PHLY Philadelphia Eagles Podcast - Bonus: Philadelphia Eagles gear up for playoffs with an icy Jalen Hurts back at practice

Episode Date: January 9, 2025

Jalen Hurts was the only Eagle on the freezing cold practice field at the LINC Wednesday in short sleeves, perhaps a sign of the ice in his veins as he hopes to return from a concussion. It’s the playoffs, so we’ve added an extra primetime show to discuss everything that happened at the Eagles’ facility Wednesday, from Nick Sirianni’s press conference to Darius Slay’s locker room comments.Les Bowen joins Zach Berman and Bo Wulf, as they get ready for Eagles-Packers and answer your questions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hello everybody and welcome to a very special edition of the PHL White Eagles podcast, a bonus episode for the playoffs. It's a big week. So we wanted to ratchet it up, a primetime edition with Zach Berman and most importantly, our friend, Les Bowen here. And it's all presented by the good folks at True Mark Financial Credit Union. We'll tell you a little bit more about them in a little bit. But we are grateful for their support.

Les, great to see you. Unfortunately, the live viewers cannot. quite see the pain there where you have this beautiful fire roaring in the fireplace. It looks very cozy. Thank you for joining us. If any of them want to come over and get warm, that'd be fine. What can you offer them? Yeah, I've got some bourbon. I don't know.

All right. It's your compose language. Oh, that's my son. Casey was nice. Hey. You like, what did? I hope it wasn't the bourbon that was the draw. Well, you know what?

Kiki, he lost his first tooth today. Oh, congratulations. So maybe the bourbon would help. And I also literally lost it. And he also literally lost it. He lost the tooth at school. Oh, no. And then lost it.

You know what? The first tooth lost. I respect the use of literally there. You know, that's impressive. He gets literally correct. That's awesome. What's up, buddy? Good to see you.

All right. Go watch the show before, Ben. I got to do the show. Oh, I did. Okay. Well, you know what you have to do. You got to go right your letter to the tooth fairy. Okay. Okay. All right, an eventful show, an eventful start to the week.

Zach, why don't you first set the scene? Now, I know that you talk to Jamie and Rich on the afternoon show at 2 o'clock today, but that was before we actually got to see practice. And so what was the scene at Lincoln Financial Field in the freezing cold as Jalen Hertz trotted out there to be videotaped by all the media? Yes, you framed it up well. Frigid day. And actually, that's part of the reason why the Eagles were practicing at Lincoln Financial Field. They were practicing a Lincoln Financial Field because the turf at Novacare was frozen. So had the Eagles practiced at their facility, they would have to be indoors. Nick Siriani wanted to be outside. He said, unless there's torrential downpour or heavy winds, he likes to be outside. The conditions kept that from happening. So they went to a resided Lincoln, financial field, a fresh heated turf that they have there. And it actually provides, from our perspective, from the media perspective, like a cool venue for watching practice. You're closer.

Geoen Hertz was, it sounds weird when I say this, was stretching right in front of us, right? So, like, you know, you're able to get, you're able to get better camera angles than you would otherwise. But yeah, Jelen Hertz practicing for the first time since the Washington. game. There had been much intrigue about whether he would, he would be out there. He was officially limited. This is, this is what we expected. We talked earlier how you might see Wednesday limited, Thursday full, Friday cleared. It's still going on that timetable. So to paint the picture, we went out there as they all as they, when they were at link, I'm sorry, when they're at NovaCare, the quarterback stretch on one field. The rest of the team

stretches on the other field. Obviously at the stadium, there's one field. So the rest of the team was stretching far away. Quarterbacks were stretching close to us. Then they went through individual drills. So we saw Gell and Hertz go through different passes. He rolled out. It's of no, I should say, that Gell and Hertz was first in the drills. Kenny Pickett was second in the drills.

Tanner McKee was third in the drill. So presumably that's your pecking order for this weekend. I know that upsets or offends both sensibilities as the person who found Tanner McKee. quickly here just the injury report and they had a full practice they were in pads so this is not an estimation this is an actual injury report did not practice today Trevor Keegan he had an illness so he was not out there what's so funny it's just funny you went immediately from the most important player on the team too did not practice today Trevor Keegan who narrowly avoided the feely by playing in week 18 that brings up one of both favorite stories which is jerome McDougal shot right? Andy Reid at the year. Oh. Yeah.

Yeah. You open training camp with the injuries, Joe Meryl McDougall comma shot. Yeah. But he reads it alphabetically. So it's like someone else, you know, ankle, Joe McDougall shot. Yeah.

I didn't mean to imply that your favorite injury was when Jerome McDougal got shot. I meant when Andy Reed described it as such. So limited to practice. AJ Brown, rest slash knee. Okay. And so we'll monitor his status here. I'm expecting AJ to be fine come Sunday.

Or I should say fine enough to play. J.1 hurts concussion slash left finger. You might have heard about both of those. Kenny Pickett limited with ribs injury, but he did practice. Will Shipley ankle. There were fans who were wondering why Kenny Gainwell played at the end of the game. Will Shipley said he had a contusion. I said, you know, I spoke to him after the game.

on Sunday, but he was limited. I would expect to see him this weekend. Then full Grand Calcutara, Nikobi Dean being full, that's a good sign, progressing from that ab injury, Dallas got it full, Bryce Huff, full with the wrist injury. And then Byron Young, the Eagles started his 21-day practice window, full participant. So in theory, if Eagles want to activate him to the 53-man roster at some point, they, he's a full participant. should also note that Lewis Seine was out there, number 38, the Eagles new safety, the sixth Georgia starter from that 2021 team.

