Bleeding Green Nation

Report: Eagles will interview Dennis Allen on Wednesday

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 20:08:51 GMT

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

The search isn’t quite over ...

I woke up today thinking that the Philadelphia Eagles might officially hire Josh McDaniels to be their head coach. Instead, three new candidates emerged in their quest to replace Doug Pederson.

First, it was Nick Sirianni. Then it was John Fassel.

And now the Eagles will interview New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for their vacancy on WEDNESDAY, according to a report from NFL insider Jason La Canfora.

The 48-year-old Allen recently became available to interview with the Saints choking in the playoffs yet again on Sunday evening. He’s received some head coaching buzz in recent years despite his failed stint with the Oakland Raiders from 2012 through 2014, where he went 8-28 before getting fired.

Allen returned to New Orleans, where he worked for five seasons, in 2015 and eventually replaced Rob Ryan as defensive coordinator. Here’s how Allen’s defenses have ranked in terms of DVOA:

2012 Denver Broncos — 6th
2015 New Orleans Saints (took over in late November) — 32nd
2016 New Orleans Saints — 28th
2017 New Orleans Saints — 6th
2018 New Orleans Saints — 8th
2019 New Orleans Saints — 8th
2020 New Orleans Saints — 2nd

As you can see, Allen’s mostly been successful as a defensive coordinator. The Eagles actually interviewed him for their DC job nearly 10 years ago to the day but he ended up in Denver instead. And then the Eagles simply moved their offensive line coach to defensive coordinator. But I digress.

Allen’s failures in Oakland raise questions about his legitimacy as a head coach. Then again, it’s not like he had great talent to work with. The Raiders’ primary quarterbacks were Carson Palmer, Terrelle Pryor, Matt McGloin (!), and a rookie Derek Carr.

Allen might know defense and he might be a better leader than he was seven years ago. But he’ll need to sell the Eagles on having a strong offensive plan.

Here’s a recap of where things stand with the Eagles’ coaching search:

REQUESTED INTERVIEWS

~~49ers~~ ~~DC Robert Saleh~~
~~Titans OC Arthur Smith~~
~~Rams DC Brandon Staley~~
Buccaneers DC Todd Bowles
Patriots ILB coach Jerod Mayo
Eagles assistant head coach/RB coach Duce Staley
Panthers OC Joe Brady
Cowboys OC Kellen Moore
Patriots OC Josh McDaniels
Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy
Colts OC Nick Sirianni
Saints DC Dennis Allen

RUMORED INTEREST

~~Chiefs QB coach/passing game coordinator Mike Kafka~~
~~Bills~~ ~~OC Brian Daboll~~
Oklahoma HC Lincoln Riley
Ohio State HC Ryan Day
Cowboys STC John Fassel

KEEPING TABS ON OTHER NFL COACHING SEARCHES

Houston Texans— (Vacant)
Detroit Lions— Dan Campbell
Los Angeles Chargers— Brandon Staley
Atlanta Falcons— Arthur Smith
New York Jets— Robert Saleh
Jacksonville Jaguars— Urban Meyer

The latest NFL compensatory draft pick projection has some bad news for the Eagles

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 17:48:49 GMT

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Bummer.

Well, here’s a disappointing development for the Philadelphia Eagles as they search for their next head coach.

Shortly after the 2020 season ended, we wrote about how the Birds were projected to own 10 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. But they’re now down to eight picks after the latest compensatory pick projection from Over The Cap.

The Eagles are no longer projected to receive the sixth-round compensatory pick for losing Ronald Darby nor the seventh-round pick for losing Kamu Grugier-Hill. Here’s an updated overview of their projected eight selections, seven of which are certain:

EAGLES 2021 NFL DRAFT PICKS

1 - Eagles’ own pick

2 - Eagles’ own pick

3 - Eagles’ own pick

5 - Eagles’ own pick

5 - Acquired from the Dallas Cowboys

6 - Eagles’ own pick

6 - Projected compensatory pick (Jordan Howard)

~~6 - Projected compensatory pick (Ronald Darby)~~

7 - Eagles’ own pick

~~7 - Projected compensatory pick (Kamu Grugier-Hill)~~

It’s worth noting that this projection might not be 100% accurate. OTC has been pretty spot on in the past but new variables to the 2020 equation could make for some mistakes.

Assuming this projection is correct, however, it’s a bummer the Eagles are losing two picks they could’ve had. It’s hardly the end of the world; there’s no guarantee the players drafted at those spots would even make the team. But for an Eagles roster that’s sorely lacking quality young talent, every pick helps. You’ll recall that Philly drafted Jordan Mailata with a seventh-round selection back in 2018.

The NFL will officially confirm 2021 compensatory picks at some point in February or March.

Report: Eagles interested in interviewing Cowboys special teams coordinator

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 16:20:56 GMT

Handout photo

Yet another name in the mix.

The Philadelphia Eagles are interested in interviewing Dallas Cowboys special teams coordinator John Fassel for their head coaching job, according to a report from Marcus Hayes of the Inquirer.

John, who turned 47 earlier this month, is the son of former New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel.

The younger Fassel — nicknamed “Bones” for his slender physique — has been coaching in the NFL since originally becoming the Baltimore Ravens’ assistant special teams coordinator in 2005. After spending three years in that role, he became the Oakland Raiders’ full-time special teams coordinator.

Here’s a look at how Fassel’s units have ranked by DVOA:

2008 Oakland Raiders — 2nd
2009 Oakland Raiders — 17th
2010 Oakland Raiders — 13th
2011 Oakland Raiders — 20th
2012 St. Louis Rams — 26th
2013 St. Louis Rams — 4th
2014 St. Louis Rams — 7th
2015 St. Louis Rams — 7th
2016 Los Angeles Rams— 3rd
2017 Los Angeles Rams — 2nd
2018 Los Angeles Rams — 17th
2019 Los Angeles Rams — 23rd
2020 Dallas Cowboys — 7th

Fassel’s relative success has him viewed as one of the best special teams coordinators in the league. It was a bit of a surprise when the Rams didn’t retain him after his contract expired last year. Our enemies over at Blogging The Boys did a nice job of highlighting his special teams trickery.

Fassel also has some head coaching experience under his belt. He was the head coach (and assistant athletic director) at Division II New Mexico Highlands University for two years in the early aughts. He also served as the Rams’ interim head coach for three games (0-3 record) after Jeff Fisher got fired.

Fassel is the second high-profile Dallas assistant the Eagles have been linked to in their search for a head coach. It was previously reported Philly wanted to meet with Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, though no interview has occurred thus far.

Special teams coordinators don’t regularly make the jump to becoming NFL head coaches but the Eagles know firsthand such an outcome is hardly unprecedented. Philly lost John Harbaugh to the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 and that turned out to be a decent hire.

Fassel is certainly a candidate worth talking to. It’s interesting, though, how he and Nick Sirianni have suddenly entered the fray with all the buzz about the Eagles potentially hiring Josh McDaniels. Is Philly trying to put pressure on McDaniels to accept the job? Did McDaniels turn the Eagles down? Are the Eagles genuinely trying to cast a wide net in their search? Or are they truly “scrambling” for an answer after not fully expecting to fire Doug Pederson?

Here’s a recap of where things stand with the Eagles’ coaching search:

REQUESTED INTERVIEWS

RUMORED INTEREST

~~Chiefs QB coach/passing game coordinator Mike Kafka~~
~~Bills~~ ~~OC Brian Daboll~~
Oklahoma HC Lincoln Riley
Ohio State HC Ryan Day
Cowboys STC John Fassel

KEEPING TABS ON OTHER NFL COACHING SEARCHES

Houston Texans— (Vacant)
Detroit Lions— Dan Campbell
Los Angeles Chargers— Brandon Staley
Atlanta Falcons— Arthur Smith
New York Jets— Robert Saleh
Jacksonville Jaguars— Urban Meyer

Report: Eagles interviewing Frank Reich’s offensive coordinator

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 15:29:22 GMT

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

New candidate in the mix.

