Welcome to The Linc, the daily Philadelphia Eagles links roundup at Bleeding Green Nation!
In case you missed it, Joe Santoliquito shared the following tidbit on BGN yesterday:
According to a couple of Bears’ sources who were on the field against Campbell on Monday, they felt Campbell was a great athlete with a great future ahead of him though was also someone right now who “doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
I think this assessment sums it up well. Campbell has exciting potential. But he’s yet to fully
deliver on that promise because he’s still figuring out the mental part of the game. This isn’t to guarantee he’ll definitely get to that point. But it’s too early to rule it out. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. might be a better linebacker right now. But the Eagles investing in Campbell’s development could pay off in the long term, including later this season.
Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles news and links …
Roob’s 10 Observations: Why we all need to be patient with Jihaad Campbell- NBCSP
DON’T GIVE UP ON JIHAAD CAMPBELL: I get that people are down on Jihaad Campbell right now, and some of the criticism is fair. He hasn’t been great and is not playing like a 1st-round pick, Nakobe Dean is having an all-pro season with the Raiders and it’s impossible not to compare the two since their careers will always be inexorably linked. Drafting Campbell in the first round is why the Eagles couldn’t keep Dean. But a couple things to remember: Campbell is 22 and the 3rd-youngest starting inside linebacker in the NFL. He was considered a steal where the Eagles drafted him last year at No. 31. And he hasn’t been awful. Out of 61 linebackers who’ve played at least 100 snaps, he ranks 23rd in Pro Football Focus with his overall grade, 26th in run defense and 25th in coverage, so a bit above middle of the pack in every category. He hasn’t covered as well as you’d expect, but it’s way too early to even think about calling him a 1st-round bust. He’s a young guy with great size and athleticism, and there’s no reason to think he won’t get better working under ace linebackers coach Bobby King. Remember, when the Eagles drafted Campbell there were significant questions about Dean as he rehabbed a severe knee injury. And he really didn’t blossom as a player until last year, after Campbell was already here. Campbell is the youngest Eagles starting linebacker ever, and he’s the 2nd-youngest defensive player in franchise history to start double-digit games, just a bit older than 1950s defensive tackle Ernie Calloway. Good ol’ Ernie. Maybe Campbell won’t work out. Maybe he won’t pan out as a top-tier linebacker. Maybe a rare Howie miss. Maybe Jeremiah Trotter will play so well against the Rams Sunday Vic Fangio will be tempted to make a switch once Zack Baun is back. But it’s too early to give up hope. Let’s see where Campbell is at the end of this year and even into next year before we write him off. I still think he has a chance to be a player.
Eagles-Rams Final Injury Report: DeVonta Smith and Zack Baun among 6 players ruled OUT – BGN
Smith is dealing with a hamstring injury that prevented him from practicing this week. Reports indicate he could miss another game or two after this weekend. Not great for the Eagles to be missing their top receiver at all, let alone against some tough opponents. With Smith and Brown out, the Eagles will be down to the following five receivers: Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Elijah Moore, Darius Cooper, and Britain Covey. Wicks figures to be the Eagles’ No. 1 target in Smith’s absence. Lemon could also see increased opportunities … just hopefully not in the entirely predictable screen reception variety. Moore played more snaps than Cooper last week despite being a healthy scratch in either of the first two games. The Eagles might trust Moore to play more on offense, even though Cooper has shown potential there. Cooper could still get some more chances than usual while also playing on special teams. Covey is the Eagles’ punt returner.
This should be a big week for the Rams defense – Turf Show Times
Run defense, however, has been a different story for Los Angeles. While its rushing success rate currently sits 13th in the league, it ranks 26th in rush EPA/play. That tells you that L.A. is allowing too many big gains while being decent on a down-to-down basis. Thankfully for the Rams, this matchup should, in theory, allow them to dedicate more resources to stopping the run while still limiting the passing game. With such a banged up corps of pass catchers, it is likely going to be even more challenging to move the ball through the air for a team that is already struggling to do that (the Eagles are 25th in dropback EPA/play through three weeks). Now, the Eagles have been decent at generating explosive pass plays, but the Rams have trusted their cornerbacks on islands this year, playing man coverage on 29.5% of snaps, the ninth-highest rate in the NFL per Next Gen Stats. Even without Jaylen Watson this week, Los Angeles can probably afford to keep trusting those cornerbacks. It’s important to mention trench play here as well, which is admittedly more concerning with Aaron Donald now out for the matchup. He would have been especially valuable against the Eagles’ offensive line, which has been solid in pass protection this year overall but exceptionally poor at the guard spots in particular.
