Welcome to The Linc, the daily Philadelphia Eagles links roundup at Bleeding Green Nation!
The Eagles need more from their head coach. He’s not providing answers on offense and the game management just hasn’t been good.
Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles news and links …
Roob’s Observations as Eagles suffer unimaginable London loss to Jaguars – NBCSP
One thing about Nick Sirianni. He’s accountable, and after the game he told his players that this loss was entirely on him because he didn’t have Jake
Elliott kickoff into the end zone with eight seconds left. “I didn’t make the right decision,” Sirianni said. “Bad job by me. I lost this game for the team. I cost us this game. I put the loss fully on me. I should never have put them in that situation. I take full responsibility for that.” He’s entirely right, and it’s good that he said it but it really hasn’t been a good year for Sirianni. Whether it’s making the wrong calls on some key fourth downs or this decision at the end of the Jaguars game, he’s had a rough time with these basic decisions. When you’re a head coach that doesn’t call plays, you better get the other stuff right, and he just hasn’t.
Nick Sirianni: “I lost us that game” – BGN
The Eagles struggled throughout Sunday’s game against the Jaguars, but it was their end-of-game management that drew the most criticism. During his post-game press conference, head coach Nick Sirianni took full accountability for the decision-making that led to the loss, and also talked about the team’s continued second-half struggles.
Eagles-Jaguars Postgame: Last-Second COLLAPSE Buries Eagles In London – PHLY Eagles Podcast
The Eagles lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the most gutting way imaginable. Wasting a game-winning drive from Jalen Hurts and a clutch kick from Jake Elliott, the kickoff coverage unit set up a last-second field goal for the Jags that may not send the Eagles season into a spiral. EJ Smith is joined in-studio by Vinny Curry and Brandon Lee Gowton, a well as Anthony Gargano and Bo Wulf LIVE FROM LONDON to break down Jalen Hurts’ performance and everything else from the game.
3 reasons why the Jaguars beat the Eagles – Big Cat Country
Let’s get one thing straight: the Jaguars should have lost this game. Not because Philadelphia were particularly impressive, but because Jacksonville seemed determined to sabotage themselves at every available opportunity. There are bad performances, there are frustrating performances, and then there is whatever the hell the Jaguars served up in North London. Thirteen penalties for 100 yards told only part of the story. Jacksonville’s offense repeatedly found ways to turn promising situations into disasters, with questionable playcalling and sloppy execution threatening to undo everything Trevor Lawrence and company had worked for. The most glaring example came in the fourth quarter, when the Jaguars had first-and-goal at the one-yard line. Three procedural penalties later, they had somehow turned a golden opportunity into a turnover on downs. Considering the way the first half ended in similar circumstances, it was enough to test the faith of even the most ardent fan.
Handing out 10 awards from the Eagles-Jaguars game – PhillyVoice
Ebiketie should have never had a chance to make that mistake. If Nick Sirianni had Elliott kick the ball through the back of the end zone, the Jaguars would have had the ball at their own 35-yard line, and they would have needed to complete a long-ish pass while also getting out of bounds, and do it in seven seconds or fewer since they were out of timeouts. That was the clear strategy. Instead, Sirianni opted to allow a return, despite the Eagles missing several core special teamers (Jeremiah Trotter, Michael Carter, etc.), and in a game in which the Jags had already returned a kickoff for a touchdown (that was called back because of a hold). Sirianni took blame for the loss after the game. “Our guys fought their butts off today,” Sirianni said. “The defense had an outstanding game, keeping us in that game. The offense did enough at the end to go win us that game. Special teams did a nice job of kicking it there. I didn’t make the right decision and I lost us that game, and that’s what I said to our guys. “What hurts there is that the guys fought so hard and then I don’t make the decision that I should make at the end of the game, and I cost us that game and I put that fully on me.” Sirianni doesn’t call plays, and it’s not fully his offense anymore. This is the kind of mistake that he cannot afford to make.
Oh the Agony – Iggles Blitz
Plenty of people are going to scream about firing Sirianni. I certainly get the frustration. That was an ugly finish. Others are simply ready to give up on the season. I get that as well. This team feels like a mess right now. I want to see how this team looks when somewhat healthy. Get Saquon, DeVonta and Drew Kendall back on offense. Get Jonathan Greenard back on defense. Let me see that group for a week or two. If they still stink, then the season is basically over. We saw enough good things on Sunday that I’m still holding out some hope. And remember the three teams that the Birds just played.
