Commanders Face Eagles in Crucial Rematch to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive and Prove Competitiveness
The Washington Commanders face a pivotal challenge in Week 16 as they prepare to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch crucial to their playoff aspirations. The spotlight is on Washington’s defense as it attempts to counteract the Eagles’ dynamic offense, renowned for its exceptional rushing attack. This Thursday Night Football clash at Northwest Stadium will serve as a litmus test for the Commanders’ playoff credentials, as a win would keep their postseason hopes alive and deliver a significant morale boost.
With a 9-5 record, the Commanders are enjoying their best season start since 1992, a year that saw them advance to the Divisional Round and send eight players to the Pro Bowl. This year’s squad aims to replicate that success, but the immediate focus is on containing Philadelphia’s potent offense. The stakes are high, as the Commanders seek to secure their position amid a competitive race for the NFC Wild Card spots.
Commanders Face Eagles in Crucial Rematch to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive and Prove Competitiveness
The Commanders’ defense, under head coach Dan Quinn, has performed admirably in some areas, ranking 11th overall and fourth in passing defense, allowing just 189.6 yards per game. However, their run defense has been a glaring weakness, ranking 25th in the league and conceding an average of 132.1 rushing yards per game. This vulnerability will be tested by the Eagles’ league-leading rushing attack, which averages 186.2 yards per game—a potential game-deciding matchup.
In their earlier meeting this season, the Eagles dominated offensively, racking up 434 total yards, including 228 on the ground. Quarterback Jalen Hurts contributed significantly with 221 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, while running back Saquon Barkley inflicted further damage with 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Commanders’ defense will need a far stronger showing to reverse their fortunes in the rematch.
A victory against the 12-2 Eagles would be transformative for the Commanders, bolstering their playoff chances while affirming their ability to compete with top-tier teams. It would send a strong message to rivals such as Seattle, Atlanta, and Arizona, who are also vying for the final Wild Card spot. As the Commanders approach the season’s final stretch, a win could provide the momentum and confidence needed to propel them into the postseason.
Eagles Face Aerial Struggles as A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts Address Passing Game Concerns
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown didn’t hold back after Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers, calling the team’s passing game inadequate and emphasizing it wouldn’t cut it moving forward. By midweek, he clarified his remarks, stressing they were about the overall passing operation, not a critique of quarterback Jalen Hurts. Brown explained his frustrations stemmed from the team’s self-inflicted mistakes and his belief in never settling for mediocrity. Despite external chatter about potential friction between Brown and Hurts, both players reiterated their strong relationship, with Brown dismissing defensive end Brandon Graham’s earlier comments as a misunderstanding.
Jalen Hurts, for his part, admitted the passing game needs improvement and owned up to areas where he could be better. While his commitment to limiting turnovers has reduced risky plays, it has also diminished opportunities for explosive downfield moments. Analysts have noted troubling patterns in Hurts’ recent play, including a high percentage of sacks, scrambles, or throwaways on extended plays and a marked decline in deep passing attempts. Hurts acknowledged these issues, pledging to make faster decisions and refine his approach.
Eagles Face Aerial Struggles as A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts Address Passing Game Concerns
The Eagles have had a rollercoaster season, starting 2-2 amid doubts about head coach Nick Sirianni but rebounding with nine consecutive wins. Their success has been driven by a dominant defense and the league’s best rushing attack, featuring Saquon Barkley and the versatile Hurts. Yet, the passing game has been an Achilles’ heel, ranking near the bottom of the NFL despite boasting elite talents like Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert. Injuries and a conservative offensive approach have compounded the struggles, leaving room for significant growth.
Brown isn’t the only one voicing concerns. Fellow receiver DeVonta Smith echoed his teammate’s frustrations, urging the team to meet its high standards in the passing game. Critics have also highlighted a recurring theme throughout Hurts’ career: teams he leads often face limitations in the air. The Eagles’ reluctance to push the ball deep and their inconsistency in sustaining drives through the air have become focal points as the playoffs loom.
If the Eagles can address these issues, they have the potential to become one of the most complete teams in the NFL, pairing a dangerous ground game with a reliable passing attack. For now, however, their aerial struggles remain a glaring weakness. With the postseason approaching, the team must find a way to unleash its full potential through the air to solidify its championship aspirations.
