The Linc

Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles links …

Ten offseason acquisitions that look the best so far in 2024: Vikings and Packers each boast two selections – NFL.com
3) Saquon Barkley. I understand focusing on more abstract ways to judge contracts in the gossipy, drama-fueled days of the offseason; I get why players might want to hold fast to a certain number or salary ranking in negotiations, or why a team might want to shave a dollar here or there. Now, though, one figure really sticks out to me: 1.5 percent. That is the share of Philly’s cap spending that Barkley’s cap figure ($3.8 million) will take up in 2024, per Over The Cap. He’s generated five of the team’s nine offensive touchdowns, including a 65-yard jaunt in the Eagles’ crucial Week 3 win over the Saints. With A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith missing time to injury, Barkley’s been one of the sole sources of juice on offense. And while this team has issues, I’m not sure they could have necessarily been solved by dispersing Barkley’s salary to players at other positions. In fact, one could argue Barkley kept the Eagles from falling into the cellar in the tenuous early weeks of the season. So right now, in early October, the deal the Eagles gave Barkley seems like a fair one to me.

The broken sliding doors of Deshaun Watson – BGN
The 2022 offseason was a sliding doors moment for several franchises. The Texans had formally decided to move on from Deshaun Watson and he had plenty of suitors despite everyone knowing what a turd of a human he is. Watson was open to a move to the Dolphins or Panthers, and the Dolphins at one point were rumored to be close to a trade. The Saints and Falcons were in it right until the end, with the Falcons reportedly ready to sign Leonard Fournette and Jarvis Landry in free agency if they landed Watson. The Browns of course landed him by coming back and offering him an unprecedented contract that no one else would match. But before then, well before then, the Eagles were interested.

Game Preview – CLE at PHI – Iggles Blitz
The thing I’ll be watching most closely is how the offense does early in the game. The Eagles are the only team in the league to not score a first quarter point. That needs to change against Cleveland. This is the kind of team you want to get in front of early. Put them on their heels and take control of the game. This is an odd game. The Eagles are 2-2, but it feels like there is a lot of pressure on them and coach Nick Sirianni. The Browns are 1-4 and it feels like their season is already over. At some point, they will come together and play well. They have too much talent to keep losing every week. The Eagles better not go into this game thinking they can just show up and win. The Eagles need to come out and play hard. They need to be physical and smart. This may not seem like a big game because of Cleveland’s record, but it sure feels important for the Eagles.

In Roob’s observations: Why next 4 games could determine Sirianni’s future with Eagles – NBCSP
1. The Browns are 1-4 and haven’t scored more than 18 points. The Giants are 2-3, ranked 27th in offense and 4-17 in their last 21 games against the Eagles. The Bengals are 1-4, and only the Panthers (the one team they’ve beaten) are allowing more points. And the Jaguars are 1-4, have lost six straight road games and rank 30th in defense. For an Eagles team that’s been scuffling on both sides of the ball, you couldn’t ask for a better four-game stretch. Combined record of their first four opponents is 11-9. Combined record of their next four opponents is 5-15. On paper, the Eagles should beat all these teams. But on paper they should have won a lot of games recently and they didn’t. It’s only Week 6, but this is a critical stretch for Nick Sirianni because if this team continues to lose games it should win, continues to get blown out on a regular basis, continues to fall behind early, continues to blow 4th-quarter leads, he’s not going to be here much longer, and these four games give him and his program a real chance to fix a lot of problems and re-establish the Eagles as a legit postseason contender. But if the Eagles falter during this next month? You hope for 4-0, you’d sign up for 3-1, but 2-2 would be disappointing and anything worse would be disastrous. If they go 2-2, then they’re 4-4 with the Cowboys and Commanders up next and it’s not a clear path from their to the playoffs. The Eagles have lost six straight in Dallas and the Commanders are suddenly dangerous with the otherworldly play of rookie QB Jayden Daniels. So I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say these next four games could decide Sirianni’s future. Four lousy opponents. Four winnable games. A real opportunity to put this 3-8 stretch to rest and go on a little run. If the Eagles can’t beat these teams, who can they beat?

NFL Week 6 predictions, fantasy sleepers, upset picks, buzz – ESPN
Bowen: Don’t be surprised if … Cooper DeJean sacks Deshaun Watson. Watson’s QBR of 13.1 when facing the blitz (five or more rushers) ranks 29th in the NFL, and the Browns have really struggled to create a consistent pass game against pressure. I expect Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to heat up the pocket, sending pressure from the slot. And with DeJean expected to start at nickel corner in Week 6, I think he’ll get home to record his first NFL sack.

Spadaro: A.J. Brown’s return, Lane Johnson’s heavyweight showdown, and 3 other key storylines – PE.com
WR A.J. Brown set to return for first time since opening game. He was a beast in Week 1 against Green Bay, catching 5 passes for 119 yards, including a 67-yard catcn-and-run touchdown. A.J. Brown started his 2024 season off as he finished an All-Pro 2023 campaign, and then he tweaked his hamstring in practice – “a freak accident,” he called it — and missed the following three games. The offense clearly missed Brown, and he missed playing. He is eager to get back on the field. “I’m so excited. I’m glad my first game back is in the Linc,” Brown said. “I know the place is going to be rocking and we’re going to try to get this thing turned around.” The Eagles have had both Brown and fellow standout receiver DeVonta Smith all week in practice, so the receiving corps should be whole against a Browns secondary that has had injury concerns of its own this season – the Browns will be without starting safeties Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman, and top corner Denzel Ward is questionable with a hamstring injury.

Rodney McLeod’s farewell tour brings him to Philly, where he’s made a lasting impact – Inquirer
The Cleveland Browns’ Week 6 road trip to play the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field marks a special stop in safety Rodney McLeod’s goodbye tour. The former Eagle, who was part of the Super Bowl championship team from the 2017 season, will retire at the end of this season, and Philadelphia, he said, is the place he’ll remember as where he “went from a boy to a man.” “There’s just a lot of memories that instantly come to mind when I think about my time with the Eagles,” said McLeod, who enters his 13th season in the league, including 2016-21 with the Birds. “It’s unfortunate that I’m not wearing that uniform again, but just having an opportunity to be in a legendary stadium and great group of fans, it’s going to be one to remember.”

Browns roster: Make 5 moves Saturday, elevate 2 for Week 6 vs Eagles – Dawgs By Nature
With Proche’s release, Cleveland will need a return man for Week 6 versus the Eagles so they elevated WR/KR Jaelon Darden from the practice squad along with S Chris Edmonds. With both Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman Jr. ruled out against Philadelphia, Edmonds will likely see time on defense and special teams.

Washington Commanders Roster Moves: Brian Robinson Jr won’t play vs the Ravens – Hogs Haven
The Washington Commanders announced several roster moves before tomorrow’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. They ruled out two players due to injury, and they’ve elevated two players from the practice squad to provide depth at those positions. Washington also activated DE Efe Obada from the PUP list. Brian Robinson Jr didn’t practice all week and he’s now been ruled out with a knee injury. Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been elevated from the practice squad again, and he’ll be behind Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols.

Cowboys news: DaRon Bland will not be active versus Lions – Blogging The Boys
The Cowboys will wait a little bit longer for their cornerback rotation to become fully healthy.

3 Giants downgraded to OUT for Sunday Night Football – Big Blue View
The New York Giants continued a busy Saturday by downgrading three players — punter Jamie Gillan, running back Devin Singletary, and wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton — to out for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Giants had already declared rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers out for a second straight week due to his concussion. The Giants also placed edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux (fractured wrist) on IR Saturday.