Wulf: For Jalen Hurts, game management “not his place” as he fights make sure Philadelphia still is – PHLY Eagles
“It’s not my place,” he repeated when asked about the end-of-game sequence again. “We’re prepared, I’m prepared as a quarterback to not worry about those things. I’m honoring the playcaller, honoring the things that are coming in the game. When I’m up at night, I might think about, ‘Should I have said something? Should I have took a step back and said, ‘Wait –’’ But ultimately, there’s a commitment to that in going out there and executing. This was one where it did not work in our favor.” Several players in the locker room insisted the nature of “the ultimate team game” means that Sirianni was not alone in blame for Sunday’s loss. The running backs combined for 20 rushing yards on 16 carries. Hurts and Wicks were unable to connect on an uncovered would-be touchdown. Drew Mukuba was left flailing on Parker Washington’s 51-yard touchdown. But all anyone will remember are the game’s final few plays. “That’s gotta be a question for coach,” Elliott said when asked about his final kickoff, later adding: “I always think you want to end the game with a kick there and not have to go out there and try to cover a kick, but that’s not how it played out unfortunately and go back and look at it and learn from it. It didn’t work this time. It sucks. You come all this way. You think you’re in the driver’s seat to win a big game and now we’re feeling pretty down.”
Nick Sirianni’s anemic Eagles offense is a bigger problem than his game management – Inquirer
But last season was a step back and this one is starting to look like further regression. And a lot of it points back to Sirianni’s inability to maintain continuity on offense. Hurts is part of that equation. General manager Howie Roseman is, as well. And when the Jimmys and Joes aren’t quite what they used to be, the X’s and O’s matter more, and the Eagles just don’t have the schematic answers right now. Sirianni, ultimately, is responsible, and that will decide his team’s fate more than a few game-management blunders. “That’s going to hurt for a while,” Sirianni said, “but I’m going put my chest out, and I’m going to stick my head up, and I’m going to get better from it.” And, doggone it, the Eagles like him. How long will that carry him through?
Nick Sirianni took the blame in London. If blunders continue, will he be held responsible? – The Athletic
“I don’t even know what that means now,” left tackle Jordan Mailata said. “I don’t even know. Like, my brain hurts. This week has been a week from hell for me. I don’t even know the concept of a moral victory right now.” Sirianni has the buy-in from the locker room. His players respond to him. “We did link arms,” Mailata said. You don’t make five postseasons in five seasons, reach two Super Bowls and win one if you don’t know how to lead. “Nick is so great at owning things, and we start following his lead, and we’ll own it,” returner Britain Covey said. “People are going to be mad. Don’t question that for a second; the people in this room are mad. We’re all frustrated. But Nick is wonderful at owning things, and we all try to follow his lead.” But Sirianni is no longer leading a team that enters games with a decided talent advantage. Injuries and age have sapped that distinction. There’s no evidence — data or anecdotal — that suggests the Eagles will be a top offense. Their defense can be one of the best in the league, but it’s more likely the Eagles will need to win games like Sunday. Or last Sunday against the Rams. In those games, every decision matters. Those decisions are Sirianni’s to make. They’ve made him one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. This season, they’re part of why the Eagles have a losing record. Sirianni took responsibility. If this continues, he might be held responsible.
The Winners and Losers of the NFL Week 5 – The Ringer
The decision to force a kickoff return instead of booming the ball out of the end zone for a touchback will be scrutinized, but I get why Sirianni did it. The most likely outcomes with a return would have been (a) a quick tackle, forcing the Jags into a Hail Mary or trick-play situation, or (b) the clock expiring during the return. You could almost see the life drain from Sirianni’s face when he realized the Jags somehow pulled off option c: a return into field goal range with time remaining. But the truth is that kickoff never should have happened in the first place, and it only did because of how badly Sirianni bungled the previous possession.Sirianni admitted that he mismanaged the clock at the end of the game, but that acknowledgment rings hollow. The Eagles had a chance to beat the Rams and Jaguars in back-to-back weeks and blew both opportunities. Now it feels like their season is slipping away.
Judging overreactions to NFL Week 5: Time for Titans to look for another QB? – ESPN
The NFC East winner will have a losing record this season. […] Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION. This might be disrespectful to the 3-1-1 Giants, and I apologize if it is. But not having quarterback Jaxson Dart or star edge rusher Brian Burns for the rest of the season is going to be tough to overcome. Their schedule still includes trips to Houston, Philly, Seattle and Detroit, along with home games against the Jaguars and the 49ers. The Cowboys’ defense looks no better than it did last season. Dallas has December road games against the Seahawks and the Rams and home games against the Jaguars and the 49ers. The Eagles are without their top three running backs and are also missing four of their Week 1 starting offensive linemen, and their final four games of the season include a home contest versus Seattle and a game at San Francisco. The Commanders — well, after Sunday, I think we can just say we aren’t going to give them much of a shot. We do love when the NFC East is a big, jumbled, confusing mess, and that’s exactly what it is. But it’s tough to look at any of these teams and feel good about their chances of them winning more games than they’ll lose.