Jalen Hurts hands off the ball to Saquon Barkley in the 1st half
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was fined $5,628 by the NFL for wearing cleats that didn’t match the team’s approved colors. This fine was for his choice to wear Air Jordan cleats in two different shades of green during the Eagles’ 27-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
A source, who spoke anonymously because the NFL did not publicly announce the fine, confirmed the penalty. The brand behind the shoes, Nike’s Jordan Brand, said on social media that it would cover Hurts’ fine, adding, “We’re paying the fine. You can’t ban greatness.”
Hurts explained this week that he had planned to wear Jordan Columbia 11s, but the shoes didn’t arrive on time. He had taken photos for fun during a shoot with mismatched cleats, and he liked the look so much that he decided to wear them in the game.
Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles
“Hopefully they come in soon,” Hurts said about the Jordans.
This wasn’t the first time Hurts wore mismatched cleats this season. In a game on October 28 against Cincinnati, Hurts had to play with mismatched cleats when one of his green Air Jordan 4 PEs came off during a run down the sideline. The laces were tied so tightly that he couldn’t easily put it back on, so he had to call a timeout to find a replacement. He switched to a white Jordan 11.
“I had to go Jalen Two Shoes for a bit,” Hurts joked after the Eagles’ 37-17 win over the Bengals.
In the Steelers game, Hurts wore one dark “Midnight green” cleat, matching his jersey, and one “Kelly green” cleat for the whole game. He often changes shoes at halftime.
Eagles Tighten NFC Playoff Race with Win, Setting Up Crucial Showdowns for Top Seed
The Philadelphia Eagles significantly improved their playoff outlook in Week 15 with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, coupled with the Detroit Lions’ loss to the Buffalo Bills. This development tightened the race for the NFC’s top seed, leaving the Eagles (12-2) in a three-way battle with the Lions (12-2) and the Minnesota Vikings (11-2) for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. While the Lions currently hold key tiebreaker advantages, their loss has opened the door for Philadelphia to challenge their control.
The Lions’ remaining schedule poses challenges, including a matchup against the Bears, a road trip to the San Francisco 49ers, and a potential division-deciding game against the Vikings. While the Bears game appears manageable, the 49ers and Vikings could pose significant threats to Detroit’s position at the top. Philadelphia, on the other hand, faces its own NFC East gauntlet, with crucial games against the Commanders, Cowboys, and Giants. These divisional matchups are unpredictable and carry heightened stakes for the Eagles’ quest for the No. 1 seed.
Eagles Tighten NFC Playoff Race with Win, Setting Up Crucial Showdowns for Top Seed
For the Eagles, a high-stakes Week 17 game against the Cowboys looms large. Dallas, riding momentum after winning three of their last four games, could act as a spoiler, given the long-standing rivalry between the teams. Meanwhile, the Vikings remain a strong contender, with games against the Bears, Seahawks, Packers, and Lions. Road trips to Seattle and Detroit, in particular, could complicate Minnesota’s bid for the NFC’s top spot. The NFC race remains tight, with every remaining game critical for all three teams.
The Eagles’ path to securing the top seed requires multiple favorable outcomes. First, Philadelphia must win out, finishing the season 15-2 to maximize their chances, particularly given their two NFC losses that weigh heavily in tiebreaker scenarios. They also need the Lions to drop at least one more game, with key opportunities in Week 17 against San Francisco or Week 18 against Minnesota. Additionally, the Eagles would benefit from a stumble by the Vikings, who currently hold tiebreaker advantages.
The next three weeks will be decisive for the Eagles and the NFC playoff picture. While Detroit remains in control, Philadelphia’s balanced roster and championship pedigree position them as legitimate contenders. However, the margin for error is slim, and any further NFC losses could severely impact their chances. With tough divisional games and key matchups across the conference, the race for the NFC’s top seed promises to deliver plenty of drama.
Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley both played through injuries that were more of a minor hassle than serious long-term problems for the Eagles.
Injuries heal, and so do bruised egos and hard feelings caused by criticism and rumors, not from fans, social media, or sports talk radio, but from within the Philadelphia locker room.
Hurts connected with wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith for touchdowns, and the Eagles put any internal issues regarding their offense to rest with a 27-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
The Eagles (12-2) won their 10th straight game, setting a franchise record. A win this weekend against Washington would secure the NFC East title for them, and they moved into a tie with Detroit for the best record in the conference.
With three games left, the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye are still within reach, and all they need to do is stay healthy.
Hurts shared that he played through a broken finger on his non-throwing hand, while Barkley, the NFL’s leading rusher, said he dealt with “a little something” against the Steelers that sent him to the medical tent.
Jalen Hurts runs with the ball in the 2nd half
When the Eagles are working together, injuries might be the only thing that can stop them.