I should say, Jalen Carter wasn't technically a starter, but we'll include him as a starter, who's like the best player. The sixth major contributor from that Georgia defense now with the Eagles. I mean, that's signing totally reasonable. And I think a good use of the roster spot because they wave Ian books, so they've got an empty roster spot to play with. And in the playoffs, the practice squad elevations, you get unlimited elevations. So it's not like you need to worry about getting those guys onto the game day roster. And so to poach somebody from another practice squad makes all sense in the world. You and I exactly both liked Lewis seen a lot coming out.

So totally reasonable. However, it is very funny that it is like the most Howie Roseman player for them to add possible. Another Georgia guy and the sixth different former first round pick who they have added this calendar year. Like, that's just, it's as how he has it gets. Maybe he listens to the show. Yeah, that's quite possible, sure. Yeah. Maybe how he's like that Berman guy knows what he's talking about. Yeah, yeah, that part of you last year. I'm sure. Absolutely. Bo, not so much, but yeah, it's the opposite. I just, you know, I immediately asked you guys what was up with that, because I knew they had the open roster spot, but I've forgotten about the unlimited

practice squad stuff for the for the playoffs. So my immediate thought, whenever I see a guy brought onto the 53 is something's happened, somebody's hurt, you know, there's a safety hurt, but apparently not. So that's good. And also, you know, you see this time of year teams grab guys to stick in their back pocket for the next offseason. You know, he's with the Eagles now and he's on the roster. and he's, you know, I'm sure they want to look at him not so much for this playoff run, but for going forward.

Yes, I think that's exactly right. Now, Les, I want to know what you think about the one part of the scene that Zach did not describe today. So, again, extremely cold today and windy out there. You know, I'm like dancing around to the music just to keep my body warm. Everybody's got their gloves and their hats on and their big coats. And there was only one player, one person on the entire field, who was only wearing short sleeves. And it was Jalen Hertz.

Do you think he was sending a message less? Oh, yeah, I think so. Yeah, I think he's sending a message. That's a, you know, that's a, I'm the leader. I'm not bothered by things. You know, I'm not going to worry about this sort of message. I mean, you got Green Bay coming in, so it's not like they're going to be impressed by this.

You know, they have a lot of cold weather there. But, but yeah, I think that's. That's what he was a, you know, sort of over-emphasizing how prepared he, you know, how he's okay, he's healthy, everything's fine, and he's the leader of this team. But also a potential sign to the independent neurologist that there might be something wrong with that guy. Oh, yeah, that could be, yeah. I doubt he'll be taken into effect. What did you think, Zach? Well, I don't mean to correct you here because, you know, from, you know, from, you know, for the spirit of the conversation. Yes, Jalen Hertz was wearing it. I don't believe he was the only

one without sleeves. I actually think Jeremiah Trotter Jr. I noticed this. And I know, and I, you know what, I appreciate you being pedantic. Trotter didn't have him during warmups. And then once they went to individual drills, he then had the short sleeves. But he also, in addition to the short sleeves also had like arm padding on the upper arms. So it was not quite as exposed as Jalen was. That is why you are the astute practice observer that you are. I defer to you. on all manners of practice observations, this is a reason why. One thing that I will take, I'll give myself a pat on the back for a bit, is you are a better practice observer than I am.

I do, I think if I can say that there's one thing I am better at the more. There's one thing I am better at than you are. It is cataloging quotes that players have had in the past, remembering quotes kind of like. Without any shadow of it. Yes. Yes, okay. Yeah. A matter of fact, there was a national reporter. Your encyclopedic quote knowledge of the entire Eagles roster and anyone ever associated with them is second to none, not just on this podcast, but in the world.

There was a national reporter who reached out to me the other night who wanted, he remembered, no, he remembered Nick Siriani, like outlining what his answers are for the week, free injury thing. And he did it after the Dolphins game last year. So I was able to find that. Anyways. On December 4th, Jalen Hertz was asked about year five in the cold. It was pretty cold that week. And if he's like at this point in his career, it's still something that affects him or that he had notices. If you recall, the first time he ever saw snow was when he played against the Packers, when he got put into that game. And he said, and then also he said the coldest he's ever been was that.

was that Bears game. When he got hurt. Yes. In 2020. So he said, quote, I feel like I've been used to it. Just because I say it's cold doesn't mean it's bothersome. There are things you can do to kind of overcome the things in the atmosphere. It's fine.

So that's what Jalen Hurd said, December 4th. Good to know. There you go. All right. I think the people have got enough of the two of us, Zach. They want to hear from, they want to hear from Les. So, Les, how are you feeling about this week? And I guess the way that I have described it is, you know, the regular season for this team was awesome, you know, 14 and 3.

Nick Siriani, you know, a resounding response. However, given the stakes of this season, the regular season really was all prologue. And the way that this team is going to be remembered and judged in the long run is going to happen over the next month. And so the stakes are high. How do you feel about it all? Yeah, it's really a fascinating situation. in that the Redder season was a lot better than I expected to be. Maybe not a lot better.