Spadaro: 6 observations from a hard-fought loss to the Jaguars in London – PhiladelphiaEagles.com
5) Darius Cooper again comes up big. Facing one-on-one coverage, wide receiver Darius Cooper made the Jaguars pay. He stutter-stepped with a clean release off the line of scrimmage, working against cornerback Montaric Brown, gained some separation, and caught a Jalen Hurts pass. Cooper then made a move inside and outran the Jacksonville secondary for a 62-yard catch-and-run touchdown to help the Eagles take a 14-7 lead. It was Cooper’s fourth touchdown of the season. “I think it was a moment in a game where he made a hell of a play. Yeah, he made a hell of a play,” Hurts said of Cooper’s touchdown.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Bryan Thomas Jr. were ejected for “continuous, non-football actions” – PFT
Following the 19-17 Jacksonville win, referee Ron Torbert explained the decision to pool reporter Mark Long of the Associated Press. “They were disqualified for continuous non-football actions after the play was over,” Torbert said. Torbert said he saw no punches thrown, and that the decision was simply a result of the players engaging in “continuous and non-football actions.” The officiating crew made the decision on their own, with confirmation by the league office. The situation will be reviewed for further discipline by the NFL. A suspension becomes less likely because both players missed the entire game, with the exception of a kickoff that didn’t count.
Packers fear Javon Hargrave tore his Achilles – Acme Packing Company
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur opened up his press conference on Sunday by stating that the win over the Chicago Bears was “bittersweet,” as it didn’t “look good” for defensive lineman Javon Hargrave. Hargrave went down late against the Bears in garbage time and was carted off the field. When asked for more details, LaFleur said, “early indications look like Achilles.”
Injury updates: 2 Detroit Lions carted off in first half vs. Cardinals – Pride Of Detroit
First was linebacker Devin White. It wasn’t clear how White, who was active for the first time since Week 2, suffered his injury, but he was listed as questionable to return with a forearm. The FOX broadcast showed him taking a cart to the locker room.
Panthers fans optimistic, but not convinced on Young’s hot start – Cat Scratch Reader
96% of fans saw what Bryce Young accomplished with most of his team on the sidelines, against a surging Detroit Lions team and were happy with it. I’m not sure what the other 4% saw. If this is the Young we can expect going forwards then how could you not be confident in the Panthers current direction? That said, the ‘if’ in that last sentence is carrying a lot of weight. This is easily the best start to a season that Young has had as a pro. That can be measured in basic passing statistics, the team’s wins, or a casual eye test. Young flat out looks better than he ever has on the field. If he maintains that level of play then the Panthers are set up for something special. The question now before Panthers fans is what does Young have to do to convince you this is real. Does he have to keep playing at this level? Does he have to elevate further? Or are you already sold?
The Commanders-Giants tie was pure chaos – SB Nation
It is inexplicable that Washington handled the final few plays of the game like this. The running play prior to the final snap came with over 50 seconds remaining in the game. There was more than enough time to run another play, if Washington wanted to, and then spike the football. Instead, the final snap came with just over ten seconds left on the clock and Daniels, instead of spiking it right away, ran around and took too much time off the clock, preventing Washington from even giving the field goal team a chance.
7 winners, 4 losers in NY Giants-Washington Commanders tie – Big Blue View
Cam Skattebo — Ball security. Ball security. Ball security. John Harbaugh has emphasized it again and again. Sunday, Skattebo’s inability to protect the football at a key time cost the Giants a victory in a football game they had in their grasp. Skattebo fumbled with the Giants at the Commanders 24-yard line with a first down and the game in their hands. Until the ball fell out of Skattebo’s. This simply cannot happen. That is four fumbles for Skattebo this season, the most of any running back in the league. That negated two big runs by Skattebo on that last Giants’ overtime drive, a 19-yarder on third-and-2, and a 9-yarder to put the ball in clear field goal range at the Washington 29-yard line. Washington’s clock mismanagement meant Skattebo’s fumble did not cause the the Giants to lose, but it certainly prevented them from winning.
The Cowboys have to earn trust back at this point – Blogging The Boys
It is time to throw the paper out. At least for a while. When you drop the easiest of possible gimmes, you forfeit the right to have that benefit of the doubt applied to you. The Cowboys are “fortunate” to play in an NFC East this year that seems gettable, and maybe they will turn the tide after this mini bye and go on a little run. I know you laughed. It is possible, though. And if it happens then we will all feel differently. So many people forget that opinions are allowed to change as information does, and right now the information is that this Cowboys team takes every moment where they have our trust and burns it up in flames. No more until they give something back themselves. It is on them now. Earn it back.
Inside the end-of-game sequence that led to Commanders tie with Giants – Hogs Haven
Could they get the job done? They did not. But they really, really should’ve. The Commanders should’ve at least set up a last-second field goal attempt, but ran when they had to clock it and ended up in a 27-27 tie as time expired. That was an unreal blunder in a game the Commanders should’ve won in regulation if not for blown leads, and should’ve won in overtime with a makable field goal. Instead, this game ends in a tie and a completely blown opportunity to beat the Giants and hop out of last place in the NFC East and into the thick of the division race. Honestly, that’s as bad as it gets. What we just watched was unbelievable.
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