The Philadelphia Eagles are interviewing Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni for their head coaching vacancy on Tuesday, according to a report from NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Sirianni, of course, works under former Eagles OC Frank Reich in Indy. The 39-year-old previously served as the Chargers’ quarterbacks coach while Reich was San Diego’s offensive coordinator in 2014 and 2015.

While keeping in mind that Reich handles play-calling duties for the Colts, here’s how Indy’s offense’s have ranked with Sirianni as OC:

2018 — 10th
2019 — 19th
2020 — 12th

Sirianni got to work with Andrew Luck in 2018 before the former No. 1 overall pick unexpectedly retired ahead of 2019, leaving the Colts with Jacoby Brissett as their starter. The Colts then signed 38-year-old Philip Rivers to be their starter in 2020.

Sirianni has garnered head coaching interest in previous offseasons so it’s not a total shock to see the Eagles interested in him. He basically holds the role that Reich did in Philly when Doug Pederson was head coach.

The Eagles hiring Sirianni would kind of feel like they wanted Reich back but they couldn’t get him so they went with the next closest thing. I suppose the organization took a similar approach with Andy Reid and Pederson back in 2016.

Given all the buzz about the Eagles being heavily interested in Josh McDaniels, one could wonder if the Sirianni interview is meant to put pressure on the New England Patriots offensive coordinator into taking the job. And/or the Eagles might just genuinely interested in Sirianni.

In any case, the Eagles’ search continues.

Here’s a recap of where things stand with the Eagles’ coaching search:

REQUESTED INTERVIEWS

RUMORED INTEREST

~~Chiefs QB coach/passing game coordinator Mike Kafka~~
~~Bills~~ ~~OC Brian Daboll~~
Oklahoma HC Lincoln Riley
Ohio State HC Ryan Day

KEEPING TABS ON OTHER NFL COACHING SEARCHES

Houston Texans— (Vacant)
Detroit Lions— Dan Campbell
Los Angeles Chargers— Brandon Staley
Atlanta Falcons— Arthur Smith
New York Jets— Robert Saleh
Jacksonville Jaguars— Urban Meyer

The Linc - "Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman are intrigued with what Josh McDaniels might ...

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 11:17:03 GMT

Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images

Philadelphia Eagles news and links for 1/18/21.

Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles links ...

The Saints Have a Major Salary Cap Crunch This Offseason - MMQB
I can say the Eagles are doing extensive background on Patriots OC Josh McDaniels. That doesn’t mean he’s getting the job, but I do believe that Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman are intrigued with what McDaniels might be able to do, and he’s an easy answer to a question they’re trying to confront: Which available coach is best equipped to build an offense that works for our quarterback(s)? I also believe this one can work because Roseman and McDaniels have different strengths. Where they’d have to bridge gaps would be in how the organization would set up structurally, since both guys have a very defined vision for that. But I think, in a certain way, both guys here could be really good for each other, if everyone is reasonable. I also think that Roseman’s experience, and belief that his job first and foremost is to go and get players for the coaches, borne of his experience with Andy Reid, would go a long way in melding coaching and scouting, if McDaniels is the guy.

Multiple signs seem to be pointing to Josh McDaniels as the Eagles’ next head coach [UPDATE] - BGN
While nothing is official just yet, there are multiple signs pointing to New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels becoming the Philadelphia Eagles’ next head coach. Let’s run through them all. UPDATE: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports “multiple sources connected to the Eagles’ coaching search believe Josh McDaniels is a prime candidate for the HC job.”

Who is Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels competing with for the Eagles’ head coaching job? - Pats Pulpit
Given the Eagles’ apparent commitment to quarterback Carson Wentz, McDaniels seems to be a realistic candidate to be offered the job: the long-time Patriots assistant has worked as in a dual role as the team’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach between 2012 and 2019, and has had tremendous success with Tom Brady. While Wentz is no Brady — nobody is — Philadelphia could very well identify him as the man to help salvage the former first-rounder’s career.

NFC Hierarchy/Obituary: Rams and Saints are dead - PhillyVoice
But perhaps even more importantly, the Saints’ salary cap situation is the worst in the NFL. Actually, as Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com put it, “It has to be the worst salary cap position a team has ever been in.” They are going to have to cut a number of key contributors this offseason, while also kicking the can down the road by restructuring a slew of others. It’s going to be a multi-year fix in which the team can’t get better through free agency, and hang on, let me see how many draft picks the Saints have this year... (googling)... Three! The Saints have three draft picks this year (before comp picks are doled out), and they’ll be picking 28th in the first round. You really gotta feel for them.

NFL free agency 2021: The free agent each NFL team can’t afford to lose - PFF
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: HC Doug Pederson. The Eagles went all-in on a veteran roster, seeking to repeat their 2017 Super Bowl run. As a result, they effectively don’t have any significant free agents. This isn’t all bad, as they aren’t going to lose any valuable contributors from the 2020 roster unless they choose to move on. Filling the void at head coach thus becomes the clear top priority.

Trailblazers: Ralph Goldston, Don Stevens paved the way for future Eagles - PE.com
The Philadelphia Eagles were born in 1933 when the Frankford Yellow Jackets were sold to Bert Bell and Lud Wray for $2,500. But the Eagles weren’t integrated for nearly another 20 years. There were, in fact, no Black players in the entire NFL from 1934 through 1945. In 1952, the Eagles used their first-round pick on running back Johnny Bright out of Drake. Bright knew that he would have been the first Black player in Eagles history and didn’t know how he would be treated, so he went to play in Canada. The Eagles used an 11th-round pick in that same draft on another running back, Ralph Goldston from Youngstown State. They concluded that draft class in the 30th round with yet another back, Illinois’ Don Stevens. Goldston and Stevens were the first Black players to ever suit up in a game for the Philadelphia Eagles. “I didn’t find out I was the first (Black player) until I was there awhile,” Goldston told Ray Didinger for The Eagles Encyclopedia. “It wasn’t a big deal. Don and I were treated the same as the other rookies.”

Report: Rich Scangarello is back as the QB coach for the 49ers - Niners Nation
NFL Network’s Mike Silver and Ian Rapoport reported that the San Francisco 49ers have officially promoted Mike McDaniel to offensive coordinator and DeMeco Ryans to defensive coordinator. [...] Silver also reported that Rich Scangarello comes back as QB coach, which would signal Shane Day’s contract is up, or the team moved on from Day. I know fans have signaled they’ve wanted a change, so here you go. Scangarello served as the 49ers QB coach in 2017-18 before leaving to become the Broncos offensive coordinator in 2019 and senior offensive assistant in 2020.

Poll: Should the Green Bay Packers success post-Mike McCarthy make Cowboys fans nervous? - Blogging The Boys
While our focus here is the Dallas Cowboys, it bears discussing how the current head coach’s former team is doing without him. As they often say, Mike McCarthy was available for a reason, after all. The Packers hired Matt LaFleur on January 8th, 2019 in the middle of all of the “wow, he had a cup of coffee with Sean McVay he must be a great head coach!” jokes. LaFleur’s latest victory came over his friend Sean McVay in this season’s divisional round, the second straight year that the Packers have found success in the round that has plagued the Cowboys for a quarter century. Never mind that LaFleur has now surpassed McVay for NFC Championship Game appearances with two, but the Packers in general have looked like one of the best teams in the NFL since 2019 and the obvious change is just that - obvious.

What would the hiring of Marty Hurney mean for the WFT front office? - Hogs Haven
As many suspected he would - even before he was eventually fired in Carolina - Marty Hurney now stands on the cusp of being hired as the Washington Football Team’s next General Manager. Reactions range from feigned surprise, to a sense of disgust that Rivera is somehow more concerned with stacking the team’s ranks with his own loyalists from Carolina, rather than the most capable people for the jobs. I think reactions on both ends of that spectrum miss the sensibility of the choice, under the circumstances.