But I was thinking 10, 11 wins would be a good year for this team. So many things, so many players stepped up that I didn't consider the possibility of them being like, Zach Bond, you know, I don't know anybody that thought he was going to be the all pro lineback. Unbelievable. But the other side of that is you've got, you're in the wild card because it was such an incredible year. Detroit got the number one seed. You're in the wild card round against a team that really is much better than you would expect to see in this sort of situation. And, you know,

a few fans on social media are like, and I have no idea if this is being talked about on talk radio or not, because I don't listen to talk radio. But it's, oh, Siriani could get fired if they lose this weekend. Well, no. I mean, he can't. I mean, that would be ridiculous. They don't play the Giants again this weekend. They have one game against a really good team. And anything can happen when two good teams play each other. I mean, it's not, there's no guarantee that the Eagles will win this game. I think they will. I would predict them to win, but not by a whole, you know, bunch of points and not easily, I don't think. And so you've got this great regular season, you have the potential to be one and done without it being what last year was, which was a

total disgrace and a farce, you know. And I just, I think it's a very, I don't remember anything quite like this, frankly, in covering the Eagles, where the team was that good. And in the very first playoff game, they're playing a team that's really, you know, very much like the Eagles in a lot of ways and maybe as good as the Eagles. And, you know, if it hurts is a little bit off, you know, I think it's a dicey game. I think that's right. I mean, like the margins in this game are going to be very narrow, I expect. You know, I would be less surprised if the Eagles won in the blowout than I would be if the Packers

wanted to blow out. Yes. I think that that is on the table. But, yeah, I mean, this is a game where. if, you know, one fumble bounces a different way, it could decide the game. If Jake Elliott misses a kick, it could decide the game. Like, it is going to likely be a game with very thin margins. And you're right that if they lose this game in a hard-fought, semi-unlucky fashion,

you know, Jalen Hurts is a little bit rusty. It's not going to wipe away everything that happened. Yeah, it doesn't mean the season was awful. and that the whole team's a joke or any of that stuff. But it's going to be a weird position for people to be in next week. I don't know how it's going to be handled, you know, by the fan base. Right. That said, I do think there are paths to, if things go a certain way, you know,

Zach, you have said it before, like, you know, Sirion is unsigned going into the last year of his contract. if they are unable to come to terms on something and, you know, there is disagreement about the coaching staff. I, you know, it's not the craziest thing in the world to me. I think, I think Nick Siriani is like 96% likely to be the Eagles head coach next year. I wouldn't go as far as 100. I'd go at least 99. I just don't see, I mean, they could do, if they lose, you know, they could bring somebody in. Nick, Nick's been very pliable in terms of letting them tell him that his offensive and defensive

coordinators need to change. You know, he hasn't been Doug Peterson in that regard. They can make him bring somebody in as an advisor or some stuff, you know, like that. But I just can't imagine how you would part ways with him at this point, unless he really wanted to or something. How do you feel that? I'm expecting Nick to be back, of course, and I think he has earned that. Now, that said, we said going into the year, like, we have to be consistent with this.

We said this year's going to be judged by what they do in the postseason and not just judged by us, but judged by the front office. But it hasn't been. I don't think we anticipated anything quite like this. 14 and 3, no, but, but, I mean, you know, I think. Maybe they would be possibly, you know, like 10 and 7 going. into the wild card round. Well, so I actually think in internally, I think the expectation was they were, this was like a 12, 13 win team. Like one of the best teams in in the league.

And then I think, well, I know internally they, they thought this was a Super Bowl caliber roster for Howley. And I'm sorry, for, for Nick. And the fact that they've stayed healthy this year that, you know, so look, it, the only way I think there's even a conversation is if this is, like an embarrassing one and done type thing. And there's like sideline history onics, you know. Yeah.

Or some type of in-game decision. Now, but this is the one thing I'll say is that like what has my antenna up because I'm expecting him to be back and I haven't heard anything otherwise. But this is not like talk radio fodder. This is you, you've heard this from like some national reporters

and unless this is coming from other, like, coaching agents who want to get their guy, like, in the Philly, then they're, these people aren't making it up. Like, it has to be a whisper as somewhere that they're putting it out there. But who does Jeffrey Lurie talk to in the national media? I mean, I don't know. He's the guy that's going to make that decision. And I just don't see him taking anybody into his confidence. on that. And I just can't imagine. But I have no idea what their relationship is like,

how he really feels, you know, about how the team is done. I can't imagine he's anything other than excited about this and, you know, behind everything. But I don't really know. I have no real information there. I just, he's not a guy that people were throwing up things to me like, well, you know, in 2006, the Chargers fired Marty Schottenheim. Well, you know, this is not the Chargers and Saryani is not Marty Schottenheimer. You know, Jeffrey Lurie doesn't fire coaches who go 14. You know, I'll just be really shocked if that happens. I think the rumor mill aspect of it is to some degree a creation of the Eagle Zone making

based on what happened at the end of last year when they let Siriani twist in the wind for a week. And it was apparent, and I kind of thought they wouldn't bring him back. I, you know, that was as extraordinarily good as this season has been. That ending in the last season was every bit as extraordinary in the other direction. It was just a total failure of leadership and coaching. A lot of guys wouldn't have gotten another chance after that. If you're willing to give the guy another chance after that, and then he goes 14 and 3 and loses a place, playoff game. Yeah, I agree with you.