Home Dogs: Can Eagles, Nick Sirianni Spring The Upset & Stay Undefeated Vs. Rams, Sean McVay? – PHLY Sports
The Eagles are likely to be without DeVonta Smith and potentially Zack Baun against a high-powered Rams lineup that is expected to get Puka Nacua back. But Nick Sirianni has bested Sean McVay in all four meetings between the two teams. Can he, Sean Mannion and Vic Fangio cook up a special gameplan? The professor Deniz Selman and Brandon Lee Gowton join Bo Wulf, with insight from EJ Smith at the Eagles’ complex to discuss it all.
Game Preview – LAR at PHI – Iggles Blitz
Both teams have injuries so neither can really use that as an excuse. We’ll see which team has better depth and which coaching staff does the better job in a tough situation. I’m hoping last week’s bad loss will prove to be the wake-up call the Eagles needed. I think you can argue they were out-played in each of the first three games. They were talented enough to win two of them, but the sloppiness caught up wit them in Chicago. Nick Sirianni is usually good at pushing the right buttons to get the most out of his team. That hasn’t been the case this season. Getting embarrassed by the Bears should change things. If that didn’t get the players attention, nothing will. The biggest thing I’ll be watching for in this game is the Eagles level of play. They could lose a tough, competitive game and I’d be okay with that. I’m focused on how they play more than the result. The Eagles have not looked like the team we expected so far. The defense isn’t making plays. The offense is struggling to play with any consistency. That has to change for this team to get where they want to go.
Philadelphia Eagles’ defense at an inflection point – ESPN
Two of the defense’s top communicators in linebacker Nakobe Dean and safety Reed Blankenship are now in Las Vegas and Houston, respectively. Former first-round pick Jihaad Campbell is still settling in at the starting linebacker spot opposite Baun, and there’s been a rotating cast at safety, with Marcus Epps and Michael Carter II now splitting reps opposite Andrew Mukuba, who has been dealing with a knee injury. The safety spot in particular has become problematic. Interestingly, the Eagles signed former Pro Bowl defensive back Kenny Moore II to the practice squad last week and have since elevated him to the active roster. He primarily played in the slot during his nine years with the Indianapolis Colts but has been working at safety since coming to Philly. While Moore is motivated to make his mark in a new city as he did in Indianapolis, Fangio said “he’s a down the line possibility, maybe” as he gets used to a new position. It’s not all doom and gloom on the defensive side of the ball. The Eagles might only have three sacks but are tied for 10th in pressures (40) and now have Greenard back, offering hope that they can turn the corner there. Mukuba and DeJean are both off the injury report, which can only help a passing defense that ranks ninth in yards per game (193). And with a little work, perhaps the back seven can turn pass breakups into interceptions before long.
Eagles notebook: Cooper DeJean’s usage, Nick Sirianni’s latest challenge, and studying second-half struggles – PHLY Eagles
Cooper DeJean’s usage will be an interesting wrinkle to watch over the next few weeks because of his versatility and the recent struggles at safety, but I suspect he sticks at nickel for the time being. The Eagles have a growing issue at safety with both Marcus Epps and Drew Mukuba struggling against the Chicago Bears and Epps in particular starting to rotate with Michael Carter II after a second week of shaky play. Watching the game back, the rotation between Epps and Carter seemed mostly sporadic but with a preference for Carter in obvious passing situations. Carter logged seven of his 20 snaps on third down, with Epps logging 27 snaps with just two coming on third down. The adage that often applies to quarterbacks that if you have two, you have zero works here, too. Fangio conceded as much Wednesday, moments after saying the plan is to continue the rotation until someone separates themself. “Those two guys are still going to man it,” Fangio said. As my colleague Fran Duffy pointed out during his Monday film reivew, the worst version of the Eagles defense in recent years came in 2023 when then-defensive coordinator Sean Desai made line changes in the secondary depending on the situation. Fangio’s defenses have been at their best when they’ve been almost exactly the opposite with DeJean at nickel and the defense happy to match almost anything an offense could present with the same personnel package and pre-snap alignment. That’s why I suspect DeJean stays at nickel, for now. The team signed Kenny Moore to the practice squad last week and then to the active roster on Tuesday, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he eventually factors in at safety rather than eating into DeJean’s nickel snaps.
