If you're like the rest of us, you don't watch the Grammys or Oscars like you used to, unless, of course, we're talking about doing some research on YouTube in hopes of finding clips of some unforeseen events. You know... like that time a Philly-born rapper turned actor decided to go Hulk Smash on an awards show host. We apologize. That was low. Let's talk about some Philadelphia Eagles news and notes.
We bring up the Grammys and Oscars because it's hard to watch people receive awards for an achievement when someone else is more deserving. Heck, we can bring up the NFL Honors if anyone needs an example.
Last year, Brandon Graham was ignored for the Comeback Player of the Year Award despite notching a career year after his 2021 season ended with a ruptured Achilles just two games in. The trophy was handed to a quarterback who simply decided to play better.
Occasionally, the right guys win, and that makes us feel like our patience is paying off to some degree. Guess what? Jake Elliott got his due.
Eagles Nation receives good news and bad news on the eve of Week 2's game.
Rather than drop a story that featured only bad news and feed the negative vibes that you have been seeing and hearing, we thought we'd try a different approach. We'd rather mix some good news with some not-so-good news. We'll begin with the latter and end this on a high note.
Tuesday's injury report was heavier than we'd like it to be. Reed Blankenship, Fletcher Cox, and Kenneth Gainwell are dealing with rib injuries. James Bradberry is in the NFL's concussion protocol. As you know, Nakobe Dean will sit on the team's injured reserve for at least four weeks.
It was expected that Bradberry would miss Week 2's Eagles home opener and that Josh Jobe would start in his place, but we had hope that Fletch, Kenny G, and Reed would heal quickly. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo wasn't very optimistic early on Wednesday about anyone other than Cox playing.
From The Insiders on NFL+ and @nflnetwork: I’m not expecting #Eagles RB Kenneth Gainwell (ribs) and CB James Bradberry (concussion) to face the #Vikings. Could be the same for S Reed Blankenship (ribs). But DT Fletcher Cox (ribs) is trending toward playing. pic.twitter.com/ApUobc1xf2
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 13, 2023
Philly released its status report on Wednesday shortly after 4 p.m. EST. Garafolo was right. Reed and Kenny G will sit Week 2 out.
Wednesday injury report #MINvsPHI pic.twitter.com/hMnfchoJhd
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 13, 2023
Yuck. Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Vikings are ruling center Garrett Bradbury out for Thursday night's game. Christian Darrisaw and Marcus Davenport are questionable.
#Vikings rule out C Garrett Bradbury for tomorrow vs. #Eagles. https://t.co/kuy6RZCHyp
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 13, 2023
With Bradbury out, an already-weak Vikings offensive line gets even weaker along its interior. Philly's interior defensive linemen should feast.
What's that? You're still looking for the good news? Thank Jake Elliott for that. Philly's team captain on special teams and 2021 Pro Bowler earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors following his Week 1 performance in Foxborough versus the New England Patriots.
That's our Jake, that's our Jake!#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/yUMwZRqhRB
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 13, 2023
Jake missed one of his pair of extra-point atttempts but made all four of his field goal attempts. The dsiances were 32 yards, 56 yards, 48 yards, and 51 yards. His 56 yarder was the longest conversion made by an opposing kicker at Gillette Stadium. Darius Slay's pick-six interception was the longest INT return by the Birds since Malcolm Jenkins' 100-yarder versus the Pats back in 2015.
Fingers are crossed for some fireworks in Week 2. The Eagles are playing in the friendly confines of Lincoln Financial Field.