Yeah. Yeah, I'm expecting. And I think Nick's done a really impressive job this year when you, when you consider some of the different dynamics during the year. And I even spoke to guys today about it, Jordan Milata, particularly credit him for listening to the players during the bye week. I've heard multiple people talk about, like, the emotional stability behind the scenes, like knowing what buttons to push. Now that said you were referring to Jeffrey Lurie. So this is what Jeffrey Lurie said back in March, March 26th. Jeffrey Lory when he was asked about the pressure on Nick Siriani this year,

Jeffrey didn't back away from it. Jeffrey said, quote, every coach is in a high pressure situation. Nick has been pretty, Nick has had a pretty spectacular first three seasons, and he's shown all the ingredients to have outstanding success. I'm just looking forward. There's no coach that's not feeling pressure to perform. That's the way it is in the National Football League. but I think Nick has all the ingredients.

And I think that last part there is the key because Howie and Jeffrey feel that Nick has all the ingredients. Like I think they view 14 and 3, good coaching job by Nick, but this is a 14 win roster, right? It's like how do you stack up against the other top teams? And so we'll see what happens there. And I think part of their evaluation of Nick is that one of those ingredients, perhaps relative to this season, the most important ingredient is one that they gave him without

his say, and that was Vic Fangio, right? And Vic Fangio has been an enormous reason for that. I like that. Yes. Yes. And they're the ones who hired him. Yeah. But Fangio also has benefited from such a dramatically better defensive roster than his predecessor had. You know, Fancho's done great, but they are so much better defensively personnel-wise than they were last year, I think. Yeah, I mean, I mean, they are. In the back end. In the back end, for sure. And in the Quinnier-Mittal over James Bradbury last year is a blowout, right?

Cooper DeGine is a blowout over Avanti and Bradley Robey from last year. I think C.J. Gunner Johnson is, you know, an upgrade over what they had last year. Now, I don't know that Sean DeSai would have gotten this Zach Bond season out of Zach Bond and they got a healthy Nicobi Dean, which is nice. I think you could argue that the front is not

quite as good personnel-wise with no Fletcher Cox and no Hassan Reddick, but he's been willing to turn the knob up. This season is much better than Jalen Carter last season and probably better than Fletcher Cox was last season. I just think

Jailen Carter's had one of the best years of an Eagles interior defensive lineman that I've seen. And he was not at that level last year, I would say. I agree. Yeah. And I think Milton Williams has come a long way, too. I call him milk. I have no idea if he goes by Milton or milk, but I like milk.

So if he really objects. Milty. Yeah, there are people who call him milk. I think the big thing this year, too, personnel-wise, besides the personnel because because we can debate, I mean, certainly backends better, linebackers better. But I think the inner, I mean, Nick talks about like the connectedness.

I don't know if I'm going to use that term. But it's just a much healthier locker room this year. Yeah. Last year, like defensively, there was all kinds of stuff last year. I don't know. I mean, there were a lot of people in that locker room who either, I don't want to say weren't getting along. But it was just, it was an odd place.

last year. It was a, it was a, it was, there were a lot of people on, on, on, on, on eggshells, uh, last year. And this year, you know, I've heard multiple players, and I asked next year, I mean, about this day. I've heard multiple players refer to like this college atmosphere that they have, uh, which it can, it can go different ways. Like, it is a, it's had different connotations for past Diego's head coaches. Sure. Yeah, you're right. But, but, but there is, um, like this, this is a group that does seem, if you believe in vibes, the vibes in this locker room are better than they were a year ago. Yeah, absolutely. I'm sure they are because one thing I know for sure, and I'm never in there, but Hassan Reddick, the whole situation with him last year really

cast Apollo of everything. He was so unhappy and so focused on his situation. And coming off the year he'd had before, he was a big voice in that locker room. room and a big presence. And I think that set a terrible tone. And even how all these mercenary safeties like Byrd and guys like that coming in and out. And, you know, it was a very strange setup. Linebackers, too, Shaq Leonard and Nicholson and all these guys, you know, that had no real, they weren't part of the continuing culture here.

They weren't developed drafted by this team. I just think this is a much more, that's a big part of it is these draftees have come to fruition. And they are Eagles guys, you know. I think there's a lesson there that sometimes you got to just give the kids a chance. Yeah. And not try to just keep bringing in the, the Roby, you know, buyer types. Yeah.

You know, let Christian Ellis play over Nicholas Morrow if we would like to relitigate it. I mean, literally the biggest, you know, because I have, gone back and watched that Eagles Packers game. Less had a good column up on all p.hly.com yesterday. Be a diehard. You can read less comparing the first game to what's coming this this weekend. But the big difference defensively, other than the fact that they're more advanced in the scheme, they're, you know, they have a better understanding of each other. They're tackling better. But personnel-wise is Cooper the Gene. And that's to the, you know, I do think their their hope was to play Cooper the Gene all along at slot. He missed the summer.

