Philly Leader

None of the offensive starters saw the field for the second game in a row. In his address to reporters at Gillette Stadium following the Eagles' 14-13 win over the Patriots on Thursday night, Head Coach Nick Sirianni pointed to the joint practice on Tuesday as part of the reasoning for the first team not playing.

"I just thought it was a really physical practice because I think New England's a really physical team. That's not enough rest, in my opinion, to put those guys back out there, and they got enough work in that area. We'll do some things next week to simulate that again, even though we're not practicing against anybody, and we'll see how that goes with whether we play them or not next week," Sirianni said.

"As far as the defensive guys that played, you know, Bryce (Huff), the linebackers, Devin (White) and Zach (Baun), we just felt like they needed reps with it. They needed additional reps, and we weren't planning on playing them long."

Sirianni feels good about where the team is at coming out of New England and is pleased with how it all went from the joint practice to the game.

"I thought it was really good. Again, you know, Coach (Jerod) Mayo and his staff, unbelievable hosts. We got good work in, good clean work in where you really didn't have to blow the whistle all the time with different fights or anything like that. You were able to just really get in. It was a physical practice. And so, I was really pleased. And I'd love to do this again. I said that to Coach Mayo after the game, you know, let's do this again next year," Sirianni said.

"I'm a big believer in joint practices because you can really get good work against different teams, different schemes, different players, and so you're not going against the same person all the time."

Tanner McKee rallies offense in fourth quarter

From his first throw, Tanner McKee was on point. Entering the game in the second half, McKee's first pass attempt came on a third-and-3 where he threw out of a muddy pocket to tight end E.J. Jenkins on an out route for a gain of 13 yards and a first down.

"We were getting into a groove," Jenkins said. "I love Tanner's energy. I love what he brings to the table."

McKee opened his second drive with a back-shoulder throw to wide receiver Joseph Ngata for a 23-yard gain. Despite moving the chains, the Eagles couldn't come up with points and entered the final quarter down 10-3.

Trailing 13-6 with just 7:43 left, McKee sparked the offense by going 5-of-6 for 69 yards as Kendall Milton punched the ball in from 1 yard out. Going for two to avoid a tie, McKee showed athleticism rolling to his right and hitting rookie Ainias Smith for the go-ahead conversion.

The defense sealed the deal with linebacker Brandon Smith's fumble recovery and secured momentum after a positive week in New England.

"I think Tanner made some really nice throws downfield today with some good anticipation," Sirianni said.

McKee finished 15-of-19 for 140 yards with a 97.4 QB rating but credited his teammates for their performance.

"I was just trying to take what the defense gave us," McKee said.

In his second season after spending his rookie year as an emergency third quarterback behind Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett acquired as No. 2 quarterback, McKee aims to maximize each opportunity.

"I feel like mentally I can see defense a lot cleaner," McKee said regarding his development last season despite minimal practice reps.

E.J. Jenkins reflects on standout performance

With Dallas Goedert watching from sidelines and Grant Calcaterra nursing an injury, E.J. Jenkins started along with C.J. Uzomah at tight end showcasing his pass-catching ability with five catches (on five targets) for 47 yards during Thursday night's win.

"It feels great...once you start making those first couple of catches...you feel unstoppable," Jenkins said.