New York Giants news, 1/18: Jason Garrett, NFL Draft and free agency chatter, more - Big Blue View
The Los Angeles Chargers are hiring Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley as their head coach. Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett interviewed for that job. Garrett does not appear to be a candidate for the two remaining opens, with the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles. Thus, the likelihood Garrett will return for a second season as Giants offensive coordinator has increased.

How the Conference Title Matchups Reveal What Matters Most in Today’s NFL - The Ringer
The conference championship matchups are set. The Chiefs will host the Bills in the AFC, while the Packers will host the Buccaneers in the NFC. This field features the most decorated quarterback of all time, Tom Brady, playing his 14th conference title game in the past 20 years. It also features Josh Allen, whose Buffalo franchise hasn’t advanced this deep into the playoffs since he was born. The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs become the second team ever to host three consecutive conference championship games. (The other was Andy Reid’s Eagles, from 2002 to 2004.) The Packers, meanwhile, will play their first NFC title game at Lambeau Field in Aaron Rodgers’s storied career. How did we get here? And what do the four remaining teams teach us about the state of football this season? Five lessons stand out.

2 winners and 4 losers from the NFL divisional playoff round - SB Nation
I know this is a difficult morning in Cleveland. Local fans were rooting for the Browns to win, heck everyone outside of Kansas City was praying we’d get a Browns vs. Bills AFC Championship game, but it just wasn’t to be. I get that it’s disappointing, but dang Cleveland, Browns fans should be over the moon this morning. This was unquestionably the best season the team has had since being re-launched in 1999 — and there’s really something to build off here. We’ve seen scant few winning seasons for the Browns, but this feels like the first where there’s a real foundation that can be built off. A solid future that is actually set up for success, with young talent, the right coaching, and finally a front office that can put everything together. Not only are all the stars aligning for Cleveland, but circumstance has made it that it’s unlikely the Browns will be the laughing stocks of the NFL again, at least for a while. Congratulations Houston for playing yourselves and earning that mantle.

...

Social Media Information:

BGN Facebook Page: Click here to like our page

BGN Twitter: Follow @BleedingGreen

BGN Instagram: Follow @BleedingGreenInsta

BGN Manager: Brandon Lee Gowton: Follow @BrandonGowton

BGN Radio Twitter: Follow @BGN_Radio

BGN Cameo: Click here for a personalized video message

Multiple signs seem to be pointing to Josh McDaniels as the Eagles’ next head coach [UPDATE]

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 19:19:54 GMT

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Brace yourselves.

While nothing is official just yet, there are multiple signs pointing to New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels becoming the Philadelphia Eagles’ next head coach.

Let’s run through them all:

UPDATE: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports “multiple sources connected to the Eagles’ coaching search believe Josh McDaniels is a prime candidate for the HC job.”
The Eagles interviewed McDaniels in person on Sunday. John Clark reports the meeting lasted “from mid-morning into the evening past 9:00 PM.” A long interview doesn’t necessarily guarantee a hire, to be clear. But it’s clear this wasn’t just some courtesy meeting. McDaniels is a serious contender. UPDATE: John Clark says he was told McDaniels “did very well” in his interview.
McDaniels has links to Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman. Lurie is a Boston native and has always been fond of the Patriots. Lurie also curiously referred to McDaniels on a first-name basis during his post-Doug Pederson firing press conference. Context:

“We didn’t know we were going to lose Frank Reich but suddenly it happened when Josh turned that job down and set off a whole — so you have to be aware.”

Roseman was college roommates with Jedd Fisch, who worked with McDaniels as New England’s quarterbacks coach in 2020.

Peter King dedicated an entire section to the Eagles’ interest in McDaniels in his weekly FMIA column. Perhaps he knows something?

10. JOSH MCDANIELS. When I heard the New England offensive coordinator would be interviewing with Eagles brass on Sunday, I loved it for three reasons. One: The Eagles’ interviews are notoriously all-day suckers; I hear Robert Saleh and Joe Brady each spent more than seven hours in the interview chair. So Philly’s interviewing people the franchise is interested in—and not in a check-the-box kind of way. Two: I like organizations that don’t look at what everybody else is doing. Clearly there’s residue from McDaniels backing out of the Indy job two years ago, and it’s understandable. But two years ago, the Colts might have been the best job out there, and Andrew Luck hadn’t walked away yet, and they had a smart and progressive GM in Chris Ballard, and the Colts picked McDaniels over Mike Vrabel. McDaniels didn’t take dumb pills since then. Good for Jeff Lurie and Howie Roseman judging the 44-year-old McDaniels’ body of work instead of passing judgment on a bad 2020 alone. In 12 of his 13 seasons as New England offensive coordinator, the Patriots have had a top-10 scoring team. And three: The Eagles clearly want to save Carson Wentz. McDaniels knows how to coach quarterbacks and coach them hard. We’ll see what happens. Who knows who the Eagles will hire, with Staley now off the market. But credit to the Eagles for cross-examining McDaniels.

The sports agency that represents Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, whom the Eagles reportedly want to interview, seems to think that McDaniels is getting the job in Philly:

On MLK Day...the @NFL should be ashamed that...at this point with only 2 jobs remaining (one after Eagles hire JM) ... zero black coach hires or even 2nd interviews. No coaches coaching in conference championship games are currently connected to either of these 2 jobs.
— Goal Line Football (@GoalineFootball) January 18, 2021

There’s buzz from local reporters about McDaniels to the Eagles:

But he also has a strong personality and would want influence in personnel. He coaches hard and would be opposite, in ways, to the emotionally intelligent Pederson. Has CEO vibes.

With other candidates out and the #Eagles not considering others, McDaniels seems to me the leader. https://t.co/C7UAZbR0Eh
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 18, 2021

Geoff Mosher on today’s ITB: “one of my better sources around the league said [Josh] McDaniels to Philly, there’s a lot of buzz about that. There’s people who think this thing could really happen.”
— I’m just riffin baby (@GoBirdsGoSixers) January 18, 2021

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio indicated an Eagles hire could happen as soon as this week. The Eagles can’t hire a coach who’s currently in the playoffs. McDaniels is not in the playoffs.

“Per a source with knowledge of the dynamics of the search, there’s no specific timetable for making a hire — but it could end sooner than later, and quite possibly this week.”

The Eagles have been prone to over-correct. Prime example: the team didn’t have enough speed in 2019, so they went out and forced a first-round pick on Jalen Reagor (instead of taking the best available player in Justin Jefferson) due to “fit.” From a coaching perspective, the Eagles used “emotional intelligence” as a reason for replacing Chip Kelly with Doug Pederson. Perhaps now they view Pederson being too lenient (especially in the case of Carson Wentz) and want someone who will coach harder.

So, Eagles fans, it just might be time to brace yourselves for McDaniels being Pederson’s replacement. Not going to be a popular hire, if it happens:

Elsewhere, in Eagles coaching buzz ...

The Eagles are reportedly interviewing Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles on Monday. But wait. How are they meeting with him if the Bucs are still in the playoffs? Apparently, candidates can circumvent NFL rule and still interview if granted permission by ownership.
The Los Angeles Chargers hiring Brandon Staley after previously being linked to Brian Daboll had some (myself included) thinking the Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator might be a strong contender for the Eagles’ job. But it seems like Daboll might be staying in Buffalo:

Source close to Brian Daboll “He’ll be the big name for head coach next year”

I sense from talking to agents and other candidates tonight —this was a “surprise pick” by the Chargers
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) January 18, 2021

Report: Brian Daboll not interested in Eagles’ head coaching job

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 17:44:15 GMT

Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images

Another one bites the dust.

The Philadelphia Eagles were said to be interested in Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll but it doesn’t appear the feeling is mutual. Rob Maadi of The Associated Press says he was told Daboll isn’t interested in the Eagles’ head coaching job.

