he rewarded their investment with an impressive 9.0 sacks—most of any NFL rookie in 2023. They doubled down this offseason, drafting edge defender Jared Verse in the first round and defensive tackle Braden Fiske in the second. “It’s nice not to have to necessarily worry about (Donald), but the guys they have over there are young and hungry, high-motor,” Campbell said. “Man, they’ve got an influx of youth that’s pretty damn talented.” Detroit, of course, is relatively well-equipped to handle the Rams’ defensive front. Many expect them to have the best offensive line in football, and even with Donald last year, the Rams struggled to generate pressure in the Wild Card game against the Lions. While Jared Goff did take three sacks, the Rams didn’t do much else to disrupt his day. Goff finished 22-of-27 for 277 yards, a touchdown, and a 121.8 passer rating. Still, every new season presents new surprises. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Campbell’s first three seasons, he’s going to have the team ready for the Rams’ young defensive front, even if it’s without Donald.
How much can Giants expect from Adoree’ Jackson vs. Vikings?
Adoree’ Jackson | Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images Jackson uncertain how many snaps he will be able to play in Week 1 Although it took until roughly a week before the beginning of the regular season, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson said Monday “I never thought the door was closed” to return the New York Giants. “No animosity, no feelings, no ill intentions on, I think, on my end,” Jackson said. “And then when I came in and saw everybody, it was like being at a family reunion.” Now that he is back, signing jut days before the regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, how much can the 28-year-old legitimately expect to play on Sunday? Jackson admitted he “might be gassed” if he tried to play a full game. “I wouldn’t put a number of snaps how I can play right now,” he said. “We’re going to see this week, getting ramped up and working on my condition and seeing what I need.” Jackson said he has always focused on being prepared to play Week 1. “I know football shape is going to be a lot different from what I’ve been doing,” Jackson said. “But I always kept my mind set, focused on being ready to go Week 1.” Daboll wasn’t certain how much Jackson would be able to play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Head coach Brian Daboll admitted Monday he wasn’t certain what to expect from Jackson right away. “We’ve got to get him out here and ramp him up and see where he’s at,” Daboll said. “We’ll take it day by day, see where he’s at and how much to play him, how much not to play him. “By the end of the week, we’ll determine what we’re going to do relative to roster, play time, all those type of things,” Daboll said. “You try to make it as competitive as you can make it. And we’ll play the guys we think give us the best chance.” Jackson said having been coached previously by Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen will help him make up for lost time. “Being able to know Shane and some of the things that he did when I was in Tennessee with him, understanding some of the verbiage may have changed, but easy for me to wire my mind onto how to compartmentalize what these defenses may be and some of the calls, so I think that’s helpful,” Jackson said. Cor’Dale Flott and Nick McCloud had been competing for the starting cornerback opposite Tae Banks that had been Jackson’s last season. In the end, the Giants decided to go back to Jackson. “Like we’ve always said, we’ll try to improve the team any way we can,” Daboll said. “Obviously, we’ve had a relationship with Adoree’. Shane has had a relationship with Adoree’. “He looked good in the workout and got something done. So, happy to have him aboard.” Jackson admitted that “I didn’t play to my best” last season. Daboll did say Jackson could “potentially” return punts if Gunner Olszewski (ankle) is not healthy enough. “Whatever may be needed,” Jackson said. “Any way to help this team.” Jackson will not wear the No. 22 he had his first three seasons, with rookie Dru Phillips now in that jersey. “Actually, it’s funny. Dru had asked me, did I want it back?,” Jackson said. “And I’m like, nah, you can keep it. I saw him making some plays in it. So I’m like, you got it. You look good in it.” Roster move The Giants announced a roster move on Monday, signing veteran FB/TE Jakob Johnson to the practice squad and released wide receiver Miles Boykin.