Eagles-Rams predictions: Can Philadelphia rebound without DeVonta Smith and Zack Baun? – The Athletic
Kubena: I don’t like this matchup for the Eagles. Perhaps Mannion will leverage Rams coach Sean McVay’s understanding of his former quarterback’s system against him. But the Rams have been playing fairly well on defense and could deploy All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie in coverage looks that focus him on Wicks. Though the Rams have lost their last three matchups against the Eagles across the last three seasons, Matthew Stafford owns a 95.1 passer rating in those games. Remember, the Eagles won last year’s game on a blocked field goal at the buzzer. The Eagles are the only team that hasn’t forced a turnover yet this season. Rams 27, Eagles 20 […] Berman: Sirianni is undefeated against Sean McVay, and a blocked field goal last year extended that streak. You won’t find me in the “sky is falling” meetings about the Eagles, but the Rams were the Super Bowl favorites entering the year, and I like the way they’re playing better than the way the Eagles are playing (despite the records). Injuries to Smith and Baun will hurt both sides of the ball. The path to winning is what I mentioned above — a strong rushing performance from Barkley and a swarming pass rush disrupting Stafford — but I think the Rams have too much firepower (and the Eagles not enough) to win this game. The Eagles are home underdogs, which has happened only once since the start of the 2022 season. If the Eagles drop to 2-2, fans shouldn’t abandon the ship yet. They were 2-2 in the Super Bowl season two years ago. Teams evolve throughout the year. Their early-season struggles are obvious, and I have a hard time seeing them beat the Rams in this form. Rams 24, Eagles 21.
Eagles vs. Rams: A mystifying trend the Birds must fix, and everything else to know ahead of Sunday’s game – Inquirer
Regardless of when and how the Eagles are adjusting, whatever is happening at halftime might need a makeover. It’s only been three games, but no one is worse in the third quarter right now than the Eagles, who have eight three-and-outs on 11 third-quarter drives. That’s three more than anyone else in the NFL. There have been various reasons for each punt. No series is identical. The Eagles have had negative runs, negative swing passes, penalties, and other detrimental plays. But the play sequencing and planning certainly has contributed. It’s something Mannion, a first-time play caller, said the staff is trying to correct. “Certainly, as a staff and as a team, we’re working through getting better there,” Mannion said. “You hate to do a lot of nice things in the first half of some of these games and kind of fall into a rut in the second half. We’re working at that. We’re attacking it each day to be better there coming out of halftime.”
Eagles legend gave team a message to live by. Star defender admits: ‘I don’t think we’ve done that’ – NJ.com
Former Eagles Hall of Fame coach Dick Vermeil delivered an important message to the team when he visited training camp this summer. Vermeil’s message was simple: The Eagles need all 11 players on both sides of the ball to do their jobs correctly for the team to have success. “Dick Vermeil came and talked to us and it was like 11 guys finishing each play,” Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo told NJ.com on Friday. “I don’t think that we’ve done that to the best of our ability. So that’s ultimately the goal. How can we all 11 do our job at a high level?”
Game Preview vs. Rams: 6 storylines to follow – PhiladelphiaEagles.com
Eagles offense could be missing some serious firepower. We know that tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) and wide receivers DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Hollywood Brown (ankle) are out for Sunday’s game. We know that left guard Landon Dickerson remains on Injured Reserve. This is the way of the NFL, and every team faces the same injury scenarios early in the season. For the coaching staff, the task is to pivot to personnel packages and sequencing of playcalling that works. The Eagles, as Offensive Coordinator Sean Mannion said during the week, are in search of offensive consistency. They’ve shown glimpses of having an offense that can win in every way. But they have yet to do it for 60 minutes. And if the Eagles are missing players who mean so much to the offense, how can they compensate? This is a test for the Eagles’ offense on so many levels.