Like once they had enough practice time with him, they were going to put him in there. But Cooper the Gene has made such a difference. And you see, you go back and you see that Packers game. And like there's just such difference between Cooper and Avanti Maddox. Yeah, that was one of. Avanti had a real tough time that day. Yeah. You know, that was kind of that presage the season he was going to have, and then he was not going to be able to hold that spot down, which going to the season, I would have thought they were in pretty decent shape with a healthy Yvante Maddox. But that was Reed was the guy that was just killing him that day. And a 70-yard touchdown catch and a 33-yard end around. And, yeah, Reed looked like the greatest player in NFL history that day.

But the two things I noticed, you know, I did mention, I did notice, obviously, Dijin wasn't there. The other thing was the Hertz turnovers. You know, going back and watching that, it really smacks you in the face because we're so beyond that now, we hope, anyway. Two interceptions that were both just brutal. Two more passes that should have been interceptions. The worst pass you through all year. That one to the end zone interception, he threw one at the sideline that should have been picked off. You just aren't seeing that now.

And, of course, you had the fumble off the snap, but that was he had his head turned and Juergens snapped the ball off his chest. But the turnovers were, I really think that's kind of what kept the game close. Frankly, I thought the Eagles were the better team that day. they held the ball for the final seven minutes and 52 seconds of the game or something until they actually gave it up with 30 seconds left that kicked a field goal after fumbling a snap on the tush push that's right i forgot about that um i didn't think it was a game that i've seen it written somewhere else that oh they could have lost that game to the packer you know they yeah they could have but i didn't think it was as dire as as as as some people think it was. And that's why turnovers are going to be a huge deal. And I mean, they're a huge deal in every game, especially a playoff game.

But this Packers defense, what makes them good statistically is their ability to force turnover. So if Jalen can protect the ball, it's hard to really see them hanging necessarily. All right. Let's take a quick break to hear from our sponsors and then back with more on the other side. All right. So it's January. That means you're, you know,

you're checking out those credit card statements from the holiday season. And it's possible that, that balance is weighing you down. Well, what if you could pay it off faster and with zero interest until 2026? It's true. You could because True Mark Financial is offering zero interest on balance transfers for 12 months so all your payments can go toward reducing your balance, not just covering interest. Here's the play.

Transfer your existing balance from another institution to a True Mark Financial Visa credit card and take advantage of this amazing offer. But hurry, you have to apply by February 28, 2025. Whether you are interested in earning rewards, cash back, or simply prefer a low rate for everyday purchases. With TrueMark Financial, you can choose the credit card that best fits your financial needs. Visit trumark.com slash compare for full details and to apply today. True Mark Financial, federally insured by the NCUA, Equal Opportunity Lender, Terms and Conditions apply. all loans are subject to approval.

3% balance transfer fee applies. If you are trying to bet this Eagles Packers game, and you bet it on it, and you went to Bet365 earlier this week, you would have seen a line that's closer than it is now. I have it in front of me. The Eagles now are four and a half point favorites on Bet365, and that's the place to turn,

because whatever the moment, it's never ordinary yet, bet 365. Bet365 has 90 million users worldwide. Bet 365 live streams 780,000 events each year. There's early payout offers across NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB. Bet365 Pioneer live in-game betting. Today, Bet365 offers the widest range of games and markets available for live in-game betting across 78 sports. And right now, new customers can get $150 in bonus bets when you bet.

just $5. Use the code P HLY 365 to sign up, deposit $10 and place a bet for $5 to get $150 in bonus bets. Bonus bets can be used on the spread, totals, player props, futures, and more. Download the Bet365 app. Use code P-H-L-Y-365. When you sign up, get $150 in bonus bets. When you bet $5, whatever the moment, it's never ordinary at Bet365.

must be 21 or older and physically located in Pennsylvania. If you were someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call or text, 1-800 gambler. And we thank Bet365 for sponsoring the second half of this bonus episode. Bet365. I really feel left out. I don't have a sponsor thing to read. You've got fire.

Yes. Be careful with that. Yeah. There you go. All right. I'll ask about Howie, Les. you know, we could we could say that Zach Baum is more of a Vic Fangio creation than a Howie creation, you know, Howie signed Devin White. But other than that, you know, a lot of credit goes to him for this off season for the players he's brought in.

Where does this Howie Roseman team rank in the Pantheon for you of Howie Roseman's, you know, big seasons? Oh, real, real high. Again, what we were talking about just a minute ago was the homegrown talent. That 2023 draft, if you look back at it now, that might be the best draft in Eagles history. You know, I mean, we don't know yet. These guys are, yeah, their careers are yet to be really determined. But almost everybody there is contributing. I don't have that in front of me now.

and I wrote about it last week. So you got Carter and Nolan Smith in the first round. Then he got Sidney Brown and Tyler Steen. And then who comes at the end? Keeley, Ringo, then Tanner McKee, then Moro Ojima. There you go. Yeah. Everybody on that in there is contributing.

And that's true of the 24 draft as well, except for Kegan, the guy you mentioned, Zach. And Dylan McMahon, who they unceremoniously let go. Yes, Dylan McMahon, yes. you know, and they drafted a lot of guys these years. You know, I mean, it's not like they had like a four-man draft class or anything. These are excellent drafts. I don't know how much of that is Howie, how much of it is the scouts, you know, how much of it is Alec Halliby?