“I just felt extremely locked in and focused through the entire week, through what could have been a time where people could say, ‘What’s going on over in Philadelphia?’” said coach Nick Sirianni.
Smith and Brown had both expressed frustration about the passing game after a lackluster performance the previous week against Carolina. Defensive end Brandon Graham then suggested in a radio interview that there were issues between Hurts and Brown.
After their dominant win over Pittsburgh, the Eagles acted like one big happy family in the locker room.
“Behind closed doors, we talk about that, we called each other out,” Brown said. “That’s very uncomfortable. You don’t want to feel like you’re getting attacked. We’re trying to get on the same page. We’re trying to win.”
Jalen Hurts hands off the ball to Saquon Barkley in the 1st half
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley faced a setback in his pursuit of the NFL season rushing record due to a minor injury.
After rushing for over 100 yards in his last four games, Barkley ran for 65 yards on 19 carries in Philadelphia’s 27-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. This was a 3.4-yard average, which was his second-lowest total of the season.
Despite this, Barkley remains the NFL rushing leader with 1,688 yards, but he lost some ground in his chase for the record held by Eric Dickerson, who set the mark at 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984.
To break Dickerson’s record, Barkley needs 418 yards over the final three games, averaging just over 139 yards per game. The 27-year-old Barkley has achieved that total five times this season.
In the first quarter, Barkley was hit in the right knee by Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick, then landed on his right shoulder. He was briefly checked and returned to the sideline holding his helmet.
Jalen Hurts throws in the 2nd half
Barkley ran two more times for 3 yards after the hit, then didn’t get another carry until after halftime.
He didn’t specify what caused him trouble but said his right knee was fine and the injury wasn’t caused by the hit from Fitzpatrick.
“Nothing crazy. Little minor,” Barkley said. “Get ready for next week.”
The Eagles (12-2) can clinch the NFC East with a win next Sunday at Washington. Their last two games are at home, against Dallas and the New York Giants.
Barkley left the New York Giants in the offseason and signed a three-year contract worth $26 million guaranteed to join the Eagles, who made him the highest-paid running back in franchise history.
Jalen Hurts took the hits when the Eagles’ passing game, which had been struggling, was criticized by his own star wide receivers. Hurts and A.J. Brown, one of the receivers who raised concerns, then saw their relationship analyzed and criticized by a teammate, adding to the internal tension that could have hurt the team’s chemistry.
However, this internal pressure might have been just the motivation the Eagles needed to show their strength in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were heading to the playoffs.
“Every opportunity to get better, you use,” coach Nick Sirianni said. “I’m not for one minute saying that all the turmoil on the outside was a good thing. We want to make sure that we’re locked into what we’re doing, and that’s what I felt like.”
Hurts threw touchdown passes to both Brown and DeVonta Smith, helping quiet the critics of the Eagles’ offense. The team also won their 10th straight game, a franchise record, beating the Steelers 27-13.
“So that’s what you all wanted to see?” Hurts said, confirming that he was playing with a broken finger on his non-throwing hand.
The recent tension within the Eagles wasn’t caused by fans or the media, but came from inside the team.
Jordan Mailata reacts after a touchdown in the 1st half
Hurts and the offense made big plays just a week after Smith and Brown had expressed frustration over a lack of catches in a win against Carolina. Later in the week, injured defensive end Brandon Graham appeared on a Philadelphia sports radio station and suggested there were personal issues between Hurts and Brown.
Hurts, who threw for 290 yards after having less than 200 in his last three games, tried to put any team issues to rest on the opening drive. He connected with Smith twice and Brown once, leading to a 34-yard field goal by Jake Elliott.
“Scrutiny is never-ending. It’s nothing new,” Hurts said. “That’s something that I find a thrill in. I appreciate being told I can’t and that we can’t. I know that I lead this team, and it takes a lot out of it. It demands a lot out of you.”
Brown, who limped on the sideline late in the game, had eight catches for 110 yards, and Smith had 11 catches for 109 yards, a big improvement from the previous game when they combined for only eight catches and 80 yards.
“Behind closed doors, we talked about it,” Brown said. “We called each other out. It was very uncomfortable because we don’t want to feel like we’re getting attacked.”
Hurts threw a 5-yard touchdown to Brown late in the first quarter. The two celebrated with the Kid ’N Play dance, and later connected with Smith for a 2-yard touchdown in the second quarter, giving the Eagles a 17-3 lead.