NFL Week 4 bold predictions: Brock Bowers cooks Chiefs; Zay Flowers leads all fantasy scorers – NFL.com
Big man touchdown! Eagles NT rumbles past Rams once again. The Rams and Eagles treated the football world to one of the best games of the 2025 season, a 33-26 thriller that saw Eagles nose tackle Jordan Davis return a blocked field goal 61 yards for a touchdown as time expired. This Sunday, it’s déjà vu at The Linc. The gargantuan Davis finds the end zone again, this time on a scoop-and-score off a strip sack of Matthew Stafford.
Tailgaters and officials reach compromise on new Eagles parking rules, continuing talks – 6ABC
Longtime Philadelphia Eagles tailgaters and parking officials say they have found common ground after a contentious rollout of new rules for oversized vehicles at tailgates. The Sports Complex Parking Venture last week announced changes affecting oversized vehicles at Eagles tailgates. Under the new policy, oversized vehicles can no longer choose their own parking locations and instead will be directed to assigned spaces in Lots D and N. The rules also limit how many spaces those vehicles may occupy and increase parking costs. The updated pricing structure sets the cost at $200 for four spaces and $100 for two additional spots, with a maximum of six spaces. Oversized vehicle pass holders assigned to Lots E or H may continue parking in those lots but will be assigned specific spaces.
Rams waive returner Xavier Smith – PFT
Earlier this week, Rams special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone told reporters that the team was not considering making a change at punt returner. That plan has apparently changed. Los Angeles announced on Friday that the team has waived receiver/returner Xavier Smith. Smith had served as the team’s primary punt returner for each of the last two seasons. But he also has made some critical mistakes, including fielding a punt deep in L.A. territory that looked like it would be a touchback in the third quarter of last week’s eventual loss to Denver.
No Giants’ players with injury designations heading into game vs. Cardinals – Big Blue View
New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas (groin) was a limited practice participant on Friday, and coach John Harbaugh said he is trending toward playing Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Thomas does have a game status on the official injury report, meaning he is expected to play. Thomas did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, likely as part of the plan to keep him available on game day. Starting center John Michael Schmitz missed practice due to a family matter. Harbaugh expects Schmitz to be ready to play on Sunday. All other Giants were full practice participants. That means cornerback Deonte Banks, who has missed two games, and safety Tyler Nubin, who missed one, should be available. Both have been dealing with calf injuries. Running back Tyrone Tracy, held out of Wednesday’s practice with a knee injury, was also a full participant.
Cowboys fans give their grade on Brian Schottenheimer’s tenure so far – Blogging The Boys
Earlier this week we asked you to grade coach Schottenheimer’s tenure in Dallas. Not just the Ravens game, but what he has accomplished since he was hired in 2025 as head coach. You guys voted and basically gave him a ’C/D’ grade. ‘C’ got 37% of the vote while ‘D’ got 34%. Looks like coach has some work to do, and he can start against the Houston Texans who are 3-point favorites over Dallas despite being 0-3.
Commanders injury update: Terry McLaurin reportedly unlikely to play vs. Colts – Hogs Haven
The Washington Commanders could be without their WR1 on Sunday versus Indianapolis, as Terry McLaurin deals with a new hamstring injury. He showed up on the injury report Friday, and was listed as questionable for the game after being limited in practice. Commanders beat writer Ben Standig reported on Saturday that the injury happened during the Commanders home opener win over the Seahawks in Week 3. McLaurin was listed as a full participant the first two days of practice, but Wednesday was a walk-through.
Deshaun Watson’s vile rehabilitation campaign was the focus of Thursday Night Football – SB Nation
It was impossible to watch Thursday Night Football without being beaten over the head with veiled references to Deshaun Watson’s past. In what’s become one of the most disgusting rehabilitation campaigns in recent memory, Kirk Herbstreit, in particular, slobbered over Watson for the better part of the game, rebranding alleged sexual assault against 27 women as “past troubles” and turning the Browns’ recent success into a tale of overcoming adversity.
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