I have no idea. But personnel-wise, they were in 2020, I really thought, as close as Howley is to Jeffrey and as long as, Howie's tenure has been here in all of his roles. I really thought after that 4-11 and one season, when he had to trade Carson Wentz, who had been the centerpiece of Howie's comeback, you know, and they had an old defense,

and I thought, wow, this could really, if he doesn't handle this really, really well, he could go the way of Joe Banner in a year or two, you know. And he turned it around so beautifully. they were back in the Super Bowl by 2022. But what he has done since then, you know, I think that the 2022 defense was exposed as a paper tiger in the playoffs. And then they lost the coordinators. And they took a step back after that.

But they've rebuilt the defense now. And I think one reason why we were talking a little while ago about how a loss this weekend wouldn't be the end of the world, you hesitate to say. this, but they're well fixed going forward. You know, there's not a huge, I mean, they have to sign Zach Bonn and do some other things, but it's this is going to be a good team. I think you can say that, you know, going forward for the next couple of years. And so Howie has really set himself up, I think, for the best run of his tenure, which has tended to be peaks and valleys.

You know, even with the successes he's had, it's been whoop, woo. year to year. And I don't really see that right now looming in the in the background. Yeah. So I'm not as enthused by that 23 draft as as as you made out. I mean, certainly Jellon Carter has been, oh, you know, outstanding. He's been what they thought he was going to be. And Nolan Smith has really come on this year better than certainly he looked at, the summer. Most improved player last year. Yeah, getting Ojima in the seventh round was a good pickup. Tanner McKee in the sixth round.

Starting caliber quarterback on the sixth round. Yeah. You know, Steen and Sidney Brown are two guys that they had a sign for agents over. And that was kind of, they traded back in the second. They moved up in the third with the Gannon situation. I'm curious to see how those picks pan out. but to your point, one thing that really stands out to me since 2020, and this has been, we've documented this, we've talked about this,

is the Eagles really leaned in more than they having a long time to like star players on big contracts. And the way it was always kind of explained to me and makes sense is that there's going to be less of a middle class with the team, that there's going to be your AJ Browns and J.L. hurts and you go on down the list with all these guys making big time, you know, I mean, they've like three guys on their offensive line who are paid at the top of their position. And but then and then there's going to be guys on rookie contracts who need to contribute.

And there's going to be less of like that middle class of player. Right. And so you need to hit on on the draft picks. And so when I look, I mean, I think that 2021 draft, the first three rounds and obviously when you're drafting higher, you're able to hit more on picks. But Devonte Smith landed Dickerson, Milton Williams, right there. You have like three, you have two star caliber players and then, you know, one like really good starter or, you know, good starter. 2022, you draft Cam Juergens.

You're a pro ball center in the second round. Kobe Deans is starting linebacker for you. Jordan Davis has been a productive nose tackle. You know, he's not, that pick could have been better, but it's not like they whipped on it, right? He's contributing. And then this year, obviously, Quinnian Mitchell, Cooper. the jeans. So like right there, I just named, you know, two, four, six, nine starters that they got on, no, 10 starters that that they landed on, who are, who were on rookie deals. Now, Dickerson and

Devante got early extensions. Right. You got to roll it in. Yeah. Yeah, but this is still their rookie contract. So 10 starters that they've drafted in the past four drafts that are on rookie deals. Like that's, to me, that's real valuable to your team. And I give Halley credit because there was a period of time before that when you did not have that at all, really. You know, you had, you had empty draft classes. You know, you look like the 2017 draft class. Derek Barnett was really the only, and now I know. Unbelievable.

Unbelievable. It's so funny. I was at the link today looking at the wall. And there's the, there's the picture on the wall as we're in the tro, as we're in the, as we're in the, lobby of Derek Barnett, like holding up the ball that won the Super Bowl. And I'm thinking to myself, oh, I could take a picture of this and make a, you know, make a snarky joke about how Zach hates this guy. And then I don't do it, but you come on the podcast that night. And the first negative thing you have to say the whole time is about Derek Barnett.

I'm crediting Derek Barnett. I'm saying he was the only starter that they landed in that 17 draft. Yeah, those were bad drafts. Yeah, 18 was a good class. But 19, you know, Miles Sanders was the only starter that they drafted from that class. 20, Jalen was the only starter that they drafted from that class, right? And so that contributes to a period of time where you're

kind of missing those key contributors on rookie deals. Yeah, and that really made the roster week. You know, it really created some problems. And that's what he came back from so quickly and so well, Howie, which is what we were originally talking about. You know, that

it's been a hell of a tournament. round for him. And I give him all the credit in the world. He doesn't believe that. He thinks I'm, I hate him. But, you know, he's done a tremendous job. And I really think he could be, especially if they win some playoff games this year, even win the Super Bowl, he could kind of relax a little bit in terms of his public demeanor. Never going to happen. Yeah, I know. It's just not who he is. But he could own the town. I mean, he's a beloved. general manager right now, I think, among the fan base. But he just can't, you're never going to convince him of that.