This sentiment was previously reflected by a report from ESPN’s Dianna Russini following the Los Angeles Chargers unexpectedly hiring Brandon Staley:

Source close to Brian Daboll “He’ll be the big name for head coach next year”

I sense from talking to agents and other candidates tonight —this was a “surprise pick” by the Chargers
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) January 18, 2021

There was thought that Daboll could be a likely candidate for the Eagles’ job with him and Howie Roseman both being represented by Bob LaMonte. The Eagles might look at Josh Allen’s improvement and think that Daboll could help fix Carson Wentz.

But it sounds like that won’t be happening.

To this point, there’s been no word of the Eagles actually requesting an interview with Daboll. So perhaps their interest in him was overstated.

Or perhaps they haven’t pursued Daboll stronger because they’ve gotten the sense he’s not really interested in the job. If so, hard to blame him since there’s a mess to clean up in Philly.

With Daboll seemingly out of the picture, the Eagles might turn to another AFC East offensive coordinator instead.

Here’s a recap of where things stand with the Eagles’ coaching search:

REQUESTED INTERVIEWS

RUMORED INTEREST

~~Chiefs QB coach/passing game coordinator Mike Kafka~~
~~Bills OC Brian Daboll~~
Oklahoma HC Lincoln Riley
Ohio State HC Ryan Day

KEEPING TABS ON OTHER NFL COACHING SEARCHES

Houston Texans— (Vacant)
Detroit Lions— Dan Campbell
Los Angeles Chargers— Brandon Staley
Atlanta Falcons— Arthur Smith
New York Jets— Robert Saleh
Jacksonville Jaguars— Urban Meyer

Carson Wentz isn’t fixable if he doesn’t think he needs fixing

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 17:26:44 GMT

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

There’s an important hurdle to “fixing” Carson Wentz.

You can’t help someone that doesn’t want to be helped.

We’ve all known people like this. Some people, no matter how badly life has spiraled out of control for them, will simply refuse help. Perhaps pride gets in the way. Sometimes, it’s ignorance. And although you may want nothing more than to help someone overcome whatever obstacles stand in the way of their achieving true happiness, fulfillment or health, some people just don’t want your help when you try to offer it, no matter how much they might need it.

Which brings us to the interesting case of Carson Wentz.

He was awful in 2020. Everyone saw it. Where Wentz was once a dynamic playmaker who stingily limited turnovers and made big plays, he became an interception and sack-taking machine and was the second-worst rated quarterback in the NFL. He was deservedly replaced as starter by second round pick Jalen Hurts midway through the team’s 11th game of the season and spent the rest of the season on the bench.

Carson Wentz earned his spot on the pine and probably should have been placed there weeks beforehand.

Now that Doug Pederson has been fired, the biggest question facing the Eagles this off-season concerns the future of their “franchise” QB. When Jeff Lurie spoke to the media two weeks ago, he seemed uncommitted to Wentz as the face of the franchise but also reluctant to rip off the band-aid and move on without him. He said he believed Wentz was “fixable,” but also repeatedly referred to him as an “asset,” as if he would be a valuable trade chip for the Birds’ impending rebuild.

Over the weekend, the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane published a report that characterized both Wentz and the 2020 coaching staff in an unflattering light. McLane reported Wentz “rebuffed advice” and “defied criticism,” that when Carson made mistakes he made “irrelevant excuses,” and that Wentz often defied Pederson with “bizarre [play] kills that made no sense and effectively was going rogue.”

Stupid is as stupid does.

Our actions and attitudes are most often the clearest indicator of our intelligence, both emotional and intellectual and, if McLane’s piece is accurate (and there’s no reason to think it’s not), Wentz behaved rather stupidly in 2020.

The timing of the report is less than ideal as the Eagles search for Pederson’s replacement, a coaching search that expands more with each passing day. And even with no public declaration that Wentz will continue to be the team’s signal caller in 2021, the front office is reportedly telling candidates that they believe Wentz can be fixed.

From @NFLGameDay: The #Eagles are interviewing #Patriots OC Josh McDaniels today, have a request in for #Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy... and have told candidates they believe Carson Wentz is fixable. pic.twitter.com/3s5SaPGN1o
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 17, 2021

Perhaps he can. Wentz’ upside remains his now long-ago 2017 season, but even a return of the 2018 and ‘19 versions of Wentz, this time with real talent around him, would be good enough to take the Eagles to the postseason and perhaps even further.

But in order for any new head coach to actually “fix” Carson Wentz, one thing absolutely must happen.

Carson Wentz has to admit he was a big part of the problem. He has to humble himself and submit to coaching.

Carson has to admit that he actually does need some help.

You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.

While the Eagles’ skill position players have been less-than-stellar these last three seasons, and while Howie Roseman has utterly failed to provide his quarterback with top shelf talent at wide receiver, and while the offensive line that was once so dominant has crumbled before our eyes, Wentz was worse than he had any right to be. His mechanics have deteriorated, his body language has regressed, and once he started dropping his eyes to watch the pass rush instead of his receivers down the field in the Green Bay game, it became clear he could no longer function as the team’s quarterback.

Fixing Carson Wentz presupposes he is cognizant of his role in last year’s disaster. It assumes he will stop making excuses for his play, his missed reads, and his inability to take ownership. Logically, a “fixable” Carson Wentz would have to be willing to listen to his new head coach, whomever it may be.

McLane’s report clarified the rumored friction between Wentz and Pederson, and it was discouraging to see. Pederson is, by all accounts, one of the most humble and inclusive head coaches in the NFL and it was disturbing to read that Wentz effectively audibled out of play calls made by Pederson just because he felt like it. Wentz’ actions come off as childish and tone deaf.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. - Proverbs 11:2

Perhaps there is a side to the story we haven’t heard. After all, Wentz has not spoken to the media since the season ended and, at the time of this writing, has not addressed the items in McLane’s article. Right now, the only thing we have to go on are the leaked reports seemingly from Wentz’ camp that he wanted to be traded if Pederson remained as head coach and that there was a fracturing of their relationship.

How can the next head coach reasonably assume a similar fracture won’t occur between him and Wentz if he attempts to challenge Carson? Will the front office actually allow this next head coach to take a more heavy-handed approach with him? Will the new head coach be allowed to hire assistants who will tell Wentz not just what he wants to hear, but what he needs to hear?

And even if all that happens, if Wentz’ stubbornness isn’t softened by the humiliation of a 4-11-1 season in which he was a mere one-tenth of a point away from tying Sam Darnold for the worst passer rating in the NFL, it doesn’t matter who the Eagles hire, unless that coach is given the freedom to bench Wentz and move onto Hurts for good in 2021.

Report: Eagles no longer considering Mike Kafka for head coaching job

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 16:30:30 GMT

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

There goes that.

The Philadelphia Eagles will not be hiring Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator Mike Kafka as their next head coach, according to a report from Jeff McLane.

The Eagles previously showed interest in Kafka for their offensive coordinator opening last year. One NFL insider said to “keep an eye” on Kafka to Philly shortly after Doug Pederson was fired last week.

The Eagles never officially requested an interview with Kafka, however.

Kafka getting hired as a head coach would’ve been a pretty big leap for the 33-year-old. He only held his first NFL coaching position (offensive quality control coach) in 2017.

We previously speculated that the Eagles might have interest in Kafka as a play-calling offensive coordinator if they promoted Duce Staley or hired a defensive-minded head coach. Perahps that’s still on the table.

But Kafka becoming Doug Pederson’s replacement in Philly is not.

Here’s a recap of where things stand with the Eagles’ coaching search:

REQUESTED INTERVIEWS

RUMORED INTEREST

~~Chiefs QB coach/passing game coordinator Mike Kafka~~
Oklahoma HC Lincoln Riley
Ohio State HC Ryan Day
Bills OC Brian Daboll

KEEPING TABS ON OTHER NFL COACHING SEARCHES

Houston Texans— Vacant
Detroit Lions— Dan Campbell
Los Angeles Chargers— Brandon Staley
Atlanta Falcons— Arthur Smith
New York Jets— Robert Saleh
Jacksonville Jaguars— Urban Meyer

The Linc - Jason Peters says he’s going to play one more season

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 12:11:14 GMT

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Philadelphia Eagles news and links for 1/17/21.

Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles links ...

Eagles OL Jason Peters tells 6abc he wants to return for 18th season in NFL - 6ABC
Peters, who elected to have toe surgery, says he’s want to come back for an 18th season to chase another Super Bowl ring, but it might not be with the Eagles. “Fans deserve more than what we gave them this year. Hopefully, we’ll be able to bounce back with this new coach and new staff. I’m gonna play one more year, try to get me another ring. Probably won’t be in Philly, unfortunate but try to choose a team and get another ring.”

Brandon Staley won’t be the Eagles’ next head coach - BGN
The next Philadelphia Eagles head coach will NOT be Brandon Staley. The Birds were reportedly set to interview the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator on Monday evening but that won’t be happening now. The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly hiring Staley instead. This is an unexpected development! Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll had previously been linked to the LAC job. The Eagles are reportedly interested in Daboll and he’s a logical candidate for the opening. Daboll’s work with Josh Allen could have the Eagles thinking he can “fix” Carson Wentz. And the Eagles should be able to attract Daboll to Philly since he shares an agent (Bob LaMonte) with Howie Roseman.

Look Everywhere - Iggles Blitz
It would be interesting to see how McDaniels would deal with the Eagles QBs. He and Tom Brady worked closely for a long time and had their share of arguments and tough moments. McDaniels isn’t a shy boy. He’ll stand up to the star QB. Wentz might be okay with this, if McDaniels can convince him this worked for Brady and could work for him as well. Jalen Hurts played for Nick Saban so he’s likely fine with anything short of being coached by a grizzly bear. Like most people, I have very mixed feelings on McDaniels. I respect his success with the Pats, but his issues certainly bug me. He would have to give some genuine answers when asked about his past. I do think he’s worth talking to.

Divisional Round: Chiefs Prove HenneThing Is Possible, Beat Browns - FMIA
10. JOSH MCDANIELS. When I heard the New England offensive coordinator would be interviewing with Eagles brass on Sunday, I loved it for three reasons. One: The Eagles’ interviews are notoriously all-day suckers; I hear Robert Saleh and Joe Brady each spent more than seven hours in the interview chair. So Philly’s interviewing people the franchise is interested in—and not in a check-the-box kind of way. Two: I like organizations that don’t look at what everybody else is doing. Clearly there’s residue from McDaniels backing out of the Indy job two years ago, and it’s understandable. But two years ago, the Colts might have been the best job out there, and Andrew Luck hadn’t walked away yet, and they had a smart and progressive GM in Chris Ballard, and the Colts picked McDaniels over Mike Vrabel. McDaniels didn’t take dumb pills since then. Good for Jeff Lurie and Howie Roseman judging the 44-year-old McDaniels’ body of work instead of passing judgment on a bad 2020 alone. In 12 of his 13 seasons as New England offensive coordinator, the Patriots have had a top-10 scoring team. And three: The Eagles clearly want to save Carson Wentz. McDaniels knows how to coach quarterbacks and coach them hard. We’ll see what happens. Who knows who the Eagles will hire, with Staley now off the market. But credit to the Eagles for cross-examining McDaniels.

Chad Henne Puts Away a Chiefs Win; Conference Title Game Matchups Set - MMQB
3) An interesting name to watch: Colts secondary coach Jonathan Gannon. He could wind up in Atlanta in a co-defensive coordinator situation (with Dean Pees), or with Josh McDaniels, should McDaniels land the Philly job. But most likely now, I think, is that he will wind up in L.A. as Staley’s defensive coordinator. Gannon and Staley were actually lined up last year to be co-coordinators for McDaniels, if McDaniels wound up in Cleveland.

Carson Wentz looms over the Eagles’ coaching search - PFT
Per a source with knowledge of the dynamics of the search, there’s no specific timetable for making a hire — but it could end sooner than later, and quite possibly this week. Like every other team looking for a new coach, the Eagles want to get the right person for the job. Unlike every other team looking for a new coach (except for the Texans), the quarterback issue complicates things dramatically.

Offense seeks a bounce-back season in 2021 - PE.com
Jalen Hurts started the final four games of 2020 and showed that he, too, has high-level talents. He has work to do to smooth out some of the wrinkles, but the Eagles know that there is a lot to work with here. To be determined is how the Eagles play it at quarterback, and so much of that goes back to the head coach. There are other positions, though, that are much more clear-cut and that provide more reason to believe the Eagles can be a potent offense next season. The offensive line should get its right side – guard Brandon Brooks and tackle Lane Johnson – and there is going to be some talented competition at left tackle with young linemen Andre Dillard and Jordan Mailata pushing each other. We haven’t heard from Pro Bowl center Jason Kelce, but let’s take the optimistic approach here and pencil Kelce into the lineup to button up what could be one of the best offensive lines in the league.

Eagles mailbag: Potential trade returns for Carson Wentz, Zach Ertz - NBCSP
As for Ertz, I really don’t think he has a ton of value. He’s 30 years old, has a salary of over $8 million in 2021 and wants a new contract. The Eagles probably missed their chance to get a Day 2 pick (2nd or 3rd round) in return for Ertz. My guess is the best they could do is a 4th-round pick.

NFL playoffs 2021: Bracket, schedule, scores, and more - SB Nation
Eight teams are left standing in the 2021 NFL Playoffs after an action-packed opening weekend in the expanded Super Wild Card round. Now we’re left with the final four teams in each conference vying to continue their season and ultimately crash Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay on February 7. The Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers finally know their opponent as the top seed in their respective conference. The Chiefs will face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon after the Browns became the story of the weekend for upsetting the Steelers in their first playoff game in 18 years. In the NFC, the Packers now draw the Los Angeles Rams, who shocked the Seattle Seahawks. LA suffered a number of injuries to critical players in round one — including Aaron Donald — and will need its defense healthy and inspired to have a chance at knocking off Aaron Rodgers and company on Saturday afternoon.

Chargers hire Rams DC Brandon Staley as head coach - Bolts From The Blue
After interviewing nine candidates over the past two weeks, the Chargers have their new head coach. After being brought in as the team’s first in-person interview, the team is hiring Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley to be the franchise’s newest head coach. In Staley’s lone season as a defensive coordinator at the NFL level, he helped build up a Rams unit that finished tops in the league across a number of categories, including total yards allowed per game (281.9), passing defense (190.7), and points allowed per game (18.5), while also finishing third in rushing defense (91.3). Per NFL insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Staley was the Chargers’ top target all along throughout the hiring cycle and when he finally got the chance to get inside the building, the Bolts weren’t going to let him go.

Drew Brees is likely playing in his last game in the Superdome - Canal Street Chronicles
The New Orleans Saints are currently facing off against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round of the 2021 postseason, and what all Saints fans had secretly known, but openly denied, has been reported yet again. Jay Glazer has reported that this game between the Saints and Buccaneers will be Drew Brees’s last game played in the city of New Orleans.

The Winners and Losers of the NFL Divisional Round - The Ringer
Chad Henne shocked the world, Andy Reid’s fourth-down play-calling shocked the Browns, and strong-armed quarterbacks shocked our systems. Plus: Justin Tucker’s no-good, strangely bad game.

...

Social Media Information:

BGN Facebook Page: Click here to like our page

BGN Twitter: Follow @BleedingGreen

BGN Instagram: Follow @BleedingGreenInsta

BGN Manager: Brandon Lee Gowton: Follow @BrandonGowton

BGN Radio Twitter: Follow @BGN_Radio

BGN Cameo: Click here for a personalized video message

Brandon Staley won’t be the Eagles’ next head coach

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 03:22:32 GMT

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Staying in LA instead!

The next Philadelphia Eagles head coach will NOT be Brandon Staley.

The Birds were reportedly set to interview the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator on Monday evening but that won’t be happening now. The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly hiring Staley instead.

