The bye week was a long one. It feels like we haven't watched the Philadelphia Eagles play in a month. It feels like it has been even longer since we've watched them play the game competently. Some might say they haven't done that vs. a good team since they outlasted the Buffalo Bills in overtime last season. It's sad, but that theory might be accurate.
Losses by the NFC East rivals would help, but the division went 3-0 in Week 5 with Philly idle. We thought we'd at least get to enjoy some happiness while watching teams we hate lose. It wasn't meant to be, and dang, that Jayden Daniels kid looks impressive.
We aren't panicking, not yet. We'll learn more about each team during their next game. That's a good thing because we didn't get much from Nick Sirianni on Wednesday.
Nick Sirianni is his usually vague self during his first Eagles press conference of Week 6.
The NFL prides itself on parity. It's a goal league offices have helped achieve. The teams we believe are at the top of the food chain can be toppled by anyone on their schedule.
The margin for error is slimming. As we continue to venture through the regular season, wins and losses will come down to great coaching and great performances by players.
Philly hasn't gotten much of either recently, and it's for that reason that we're worried about what is coming. Subplots abound as another game comes. Guys are expected to return (AJ Brown, Lane Johnson, and DeVonta Smith). Guys have been given their walking papers (Devin White).
The Philly media tried to discuss all of this with Coach Sirianni, but as expected, we heard a lot of 'coach speak'. Here are some of the highlights from Wednesday's sit-down before practice.
Nick Sirianni gives the expected answer to questions about Devin White's dismissal.
Nick Sirianni calls Devin White a “really great pro.”
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) October 9, 2024
“I can’t say enough on how he handled a really disappointing situation.” #Eagles pic.twitter.com/HmxztBG9bc
Nick Sirianni praises Devin White for the way he handled his situation but acknowledges it was tough for him. After the release, Sirianni says they’re confident in the LB depth.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) October 9, 2024
On the subject of AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Lane Johnson's potential return.
Nick Sirianni on having A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Lane Johnson back this week.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) October 9, 2024
“We’ll see.”
On Sydney Brown coming back by Sunday.
“We’ll see where he is. We have high hopes for him.” #Eagles
Sirianni says “we’ll see” on if AJ, DeVonta and Lane are back this week, but added “I feel good about the health of our football team.” #Eagles
— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) October 9, 2024
Nick Sirianni says it's a "we'll see where he is" with safety Sydney Brown's practice window being opened this week.
— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) October 9, 2024
Nick Sirianni on the reports about Cooper DeJean possibly starting
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports Cooper DeJean will make his first start on Sunday. That, as expected, hasn't been confirmed.
Sirianni wouldn’t say if Cooper DeJean was taking over for Avonte Maddox at slot CB.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) October 9, 2024
Noted the rookie has more on his plate because he’s still handling punts.#Eagles DC Vic Fangio said that DeJean was moving closer to starting a week ago.
This could be the week vs. a subpar… https://t.co/TTuGoohrFz
On Robert Saleh's firing and his own mortality
Nick Sirianni on if Saleh's firing makes him think about his own coaching mortality:
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) October 9, 2024
"No. Obviously wish him nothing but the best...but my mind is only set on how do we get better.
"I know you can probably say, ‘That’s coach talk.’ I’m not bulsh--ing you. That’s how I live."
With the bye week in our rearview mirror, the regular season's journey is pretty much laid out. 13 weeks... 13 games... No more breaks...
Coach Sirianni's most recent presser served up some word salad and expected vague responses. We're fine with that. He wants to maintain some competitive advantage. We'll see where we are when we get further news and a few injury reports in the coming days.