I'm thinking about, let's say, let's, you know, do you think that Howie has aspirations of more? More in terms of what? Like a team president somewhere else? Somewhere else? Yeah. I just can't, I can't envision that. He's been here since he was.

a child, almost literally. He had that one year when he looked around, but he didn't go anywhere when Chip exiled him. I just can't see. The problem with going somewhere else is the other owners aren't Jeffrey Lurie. I mean, if you go work for the Jets, you might be working there two or three years and then be out of a job again, you know. And that's not the situation he's But there might be places where you don't have to deal with the Philadelphia media market. I'm going to frame this a little differently. Far be it for me to give a cultural reference, okay, but I'm going to give a cultural reference here. Uh-oh.

Yeah. So in the- So, Jim Bartlett, in season three. That's typically, if it's not West Wing and Curbary enthusiasm, I'm in trouble. But no, this one's actually not. There's a scene from the Wall Street, the second one. Wall Street, I think it's called Money Never Sleeps. Okay.

And Shai LeBuff is, is that's name, Shilabuff, Laboo? Yeah, you go. Okay, yeah, and he's talking, who's the, I see the character in my head. I don't know his name. He played George W. Bush in the movie W. You know, the character. Oh, Josh Brolin? Yeah, okay, yeah.

So the two of them are talking. I can already see you rolling your eyes, but. And Shilabuff says, says, his character says, says, what's your number? Basically, like, like, what's the number that it will take for you to just say, F it, I'm done. You know, like, like, like, like being this guy. And that character says, what do you mean being this guy? Like, he's, he's like a hard charging Wall Street guy, you know? And so it's like, what's the number.

I see what you're saying. Yeah. So like you're chasing and then once you hit that, you'll roll. Yeah. Once you hit that, you're done. And that character, his answer was more, right? And that's kind of what I think of, I mean, not, you know, I'm not talking financially, but like in terms of like how he's chasing more, the next.

And so I think like he literally talked about this. I've heard him talk about this, that when he won the Super Bowl, it was like this addictive feeling that he just wanted to feel it again, right? And that he, it was like, we're not getting complacent. We're going to do this again. And I think that like once you get, once you win again, you say more. And so I think of, I'm not saying how he's leaving. I'm not saying anything like that.

What I'm saying is is this. Theo Webstein, who I believe is like the best GM in, you know, in sports story, my time, like following sports, wins a World Series with the Red Sox, and then he wants to go to the Cubs, right? Because it's like, what's better than winning? Yeah, what's better in winning than Boston?

Winning in Chicago, you know, it's like, I'm going to end this curse. And it's, and so I think you get wired a certain way. Now, professional football is different, but you get wired a certain way that it's like, all right, well, well, well, like, what if I'm in charge of everything? Or what if I have an equity stake or, you know,

there's, so there's always like, Yeah, but had Theo spit his, a bit like a quarter century, his entire professional life working for the Boston Red Sox at that point. Close to it. Yeah, I think, I guess. Yeah, so that's just kind of like he was, I mean, and he was 28 years old, I think, when he became the GM. And it's, and it's just, I see, you know, look, I mean, how he's got it. Now, no, how he's, how he's more could be, I want to be a Hall of Famer. and being a Hall of Famer means three Super Bowls or, you know, building, you know,

you're going to hear the, you know, you heard the stat. I remember, and I don't want to rip on like the national reporters, but I remember this came out like, like Howie Roseman's the first GM to make two Super Bowls with the different coach and different quarterback. And it's like the most like manufactured stat. But yeah, but it's like how he's, there's like legacy. chasing and look he has earned it. I give Howie a lot of credit because he has earned the spot that he's at right right now. Like he built this team back up. I agree. And I just maybe I'm wrong,

but I just don't see you have to have another situation where you knew you had the the money and the philosophy from the ownership and the stable ownership and the facilities and you just don't go somewhere and be a successful manager in the NFL. I don't think. I mean, you don't go down to Jacksonville and just because you're so-and-so Jacksonville is going to be good. That isn't how the league works. And I think he's going to be hard pressed to find a setup that is more conducive to winning than the one he's in. Not impossible. I guess if somehow he were going to be the Buffalo Bills or something, I don't know. But there aren't very much. many places where you're going to have stability and trust and, you know, the kinds of things

he has here. And I just, I don't think he's going to go running off to try to be a savior somewhere else. I'd be shocked if that happened. I did a question for Les, too. Go ahead. Go ahead, please. So, and you're free to chime in on this, too, Bo, because this is actually during your frame of reference as well. But the Eagles actually home wildcard games have have not been kind in

recent years. So they win the division. They have a home playoff game. Okay. So now the situations have been different, of course, but you go back, 2019 playoffs, they lose to Seattle at home. Okay? Two thousand thirteen. Somebody in this room, I wrote an award-winning gamer off that game. That's true. Thank you. I think actually the trophy's right above me. By the way, speaking of that, is that the trophy

that's right above you? Because the lighting actually makes it look like devil horns on your head. No, no. The trophy is, yeah,

I mean, the trophy is a different award. The certificates are the story. Big fun. Anyways, 2013 playoffs, lost at home to the Saints.

In the Orleans. Yeah, 2010 playoffs, lost at home to the pack. A great. Yeah, you have to go back to 2000 and,

and, and, uh, six, right, six, 2006 when they beat the giants with Jeff Garcia. Okay. Yeah. So, uh, if I can ask, ask you for impromptu because you, you covered all these, which was like the biggest upset to the like, the most expected result of, of those games, of those home playoff losses. And do you see any comparisons with any of them to what the Eagles are going into this weekend? Well, the playoff losses are. I remember it's vivid. are those NFC championship game losses under Andy Reid.