The 2024 Eagles have to get their mojo back
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images The Eagles’ Camp Wonderland broke last week emitting stirring, and amazing tales of how good Jalen Hurts looked, and how the defense will be tighter under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, and how the offense will hum under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and how no opposing defense stands a chance to stop the Eagles’ explosive offense. The Eagles actually should be good this season, among the best teams in the NFC, behind the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers, and NFC North powerhouses Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. The one glaring problem still facing this team, aside from a dubious pass rush, is finding the intimidating quality they had for the last few years. That needs to be reestablished. Late last season, opposing teams were more wary of the Eagles’ frothing, fervent fanbase than they were the talent—and the attitude—on the field. Guess what, not much has changed, aside from the additions of Fangio and Moore off the field, and the glaring departures of future Eagle Hall of Famers Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce on the field. The 2024 Eagles are a team that will need to separate itself from the 2023 team “that quit” last season. There is no other way around it, when faced with adversity, the coaching staff shriveled up, with head coach Nick Sirianni being partly to blame, as did the players themselves. They quit. The eye test blatantly showed that. Players were literally running into each other. Wasted timeouts came because the right personnel were not on the field. You had players holding their hands up in bewilderment questioning what to do on national TV. The cumulative record of the six teams the Eagles played in their 1-6 fall was 52-50 (which includes playing the New York Giants twice). Their 1-6 downfall marked a span in which they were outscored 214-132 (by an average of 11.7 points per game), while getting outgained 2,729 to 2,293, giving up an average of 389.8 yards a game and outgained by an average of 62.2 yards a game. The Eagles had the worst defense in the NFL the final month of last season. The defense gave up the second-highest amount of passing touchdowns in the NFL, only behind Washington (39 to the Eagles’ 35). For the season, the Eagles were 30th in the NFL in opponent red zone scoring percentage (TDs only) at 66.1%, and were No. 31 in passing defense, allowing an average of 252.7 yards a game. They were 30th in scoring defense (25.2) and allowed 51 touchdowns, the third-highest total in the NFL, behind only Washington (59) and Arizona (54). For a team that landed 11-7 overall, the Eagles became only the fourth double-digit winning team in NFL history to finish with a minus-point differential, at minus-18 (442/460) overall behind of the 2021 Las Vegas Raiders, who finished 10-8 with a minus-72 point differential (393/465), and the minus-34 difference posted by the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers (321/355) that went 10-8. The Eagles finished ahead of the minus-10 differential by the 13-5 Minnesota Vikings (448/458) in 2022. Enough with the rehash. Were the 10-1 version of the 2023 Eagles more lucky than good? Can Cam Jurgens replace future NFL Hall of Famer Kelce this season? Did the Eagles take a large risk in basically replacing Haason Reddick, who along with Myles Garrett are the only two players with double-digit sacks in each of the last four seasons, with free agent Bryce Huff, who will be playing every down for the first time in his pro career? Left tackle Jordan Mailata, right tackle Lane Johnson and left guard Landon Dickerson are proven quality NFL linemen—the backbone of this team. Can Jurgens and frequently injured new right guard Mekhi Becton, a New York Jets’ castoff, uphold the Eagles’ stability on the offensive line for a whole season? There is only so much Jeff Stoutland can do. Defensively, Cox was the hammer opposing teams had to game plan for. Can Jalen Carter serve that role? Will he be good enough to play an entire season at a high level (we think he will), though how much help will he get from the make-or-break year former first-rounder Jordan Davis faces this fall? The Eagles have the best collection of offensive skill position players in their history. No past group comes close to Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Dallas Goedert, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Who protects Hurts? Where do the holes develop for Barkley with Kelce not calling the line adjustments? The scary part is like last year, this team is built more to outscore the opposition than to stop it. It is a team in need of an attitude overhaul. That will have to come from Sirianni. For all the kumbayas that sprouted during the Eagles’ Camp Wonderland this summer, the 2024 Eagles need to make former Dallas Cowboys’ great and NFL Hall of Famer Troy Aikman recant the words he uttered with 10:44 left to play in their 32-9 playoff loss to Tampa Bay, when he told the nation that the Eagles were a … “a defeated team and they were when they came in. And there’s been no life to this group really throughout the entire ball game.” Being labeled “quitters” is a grime that does not easily rinse off. The 2024 Eagles have to get their mojo back.