T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith celebrate in the 1st half
“That was our moment to tell everybody to shut up,” Brown said.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley’s chase of the NFL season rushing record slowed when he ran for just 65 yards on 19 carries. Barkley, who still leads the NFL with 1,688 yards, took a low hit from Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick and missed most of the second quarter. Barkley later said his knee was fine and that Fitzpatrick’s hit didn’t injure him.
Hurts also had a rushing touchdown on a tush push for the Eagles (12-2), but they were denied a chance to clinch the NFC East when Washington defeated New Orleans earlier in the day.
Pittsburgh (10-4), leading the AFC North, lost for only the second time in nine games but secured a playoff spot due to losses by Miami and Indianapolis.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said the playoff berth wasn’t his main focus after the game.
“Not as I stand here today. We had a game to play today. We wanted to win it and we didn’t,” he said. “Some of that other stuff is less relevant to us.”
T.J. Watt reacts in the 1st half
The Steelers also lost star linebacker T.J. Watt to an ankle injury after chasing down Hurts in the fourth quarter. Watt, who leads the Steelers with 11 1/2 sacks, said he was uncertain about his status for next week’s game against Baltimore. Watt believed the injury wasn’t serious.
Pittsburgh’s quarterback Russell Wilson struggled against the Eagles’ defense, throwing for just 128 yards, his lowest of the season. He did manage to throw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth but fell to 6-1 lifetime against the Eagles.
The Steelers missed wide receiver George Pickens, who leads the team with 55 receptions and 850 receiving yards. Pickens missed his second straight game with a hamstring injury.
The Steelers haven’t won in Philadelphia since October 24, 1965.
Wilson mishandled a pitch to Najee Harris in the third quarter, and the Eagles recovered, leading to Hurts’ 1-yard tush push touchdown for a 27-13 lead.
This was the first time the two teams, both among the original eight in the NFL, played each other with both having double-digit wins, but the game was not competitive.
Chris Boswell kicked field goals from 37 and 49 yards, becoming Pittsburgh’s season leader in field goals with 38.
A sports talk radio host in Philadelphia was discussing the rumored tension between star quarterback Jalen Hurts and top wide receiver A.J. Brown. The host wondered why these two Pro Bowl players weren’t getting along, even though the Eagles were having a great season.
This kind of talk is usually sparked by fans or media personalities, but in this case, it came from inside the Eagles’ locker room. Team leader Brandon Graham, who is injured, mentioned on the radio that things seemed different between Hurts and Brown after a lackluster passing game in the Eagles’ win over Carolina.
Graham later apologized for his comments, and both Hurts and Brown reassured the media that there was no issue between them. The rest of the team was ready to move on and focus on their next game.
“We are moving on,” said offensive lineman Jordan Mailata. “It’s the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. Not the A.J. Brown and Jalen Show. It’s the Pittsburgh Steelers. That’s it.”
Meanwhile, the Steelers (10-3) have been playing well and have won seven of their last eight games. This game is significant because it could be a preview of the Super Bowl.
Jalen Hurts celebrates with A.J. Brown after scoring in the 2nd quarter
The Eagles (11-2) have won nine straight games and could secure the NFC East with a win and a Washington loss or tie. This is the first time these two teams, both founding NFL teams, will play each other with both having double-digit wins.
Both teams are in good positions for the playoffs. The Eagles, led by Saquon Barkley, are pursuing the NFL season rushing record, while the Steelers, with Russell Wilson and a relatively easy schedule, sit atop the AFC North.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said, “I do like playing really good people, I think there’s growth in it. You’ve got to get the job done. But man, I think there’s significant growth in pitting your collective talents and skills versus big-time opponents and they’re certainly that.”
Despite the drama in Philly this week, the Eagles aren’t worried. They’re focused on the Steelers, and the betting odds show they’re favored by 5 1/2 points.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said, “What I’ve noticed about this football team is they’re so locked in and determined to get better each day. We don’t really want anyone else talking to us about anything other than the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
The Eagles hope that playing the Steelers at home will help improve their offensive play. Last year, Hurts threw three touchdown passes to Brown in a 35-13 win against the Steelers.
Mike Tomlin started listing the many ways Saquon Barkley can beat you. It took a little while, considering how much Tomlin had to say about him.
“He’s got top-end speed,” Tomlin said about the Philadelphia Eagles star and the NFL’s leading rusher. “He can hit the home run … He’s good in tight spaces. He can get downhill. He can lower his pads. He’s got good lateral abilities. He can make people miss. He’s just a really complete player.”
