Good morning, Eagles fans! After a well-rested weekend, the team is getting ready to take on the New York Jets this Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. Head coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Carson Wentz will speak to media tomorrow, prior to practice. Both press conferences will be livestreamed here and on our social media channels. Practice will officially begin at 1:00 p.m. at the NovaCare Complex. In this edition of Morning Roundup presented by Microsoft, we will cover all the major story lines from the past few days. With a quarter of the season already in the books, the team looks to continue its upward trend of success. Let's dive right into the most notable stories!
1. Who will line up at cornerback on Sunday?
The biggest unknown on the Eagles' roster right now is the status of healthy cornerbacks. Prior to the season starting the team was already without Jalen Mills and Cre'Von LeBlanc. With a quarter of the season in the books, Ronald Darby, Sidney Jones, and Avonte Maddox are now sidelined as well. Check out what defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and defensive backs coach Cory Undlin said about the cornerbacks for Sunday’s matchup against the Jets.
"The goal is to make sure no matter who's out there or who's in your meeting room that you are coaching them the same as the guys that are playing, even if they're not getting any snaps, which obviously we saw on Thursday night," Undlin said.
2. Eagle Eye: How did the Eagles deny Aaron Rodgers twice at the goal line?
Fran Duffy provides play-by-play analysis of the Eagles' defense against the Packers in this edition of Eagle Eye in the Sky. He breaks down everything from stopping Aaron Rodgers twice near the goal line to the game-sealing interception by Nigel Bradham. Check out his complete analysis of the defense here.
"The game-sealing interception by Nigel Bradham came thanks to a great play by Craig James, understanding that he would likely be targeted in that scenario. James is also aware of just how the offense could try to attack him. This is prime "rub route" territory. James navigates the pick from the slot receiver, plays through the receiver, and gets his hand on the football, knocking it into the air for the turnover. Malcolm Jenkins also, coincidentally, read that play very well, but it would have been incredibly tough for him to make the play in that situation. James needed to be the one to make it, and he came through." – Fran Duffy
3. Why everything matters in deal to acquire LB Duke Riley
This wasn't a trade that sent shockwaves through the fans and, frankly, it may not change the course of business for the Philadelphia Eagles on the field. But a deeper dive into the deal that sent safety Johnathan Cyprien and a 2020 seventh-round draft pick (Tampa Bay's pick, acquired in the deal that brought wide receiver DeSean Jackson to the Eagles) to Atlanta for linebacker Duke Riley and a 2020 sixth-round draft pick reveals some details and complexities to give you a better understanding why it's a good deal for the Eagles and, from the Falcons' standpoint, one that works for Atlanta. Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro dives deeper into the deal here.
4. Numbers don't lie: Eagles offense off to terrific start
With the Eagles back at work at the NovaCare Complex on Monday preparing for Sunday's game against the Jets (0-3) to begin a critical and very difficult month of October, let's take a look at this team's offense. Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro breaks down the numbers including points scored and red zone efficiency. Check out all the statistics here!
"The first four games have produced strong offensive numbers. That's usually the case in the NFL, when the weather is warm and generally storm free. The key is staying consistent, improving weaknesses, and getting better down the stretch. That's the next step for the Eagles as they prepare for the Jets this Sunday." – Dave Spadaro
5. Eagles acquire LB Duke Riley from the Falcons
The Eagles made a trade Monday evening acquiring linebacker Duke Riley and a 2020 sixth-round pick from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for safety Johnathan Cyprien and a 2020 seventh-round pick. A third-year player out of LSU, Riley upgrades the Eagles' special teams unit that lost linebacker L.J. Fort, who was released on Friday when Orlando Scandrick was signed to help ease the injury situation at cornerback. Click here for learn more about to Duke Riley.
6. Eagles sign CB D.J. White to the practice squad
The Eagles signed cornerback D.J. White to the practice squad on Monday morning. The four-year veteran most recently spent about a month on Washington's roster before being waived on August 31. Check out White's complete journey to the Eagles, here.