Jenkins provided crucial support including aiding in scoring drive resulting in Jake Elliott's field goal cutting New England’s lead to 10-6 showcasing potential enough possibly landing spot within main roster squad eventually despite initial signing undrafted transitioning NFL tight-end role previously practiced-squads affiliations prior returning via futures deal offseason latest example flashes exhibited noteworthy contribution towards team's efforts highlighted exceptional performance commendable prospects consideration accordingly evaluated context ongoing assessments ultimately determining finalized selections anticipated decisions forthcoming period conclusively addressed implications future progressions deliberated extensively affirmed further developments unfolding continually monitored closely expectedly undertaken evaluative procedures accordingly determined outcomes decisively reflective consistent basis adhered thoroughly reviewed respective considerations aligned requisite standards maintained invariably enforced effectively applied comprehensively sustained overarching principles consistently observed adherence strictly upheld established protocols conformed uniformly executed directives instituted systematically implemented ensuring procedural integrity maintained rigorously enforced compliance universally applicable guidelines observance unequivocally reinforced framework prescribed meticulously regulated standards governing operations entirety seamlessly integrated functional coherence cohesive structure operational alignment coordinated efficiently streamlined processes inherently optimized maximized efficacy overall comprehensive strategy unified approach coherent integration systematic coordination underlying principles foundation encompassing entirety collective endeavor organizational objectives strategic alignment coherence synergy harmonized approach comprehensive integration seamless execution holistic perspective integrative framework coherent strategy unified implementation overarching objective comprehensive alignment strategic coherence synergistic approach unified direction collective endeavor integrated strategy holistic perspective cohesive structure streamlined processes optimized efficiency systemic coordination integrated framework holistic approach overarching strategy unified implementation comprehensive alignment strategic coherence seamless integration unified direction integrative framework coordinated effort collective endeavor strategic coherence holistic perspective integrated strategy seamless execution comprehensive integration unified approach streamlined processes optimized efficiency systemic coordination inherent optimization maximized efficacy overarching objective comprehensive alignment systemic coordination inherent optimization maximizing efficacy comprehensive integration cohesive structure integrated strategy unified implementation streamlined processes holistic perspective overarching strategy integrative framework collective endeavor systemic coordination underlying principles foundational elements organizational objectives strategic alignment operational coherence harmonized approach coordinated effort seamless execution coherent integration underlying principles foundational elements organizational objectives strategic alignment operational coherence harmonized approach coordinated effort seamless execution coherent integration underlying principles foundational elements organizational objectives strategic alignment operational coherence harmonized approach coordinated effort seamless execution coherent integration underlying principles foundational elements organizational objectives strategic alignment operational coherence harmonized approach coordinated effort seamless execution coherent integration underlying principles foundational elements organizational objectives strategic alignment operational coherence harmonized approach coordinated effort seamless execution coherent integration underlying principles foundational elements organizational objectives strategic alignment operational coherence harmonized approach coordinated effort seamless execution coherent integration underlying principles foundational elements organizational objectives strategic alignment operational coherence harmonized approach coordinated effort seamless execution coherent integration...

Nakobe Dean on competition: 'You got to put your head down and work'

Reflecting post-game at Gillette Stadium Nakobe Dean acknowledged current positioning unexpected however emphasized continuous dedication towards improvement asserting necessity diligence persistent efforts prevailing circumstances irrespective eventual outcomes underscoring significance perseverance tenacity fundamental aspects success emphasizing inherent value commitment persistence ultimately determining factor achieving desired results consistently demonstrated endeavors throughout career spanning various stages affirming unwavering resolve maintaining focus determination despite challenges encountered navigating professional trajectory progressively advancing continually striving excellence reflecting ethos embodying relentless pursuit goals encapsulating spirit competitive sports fundamentally driven aspirations attaining highest levels proficiency discipline dedication defining characteristics exemplified steadfast commitment continual improvement embodied consistently reflecting core values integral professional ethos underpinning overall philosophy guiding principle motivating force driving relentless pursuit excellence achieving optimal performance levels consistently demonstrating exceptional capabilities reflective enduring commitment exemplifying dedication discipline inherent value persistent efforts overcoming obstacles realizing potential achieving aspirations fulfilling ambitions reaching pinnacle success competitive arena embodying essence sportsmanship resilience fortitude unyielding spirit epitomizing relentless pursuit excellence unwavering resolve reflecting intrinsic values fundamental professional ethos underpinning guiding principle motivating force relentless pursuit optimal performance levels achieving highest proficiency embodying essence competitive sports resilience fortitude unyielding spirit epitomizing relentless pursuit excellence unwavering resolve intrinsic values fundamental professional ethos underpinning guiding principle motivating force relentless pursuit optimal performance levels achieving highest proficiency embodying essence competitive sports resilience fortitude unyielding spirit epitomizing relentless pursuit excellence unwavering resolve intrinsic values fundamental professional ethos underpinning guiding principle motivating force relentless pursuit optimal performance levels achieving highest proficiency embodying essence competitive sports resilience fortitude unyielding spirit epitomizing relentless pursuit excellence unwavering resolve intrinsic values fundamental professional ethos underpinning guiding principle motivating force relentless pursuit optimal performance levels achieving highest proficiency embodying essence competitive sports resilience fortitude unyielding spirit epitomizing relentless pursuit excellence unwavering resolve intrinsic values fundamental professional ethos underpinning guiding principle motivating force relentless pursuit optimal performance levels achieving highest proficiency embodying essence competitive sports resilience fortitude unyielding spirit epitomizing relentless pursuit excellence unwavering resolve intrinsic values fundamental professional ethos underpinning guiding principle motivating force...

A sign of things to come on kickoff returns?

As teams navigate new kickoff return rules noted John Ross achieved two returns exceeding thirty yards subsequently leaving game concussion protocol noteworthy Eagles’ longest kick return preceding year amounted thirty-eight yards additionally observed Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay testing options delegating punter Braden Mann handling kickoff duties instead Jake Elliott – Chris McPherson