So complete that Tomlin called him “Mr. Barkley” when talking about the challenge the first-place Steelers (10-3) will face when they play the NFC East-leading Eagles (11-2) on Sunday. “He’s been dominant,” Tomlin said. “Eye-opening at times.”
He’s also defying physics. This is why Tomlin isn’t worried about his team focusing too much on the bigger picture as Pittsburgh prepares for three games in 11 days, starting with the Eagles, followed by Kansas City on Christmas, and a trip to AFC North rival Baltimore in between.
Mike Tomlin talks to Tim Podraza in the 1st half
Tomlin thinks that if you get distracted by what’s ahead, you could end up as another victim in Barkley’s growing highlight reel.
“If you don’t minimize him in some way, you’re not even going to position yourself to have a chance to be successful,” Tomlin said.
Most teams haven’t managed to slow Barkley down this season, but Pittsburgh, with the NFL’s fourth-ranked rush defense, believes it has what it takes. Players like inside linebacker Elandon Roberts, who has made a name for himself as a run stopper over the past decade, or “tooth chipper,” as Tomlin called him earlier this season, will play a key role.
Tomlin noticed Roberts years ago while scouting him out of Houston. Roberts’ willingness to put his 6-foot-1 frame into tough situations impressed Tomlin so much that when Roberts became a free agent in the spring of 2023, the Steelers quickly signed him.
Roberts has lived up to expectations, proving himself as a veteran who thrives in the physical aspects of the job. Against Dallas earlier this season, he jumped over the line to stop Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle, forcing a fumble that almost sealed the game—until Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott recovered it.
When asked what’s made him so effective over the years, Roberts simply said, “I just think when you’re good at something, you know, you hone in on it.”
He’s not the only one on a defense that has already stopped Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Nick Chubb, and J.K. Dobbins this season.
Veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward is playing some of his best football at 35. Second-year defensive lineman Keeanu Benton is starting to show his potential. Patrick Queen, signed in the offseason to play next to Roberts, has become Pittsburgh’s best three-down linebacker since Ryan Shazier’s career ended in December 2017.
Queen knows the Steelers need everyone on the field to do their job and work together to stop Barkley from taking over.
“Everybody’s got to do their job,” Queen said. “That’s really all it comes to. I think some teams are just unaware of how good Saquon is. You’ve got to keep your focus.”
And keep your head up. Barkley’s reverse hurdle against Jacksonville earlier this season went viral, and the makers of the “Madden NFL” video game added it in a special update.
Jalen Hurts carries the ball in the 1st half
In theory, there’s one way to stop Barkley from embarrassing you. “If you want to hit somebody, you’ve got to see what you’re hitting,” Queen said.
But sometimes with Barkley, even that isn’t enough. Playing behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL and with dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts next to him, there’s a reason Barkley is, as Tomlin put it, “the most significant acquisition in the NFL in 2024.”
Barkley is on track to break the single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set by Eric Dickerson 40 years ago. While the Eagles’ passing game is still a work in progress—Hurts threw for just 108 yards last week against Carolina—Barkley has been the driving force behind Philadelphia’s nine-game winning streak.
“For him to find a new team and get to that part in his career (and chase records), it’s something that you don’t see,” Queen said. “We’ve got to go up there and play physical football.”
Something Roberts knows all about. “I enjoy it,” he said. “I don’t know if you want a linebacker on your team that doesn’t like the physicality part.”
Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown have insisted that any issues on the field have not affected their relationship off the field. The two Philadelphia Eagles stars downplayed any rumors of tension between them.
“We’re good,” Brown said, with Hurts agreeing, saying, “We’re good, we’re good.”
Despite some media buzz about a possible rift, it seems there are no issues between Hurts and Brown. The rumors started after defensive end Brandon Graham mentioned on a local radio station that there might be friction between the two.
Graham, who is a close friend to both players and the godfather to Brown’s daughter, said, “things have changed” without explaining what he meant. His comments came after Brown expressed frustration over the offense not playing at its best, even though the Eagles had an 11-2 record.
Hurts responded by saying, “BG knows he spoke out of place,” adding that Graham had misunderstood the situation. Later, Graham clarified his statement, admitting that he had made an incorrect assumption and promised to apologize to Hurts and Brown.
Brown explained that his issues with the offense weren’t aimed at Hurts, but at the overall performance of the offense, including the play calling and execution. He emphasized the importance of getting on the same page to make the offense more effective.