This is an unexpected development! Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll had previously been linked to the LAC job. The Eagles are reportedly interested in Daboll and he’s a logical candidate for the opening. Daboll’s work with Josh Allen could have the Eagles thinking he can “fix” Carson Wentz. And the Eagles should be able to attract Daboll to Philly since he shares an agent (Bob LaMonte) with Howie Roseman.

Of course, the Eagles aren’t able to interview Daboll right now since the Bills are still in the playoffs. And with Buffalo potentially making a run to the Super Bowl, perhaps the Eagles won’t want to wait that long.

In the meantime, John Clark reports the Eagles had a lengthy interview with New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on Sunday evening. Interesting to hear but hardly guarantees he’s going to get the job.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio said there’s belief that the Eagles aren’t necessarily in a rush to make a new hire but there’s a sense the search could end as soon as this week. We’ll soon see if that’s the case.

The Eagles and Houston Texans are currently the only two NFL teams with head coach vacancies.

Here’s a recap of where things stand with the Eagles’ coaching search:

REQUESTED INTERVIEWS

RUMORED INTEREST

Oklahoma HC Lincoln Riley
Chiefs QB coach/passing game coordinator Mike Kafka
Ohio State HC Ryan Day
Bills OC Brian Daboll

KEEPING TABS ON OTHER NFL COACHING SEARCHES

Houston Texans— Vacant
Detroit Lions— Dan Campbell
Los Angeles Chargers— Brandon Staley
Atlanta Falcons— Arthur Smith
New York Jets— Robert Saleh
Jacksonville Jaguars— Urban Meyer

The 2021 AFC and NFC Championship games are set

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 02:54:02 GMT

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

One more round to go before Super Bowl LV.

And then there were four.

Now that the divisional round of the 2021 NFL playoffs is over, the schedule is officially set for championship weekend.

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

BUFFALO BILLS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The Bills are back in the AFCCG for the first time since January 1994 after beating the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night. Not unlike the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles, they seem to have great chemistry and give off really good vibes. Buffalo’s been a well-coached team under former Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott and Josh Allen’s been mostly good in the playoffs with a 103.4 passer rating thus far.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, advanced to their third straight AFCCG after hanging on against the Cleveland Browns. Former Eagles head coach Andy Reid is just two wins away from a Super Bowl repeat. But beating Buffalo might not prove to be easy, especially if Patrick Mahomes isn’t cleared to play and it’s Chad Henne starting at quarterback.

I said the Bills were going to win the Super Bowl back in December and I’m sticking with that, despite the fact KC beat Buffalo earlier this season I also think they’re the more rootable team in this matchup. Nothing personal against the Chiefs, just think it would be boring to see them win again. Would be nice for Buffalo fans to get their first Vince Lombardi Trophy.

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at GREEN BAY PACKERS

The Buccaneers are playing in the NFCCG for the first time since ... they beat the Eagles in the final game at The Vet in 2002. Ugh. The Bucs have reason to feel confident considering how Tom Brady is playing well and they already beat the Packers at Lambeau Field earlier this season. And not only beat them but flat out obliterated them with a final score of 38 to 10.

The Packers are back in the NFCCG for the second season in a row. They got demolished by the San Francisco 49ers last year. I don’t think it’ll go as poorly for them again this time around; Aaron Rodgers is simply on a different level right now. Then again, the Bucs’ defense — coached by Eagles head coach candidate Todd Bowles — was able to limit Rodgers to his worst passer rating of the season (35.4) by far in Week 6.

Easy call to root for the Packers in this one.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24

NFC: 3:05 PM ET - Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers (FOX)

AFC: 6:40 PM ET - Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (CBS)

SUPER BOWL LV

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7

AFC champion v. NFC champion: 6:30 PM ET (CBS)

NFL Divisional Playoffs: Buccaneers vs. Saints

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 23:12:05 GMT

Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Watch the Sunday night game here!

The final game of the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs will feature two of the greatest — and oldest — quarterbacks still in the game, when Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-5) take on Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints (13-4) on Sunday evening.

These teams have never met in the postseason before, but they did recently face off in early-November when the Saints handedly won on the road, 38-3. They also played each other to open the 2020 season, when New Orleans got a home win over the Bucs, 34-23. This could end up being one of Drew Brees’ final NFL games, and you can bet that he won’t go down easy at home in the Superdome — but, we all know what Tom Brady can do in the playoffs, so this will definitely be one to watch.

Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints

TV Schedule

Game time: 6:40 PM EST

Channel: FOX | FOX Deportes

Date: Sunday, January 17, 2021

Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome | New Orleans, LA

Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews (field reporter), Tom Rinaldi (field reporter)

Radio: SIRIUS: 82 (TB), 83 (NO) | XM: 226 (TB), 225 (NO), 88 (National)

Online Streaming

FuboTV : www.fubo.tv

Odds

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 (+140)

New Orleans Saints -3 (-159)

Over/Under: 49.5

SB Nation Blogs

Buccaneers: www.BucsNation.com

Saints: www.CanalStreetChronicles.com

Open thread: discuss Sunday night’s game in the comments below.

NFL Divisional Playoffs: Browns vs. Chiefs

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 19:30:00 GMT

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

Watch Sunday’s afternoon game here!

For the first time in the postseason, the Cleveland Browns (12-5) will hit the road to take on the Kansas City Chiefs (14-2) in and AFC matchup on Sunday afternoon at 3:05 PM EST.

They may not have ever played each other in the playoffs, but these teams are no strangers. The Chiefs lead the all-time series against the Browns, 13-11-2, including 4 of the last 5 meetings and their most recent game in 2018. The Browns are on a roll heading into the contest with two consecutive wins over the Steelers, but the Chiefs are fresh off a bye and hungry to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.

Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s game.

Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs

TV Schedule

Game time: 3:05 PM EST

Channel: CBS | CBS All Access | ESPN Deportes

Date: Sunday, January 17, 2021

Location: Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, MO

Announcers: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)

Radio: SIRIUS: 82 (Cle), 83 (KC) | XM: 226 (Cle), 225 (KC), 88 (National)

Online Streaming

FuboTV : www.fubo.tv

Odds

Cleveland Browns +9.5 (+390)

Kansas City Chiefs -9.5 (-480)

Over/Under: 57

SB Nation Blogs

Browns: www.DawgsByNature.com

Chiefs: www.ArrowheadPride.com

Open thread: discuss Sunday’s game in the comments below.

BGN Memories: Eagles vs. Vikings 1980 Divisional Playoffs

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 19:26:39 GMT

40 years ago, the Eagles and Vikings played an insane playoff game that no one remembers.

All season, we’ve been looking back 40 years at the 1980 Philadelphia Eagles team that beat the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game and went on to the team’s first ever Super Bowl appearance.

The Eagles finished 12-4 as the No. 2 seed in the conference and hosted the 9-7 Minnesota Vikings in the divisional round of the playoffs on a frigid Saturday afternoon at Veterans Stadium. The Birds had beaten Bud Grant’s Vikings 42-7 in the regular season, but that was all the way back in Week 2. Minnesota struggled to a 3-5 record in the first half but got hot in the second half of the season, going 6-2.

On this week’s edition of BGN Memories, we take a look back at a game that nearly saw the Eagles’ dream season nearly come to an abrupt end before their legendary game against Dallas. As Minnesota built up a second quarter 14-0 lead, the crowd at the Vet began to get tight. But in the end, the Eagles prevailed thanks to EIGHT Minnesota turnovers as the two teams combined for eight turnovers in nine possessions late in the third quarter and early in the fourth quarter in one of the sloppiest playoff games in NFL history.

Eventually, the Eagles would pull away and win this ballgame handily, as Marion Campbell’s 3-4 defense forced five Tommy Kramer interceptions and three fumbles. You can watch the full game right here, or listen to this week’s BGN Memories podcast for all the pertinent highlights and action!

And if you missed our earlier interviews with former linebacker Jerry Robinson and head coach Dick Vermeil, you can listen to those episodes too!

SUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS

The Linc - Doug Pederson has "been contacted by several teams”

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Philadelphia Eagles news and links for 1/17/21.

Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles links ...

Doug Pederson very unlikely to take a coordinator role despite interest, expected to sit out 2021 - CBS Sports
Pederson was let go from the Eagles a week after the season ended, with most teams already fairly deep in their head coach searches, and it’s quite possible that — pending the results of this weekend’s playoff games — the Eagles’ vacancy is the only one remaining by Tuesday. Most other teams are fairly locked in on their choices and it is not uncommon for successful coaches to take a year off before launching back into the head coaching hiring cycle the following year (like Mike McCarthy did after ending his long stint in Green Bay). Pederson has been contacted by several teams, sources said, including one that did have head coaching interest, but at this point he has no interviews scheduled. Teams have reached out about other roles as well, but getting the right fit with the right staff would be difficult, and it would be surprising if a coordinator role that suited him came along.

New Carson Wentz report details the Eagles’ quarterback being uncoachable and insubordinate - BGN
Wentz isn’t solely responsible for the Eagles’ ineptitude, either. He’s certainly been failed by the organization in certain respects. But Wentz himself has undoubtedly played a major part in his own and, subsequently, the Eagles’ downfall. I wrote at the time of Wentz’s benching that I hoped the experience would humble. But it doesn’t really seem like it did. Prior to Pederson’s firing, there were reports about how he wanted to be traded. And one can only believe that information came from Wentz’s camp considering it’s not like the team gains leverage from their quarterback wanting out. It just doesn’t seem like Wentz is willing to admit that he’s been a big part of the problem. A fresh start for Wentz and the Eagles might really be what’s best for both sides at this point. Of course, all that money Jeffrey Lurie owes him doesn’t make it easy for the team to move on.

Babes On Broad #58: Group Therapy w/Special Guest Nic Ertz! - BGN Radio
NOTE: Recorded 1/7/21 before the Doug Pederson firing news. [BLG Note: Interesting interview with one of Zach Ertz’s younger brothers.]

Tough Love - Iggles Blitz
Both the Eagles and Wentz share blame for things going in the wrong direction. The Eagles made Press Taylor the QBs coach after the Super Bowl and that hasn’t worked so well. He is a young coach and has a friendly relationship with Wentz. That created an awkward dynamic. Taylor wasn’t able to be tough on Wentz and Wentz didn’t seem to accept what criticism Taylor tried to give him. Friends or not, Wentz should have taken the criticism and learned from it. Part of his job is to accept coaching and work on his deficiencies. That didn’t happen. Players have to embrace criticism and tough coaching to meet their full potential. If you want someone to focus on what you’re doing right, you aren’t going to improve. You need someone to point out what is wrong and then how to fix it. That wasn’t happening with Wentz the past couple of years. So what is tough coaching?

10 tough questions for every Eagles coaching candidate - NBCSP
What’s your plan for Carson and Jalen? This is the single most pressing question facing the Eagles this offseason, and I want to know exactly how every candidate is going to approach the QB position. The new coach is going to need a clear, comprehensive plan on who to move forward with, who to trade if anyone and most importantly how to get Carson Wentz back on track assuming he’s still here, which he most likely will be. It’s not enough to say, “I’ll fix Carson.” You need to tell me how you’re going to do it based on film study.

Eagles set to interview Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels: Sources - The Athletic
McDaniels has begun recruiting the coaching staff he would hope to bring with him to Philadelphia if hired, according to sources with knowledge of those discussions. The meeting in Florida would be his first formal interview with the Eagles.

Offense seeks a bounce-back season in 2021 - PE.com
It won’t be a snap of the fingers to lift the Eagles’ offense to among the league’s best. There is a bunch of work to be done. But the point here is that there are pieces in place that the Eagles can build around, add to, and support. They need to nail the draft, no question. They need to solve the quarterback situation. They need to have a great scheme. Some luck in the health department would be great, too. It isn’t going to be easy.

Philadelphia Eagles to interview Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels for vacant head coaching job - Pats Pulpit
The Patriots’ long-time assistant has been a popular candidate in recent years, though, famously being announced as the Indianapolis Colts head man in 2018 before the deal fell through and he returned to New England. His last interviews came in 2020 when he met with the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and Carolina Panthers. The 44-year-old has been a head coach before, leading the Denver Broncos in 2009 and part of 2010. Prior to accepting that job he had spent eight seasons in New England as an assistant. After his three-year hiatus he returned to the Patriots in 2012, and has served as the team’s offensive coordinator ever since.

Report: Doug Pederson has spoken to Seahawks about open OC role - Field Gulls
Whether or not Pederson winds up taking the position as offensive coordinator for the Hawks, what is of note is that both candidates that have been linked to the team in Pederson and former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn are proponents of the West Coast Offense. Lynn played for the Denver Broncos in the 1990s under Mike Shanahan in Shanahan’s wide zone, play action heavy west coast passing offense, while Pederson played in Mike Holmgren’s West Coast offense and comes out of the Andy Reid coaching tree.

Cowboys must decide what to do with Ezekiel Elliott - Blogging The Boys
The Dallas Cowboys have a ton of things to sort out after the disaster that was 2020. While there is a real and justified hope that getting Dak Prescott healthy and signing him to a new deal will be a tremendous boost, it is hardly the only factor to consider. We have been going in depth about the huge challenges Dan Quinn faces as the new defensive coordinator. But there is a big issue on offense that must be addressed as well. That is what exactly they are going to do with Ezekiel Elliott. Now for the twist: This is not about his big contact. That is a done deal, and he is going to be back as the starting running back. We will almost certainly see a restructuring or extension of his contract, which will net almost $7 million in needed cap space. No, this is about how he is employed in the offense this year. Last season, he was just ineffective.

Sam’s Film Room: Should Taylor Heinicke start in Washington? - Hogs Haven
I was very impressed by what I saw on film. Heinicke was incredibly accurate and if his receivers didn’t drop five passes, he would have led the entire wild card quarterbacks in completion percentage over expectation. He was that good in this game. Taylor Heinicke threw with anticipation. He can run all phases of the offense including quick game, run-pass options, and play-action. His lone interception was a tipped pass. And his ability to scramble and use his legs to avoid pressure while making plays off-script was really impressive. Hopefully this performance isn’t a one-time thing and that Washington gives Heinicke a legitimate shot to start next summer.

Big Blue View mailbag: Evan Engram, Nate Solder, more questions - Big Blue View
First, Evan Engram. Believe me, I fully understand the Engram fatigue. After he dropped that ball against the Philadelphia Eagles I even did something I fight against doing, which is react emotionally to that and call for Engram to be traded. Engram wasn’t nearly as good as he needs to be during the 2020 season. There is just no excuse for a guy drafted in the first round as a pass catcher to turn so many easily catchable balls into disastrous interceptions. Engram struggled with drops as a rookie. He struggled in Year 4. In-between, though, he was solid, dropping only six passes over that two-year span. Engram has talent. He has a lot of the skills teams want in a move or matchup tight end. I could understand if the Giants moved on from him and maybe they will, but as frustrating as Engram can be there’s a valid argument for going forward with him for another year. He did catch 63 passes, fifth-most among tight ends in 2020, and make some big plays.

Aaron Rodgers is unstoppable and having fun doing it - SB Nation
It’s hilarious to think that only two years ago people were wondering how much Aaron Rodgers had left in the tank. He was coming off several disappointing seasons in which he played well, but never really looked like he was enjoying football. Then he bounced back in 2019, and he’s looked like a new player ever since. Okay, “new player” might be a little far fetched. Rodgers has always been among the NFL’s elite, but in recent years a lack of confidence and joy almost pervaded his game to where even with success, he looked unfulfilled. The Packers’ quarterback has been rejuvenated under Matt LaFleur, and it genuinely looks like he’s having the time of his life. That all coalesced against the Rams, and with that mauling Green Bay offensive line, it’s like Los Angeles never had a chance. Green Bay’s 32-18 win over the Rams puts the Pack back in the NFC Championship for the second year in a row. It was only possible because Rodgers has reclaimed his throne (or at least joined Patrick Mahomes there) as the NFL’s most dominant player.

Still going to the grocery store? With new virus variants spreading, it’s probably time to stop. - Vox
Recent developments in the Covid-19 pandemic have exposed a grim reality: If we keep doing what we’re doing now to prevent infections, we’re screwed. Well, even more screwed. That’s because the virus appears to be getting even better at infecting us. Since at least December, new, more contagious variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 have been outcompeting earlier versions of the virus in countries as far and wide as Brazil, the UK, and South Africa.

...

Social Media Information:

BGN Facebook Page: Click here to like our page

BGN Twitter: Follow @BleedingGreen

BGN Instagram: Follow @BleedingGreenInsta

BGN Manager: Brandon Lee Gowton: Follow @BrandonGowton

BGN Radio Twitter: Follow @BGN_Radio

BGN Cameo: Click here for a personalized video message

NFL Divisional Playoffs: Ravens vs. Bills

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 00:30:00 GMT

Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

Watch the Saturday night game here!

The Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs continues Saturday night with an AFC matchup between the Baltimore Ravens (12-5) and Buffalo Bills (14-3), who will meet for the first time ever in the postseason.

The Ravens lead the all-time series between these team, 6-3, and have won 4 of the past 5 meetings, as well. They last faced off in December 2019, when the Ravens won on the road — and in the same stadium they’ll compete on Saturday — 24-17.

Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s game.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills

TV Schedule

Game time: 8:15 PM EST

Channel: NBC | Universo

Date: Saturday, January 16, 2021

Location: Bills Stadium | Orchard Park, NY

Announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya (field reporter)

Radio: SIRIUS: 82 (Bal), 83 (Buf) | XM: 226 (Bal), 225 (Buf), 88 (National)

Online Streaming

FuboTV : www.fubo.tv

Odds

Baltimore Ravens +2.5 (+125)

Buffalo Bills -2.5 (-143)

Over/Under: 49.5

SB Nation Blogs

Ravens: www.BaltimoreBeatdown.com

Bills: www.BuffaloRumblings.com

Open thread: discuss Saturday night’s game in the comments below.

NFL Divisional Playoffs: Rams vs. Packers

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 21:27:41 GMT

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Watch Saturday’s afternoon game here!

The Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs will kick off Saturday afternoon at 4:35 PM EST with an NFC matchup between the Los Angeles Rams (11-6) and Green Bay Packers (13-3) at Lambeau Field.

The Rams narrowly lead the all-time series between these teams, 46-45-2. The Packers have won 5 of the past 6 meetings, but the last time they faced off in October 2018, the Rams got a home win, 29-27. They’ve only played each other twice before in the postseason, in 1967 and 2002, and they’re tied with one win each.

Here’s everything you need to know about today’s game.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Green Bay Packers

TV Schedule

Game time: 4:35 PM EST

Channel: FOX | FOX Deportes

Date: Saturday, January 16, 2021

Location: Lambeau Field | Green Bay, WI

Announcers: : Kevin Burkhardt, Daryl Johnston, Pam Oliver (field reporter), Kristina Pink (field reporter)

Radio: SIRIUS: 82 (LAR), 83 (GB) | XM: 226 (LAR), 225 (GB), 88 (National)

Online Streaming

FuboTV : www.fubo.tv

Odds

Los Angeles Rams +6.5 (+260)

Green Bay Packers -6.5 (-305)

Over/Under: 45.5

SB Nation Blogs

Rams: www.TurfShowTimes.com

Packers: www.AcmePackingCompany.com

Open thread: discuss Saturday’s game in the comments below.

And just a few reminders about the new commenting sections:

If you change the ‘Sort By’ option to “Oldest,” you can read all the comments in chronological order, and the comment box moves to the bottom. If you leave it as “Newest”, the latest comments will appear at the top
If you’re using a computer, you can move down the comments using C, and move back up using shift-C by clicking once inside the comments area. This can also be used to ‘load more’ comments
Under the ‘My Profile’ tab, you can keep track of replies to your comments, and also sign up for email notifications of replies
If you want to auto-show all images/GIFs/Tweets, you can opt into this under My Profile - Preferences

Eagles lose Prince Tega Wanogho to the Chiefs

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 21:23:40 GMT

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Welp.

When the Philadelphia Eagles announced their initial round of futures contract signings after the 2020 season, we noted how rookie offensive tackle Prince Tega Wanogho’s name was conspicuously absence.

As it turns out, the Eagles’ 2020 sixth-round pick is officially signing to the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad.

While it’s hard to say this qualifies as a certain major loss, it’s still a disappointing development for the Birds. PTW was considered a “steal” where the Eagles drafted him. He boasts intriguing developmental potential and I thought he showed some encouraging signs in training camp last year.

The Eagles likely wanted PTW back, for the record. Signing him to a futures contract would’ve been a no-risk deal. It’s standard practice (nearly formality, even) for teams to sign their end-of-year practice squad players to such contracts.

The guess here is that PTW didn’t want to re-up with the Eagles. He probably figured he didn’t have much of an opportunity in Philly moving forward behind the likes of Jordan Mailata, Andre Dillard, Lane Johnson, Jack Driscoll, Brett Toth, and Matt Pryor on the depth chart.

Had the Eagles re-signed PTW, there was no guarantee he would’ve made the 2021 roster. Still a bummer they lost him.

PTW is now the second player from Philly’s 2020 NFL Draft class no longer under their control. The Eagles nonsensically lost Casey Toohill during the season.

Report: Eagles request interview with Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 20:56:53 GMT

Current Kansas City OC to replace former Kansas City OC as Philadelphia’s HC?

The Philadelphia Eagles requested a head coach interview with Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, according to a report from NFL insider Mike Garafolo. It’s unclear when Bieniemy will be available to interview since the Chiefs are currently still alive in the 2021 NFL playoffs.

It sure would be something if the Eagles fired former Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson just to replace him with his eventual successor in Philly.

It sounds like that’s not likely to happen, though. As we wrote earlier on Saturday:

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says Bieniemy is poised to get shut out of the hiring cycle for the second year in a row. He’s obviously a popular name amongst fans but he hasn’t actually been linked to the Eagles thus far [until now]. There are some reports about Bieniemy interviewing poorly. There’s also his “uncomfortable past” to consider. Fowler says the Eagles are “eyeing other candidates,” indicating their attention is turned elsewhere.

Not hard to understand why EB has generated so much buzz, though. Here’s how the Chiefs rank in offensive scoring since he was promoted to OC:

2018 — 1st
2019 — 5th
2020 — 6th

Of course, it’s hard to parse exactly how much credit EB deserves on his own when he’s not a full-time play-caller and he’s working with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. But one would think EB deserves some level of credit for KC’s success.

Here’s a recap of where things stand with the Eagles’ coaching search:

REQUESTED INTERVIEWS

~~49ers~~ ~~DC Robert Saleh~~
~~Titans OC Arthur Smith~~
Buccaneers DC Todd Bowles
Patriots ILB coach Jerod Mayo
Eagles assistant head coach/RB coach Duce Staley
Panthers OC Joe Brady
Cowboys OC Kellen Moore
Rams DC Brandon Staley
Patriots OC Josh McDaniels
Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy

RUMORED INTEREST

Oklahoma HC Lincoln Riley
Chiefs QB coach/passing game coordinator Mike Kafka
Ohio State HC Ryan Day
Bills OC Brian Daboll

KEEPING TABS ON OTHER NFL COACHING SEARCHES

Houston Texans— Vacant
Detroit Lions— Vacant (but Dan Campbell favored)
Los Angeles Chargers— Vacant (but Brian Daboll favored)
Atlanta Falcons— Arthur Smith
New York Jets— Robert Saleh
Jacksonville Jaguars— Urban Meyer