Nick Sirianni and Kellen Moore reacts after a 2 point conversion
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said he had never seen any issues between Hurts and Brown, noting that the two players have always worked hard together, even practicing routes after official practice time.
Sirianni pointed out that while emotions can run high on game days, he sees the players working well together every day and sharing a strong bond both on and off the field.
Brown, who had back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons, expressed frustration with the offense’s lack of production in the passing game.
Hurts, who signed a major contract extension before the season, has thrown for under 200 yards in three straight games, and DeVonta Smith, another top receiver, hasn’t surpassed 100 yards in any game this season. In contrast, Brown has had four 100-yard games, but that’s still lower than last season when he had six straight games with 100 yards or more.
Despite this, Hurts has still been effective, throwing 12 touchdown passes with only one interception, along with 11 rushing touchdowns. The Eagles are riding a nine-game winning streak and are close to clinching the NFC East title.
Sirianni acknowledged that the passing game needs improvement but stressed that success in football is a team effort. “It takes everybody,” Sirianni said. “It takes every single person being together, every single person for the success to happen.”
There’s no real tension between Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown, according to Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni, who addressed the situation on Tuesday.
After the Eagles won their ninth straight game on Sunday, Brown told reporters that “passing” was the reason the offense wasn’t performing as expected in their 22-16 win over the Carolina Panthers.
Defensive end Brandon Graham stirred things up by saying during a Monday radio appearance that he didn’t think Hurts and Brown were as close as they had been before.
“I know that [Hurts] is trying and [Brown] could be a little better with how he responds to things. They were friends before this, but things have changed, and I understand that because life happens,” Graham said, before trying to clarify his comments and apologizing to both players for “assuming that it was something it wasn’t.”
Sirianni responded on Tuesday by saying he can only judge what he sees every day. He mentioned that Hurts and Brown eat lunch together, openly discuss the game plan, and pray together before games.
Sirianni doesn’t believe Brown’s comment after the game on Sunday was aimed at Hurts.
“I didn’t take it that way,” Sirianni said during a radio appearance on 94WIP Tuesday. “You can do anything and spin it any way. I took it as we want to get better as a passing attack. A.J. is part of the passing attack. And so, we all want to be better at it.”
Jalen Hurts passes in the 2nd half
“Jalen and A.J. are both really outstanding people and both really outstanding players. I love that our players are wanting to get better and desire to get better, and that’s what we talk about all of the time — is how we get better and be able to do things that are special.”
Brown has 836 yards and four touchdowns this season, following two straight 1,400-yard seasons after being traded from the Tennessee Titans in 2022.
The Eagles have the fewest pass attempts in the NFL, and Brown mentioned he’s having trouble getting into a rhythm.
But with the team’s success and an ongoing winning streak, Philadelphia is focused on continuing to feed running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley leads the NFL with 266 carries and 1,623 yards.
Sirianni acknowledged the attention around the situation and Brown’s outburst on the sideline but said there’s no need to compare it to the Eagles’ poor finish to the 2023 season, which raised questions about team chemistry.
“I see a lot of 2022 vibes,” Sirianni said, referencing his Super Bowl team that lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. “You can look at what you see in one week, but I’m looking at the big picture and, again, I see it as everybody wants to get better.”
Jason Kelce sits on the NFL ESPN Monday Night football set
Penn State University police have decided not to charge retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce after looking into an argument with a fan over a cell phone before a Nov. 2 home game between Penn State and Ohio State.
Jacqueline Sheader, a spokesperson for University Police and Public Safety, confirmed to the Associated Press on Tuesday night that the case has been closed. The Philadelphia Inquirer was the first to report that the investigation ended without charges against Kelce.
In her email, Sheader also mentioned that the person seen in a video that spread widely on social media has not been identified, and no one has come forward to report any damage to personal property.
The police department’s initial report included a note saying an officer saw a visitor damaging personal property. The viral video showed Kelce walking through a crowd near Beaver Stadium, where fans were asking for photos and fist bumps.
Jason Kelce for the NFL Honors show
During this, one fan began to mock Kelce and seemed to shout an anti-gay slur about his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, for dating pop star Taylor Swift.
The video also showed Kelce grabbing the fan’s phone and throwing it to the ground, then turning to confront the man, who was wearing Penn State clothing. During the confrontation, Kelce appeared to use the same anti-gay slur. Another fan stepped in between them before the situation could get worse.
Kelce later apologized before the ESPN Monday Night Football broadcast.
“In a heated moment, I decided to greet hate with hate,” Kelce said before the Buccaneers-Chiefs game. “I fell short this week.”