You know, those were archetypes. Wild card games, I don't know if you're ever that confident that you're going to win a wild card game. They have not had like a 14 and 3 team in a wild card game. I know that. That 2010... Of course, just because it used to be, if you were a two-seed, you would get out.

If you're in the wild card round, it means that you are a three. for. Yes. That 2010 team, it's weird because Green Bay won the Super Bowl that year, the only Super Bowl that Aaron Rogers ever won. But the Eagles could have won that game and maybe should have won that game. I thought they were as good a team that year as Green Bay was. I didn't think Green Bay was a great team that year. That was a year when you didn't have to be a great team to win the Super Bowl. And the Eagles lost, I'm sure you guys remember, they were driving downfield trying to win the game. Michael Vick had had this incredible

comeback season. One of the, it was the talk of the league. And they had, I want to say, 40-some seconds left, first down, a 20-something yard line of Green Bay. And he just throws up a prayer for Riley Cooper. Yep. In the end of 50-50 ball for Riley Cooper. And it gets intercepted and the game's over on first down from like the 22 yard line or something like that. With a lot of time left. And, you know, I felt they should have won that game.

I felt if he had just thrown that away, they probably would have won that game. You know, it was a situation there wasn't enough time left for Green Bank. to go back down and score and if you score you win the game and you're you've driven all the way down the field and you're there and that was the one that I remember most vividly but it wasn't a huge I mean they weren't the best team in the league or anything like that but I thought they no but they were I mean at that time I remember feeling like that game the winner of that game was was going to go to the Super Bowl the way that the thing set up yeah and you know I think the I don't remember who was the one and who was the two, but it was the Falcons and the Bears, and neither team was,

was particularly inspiring. And the Eagles, obviously, like, they started off so hot when they came in. They had the little downturn, and then there was the miracle of the New Meadowlands, and you felt like that team really had the juice. And I think, I think that class of players, you know, that group of guys looks back on that team and that game as, like, that was their chance. Yeah. You know, more so. More so. even then the Chip Kelly here of 2013. Yeah, Trent Cole, those guys, you know, that was a good bunch. Yeah.

It was a good mix of, it was a good mix of veterans and, you know, young legs. I remember that game very well. It was my first year as a full-time employee. Oh, okay. And my brother, who grew up a Packers fan, was at the game, wearing his Packers jersey and he always remembers

the one bit of smack that was talked to him in the parking lot was just F. Cheese. So there you go. Maybe I've been Lexington Tower right now. Yeah, I have a friend Jason Willey who covers the Packers

and he always, I think it was that game. Green Bay comes here a lot and comes here a lot in the playoffs for some reason. You remember the fourth and 26 game was also Green Bay. But Willie was walking through the parking lot. He's wearing a pink Oxford clock button-down shirt.

And some guy starts razzing him about his pink shirt and implying that he's not a manly man for wearing a pink shirt. And Willie was like, what? And that's the coming on the meeting between us. He had something he needed a favor of it. He wanted to send me a gift for finding out whatever. it was I found out for him and I said no you don't have to do anything like that and then he sent me a pink golf shirt uh as a that's a momento you're the the 2010 playoff game I think I I covered that I was just about the about to making fun of a guy for wearing a pink shirt oh oh yeah that was

not me I was I was at I covered that game for the start of ledger and then after that I got my car and I drove up 95 to New England I spent a week in New England I spent a week in New England leading up to Patriots Jets. That was the famous, the West Welker press conference when I did not realize. I was there. Oh, really? Yeah, I was there. And I was wondering, like, where, like, that's a weird reference he made.

And then not until someone put it together that the feat reference were for Rex Ryan. Yeah. And I remember it was snowed in. snowed in. I was staying at the hotel right that's attached to the stadium and there were a few Patriots there. And then I went from there to Pittsburgh. I had to drive to Pittsburgh

after that game because the Jets were playing the Steelers in the IFC championship. And I remember my first assignment was on the Rafflesburger. I had to write about the restaurant that made the Rafflesberger. So.

Yes. All right. I put up the call on Bluski for some questions. for you guys to answer. So I'm going to give a couple of them to me now. This first one comes from Rich Kotite's Ghost, who says, would you trade Tanner McKee to the New York Giants

for the number three pick in the draft or is the risk of facing him twice a year for the next 12 years too large? Yeah, yeah, I trade him. Yeah, send a heartbeat. Oh, in a heartbeat. I don't know. I'd rather trade him, Jalen.

No, you're wrong with him. No. Robin, who I believe is in the chat, asks, is there anything at all we can do about the kicking game? And you think about that 2010 game, that's the We Can All Count game. How worried are you about Jake Elliott coming into this Sunday affair? Zach is around these guys. I'm surprised by what's happened, but I don't really,

like the one he missed last week, it was the win really, I guess, really was. a big deal. I don't know. I mean, clearly his leg isn't where it was 10 years ago, you know, or eight years ago, or however long it was when he kicked the 61-yarder 2017, seven years and several months ago. But is he really a big, is there a danger that he's going to miss a makeable field goal in a tight spot? I don't really see that, but I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong.

What do you think, Zach? Yeah, I mean, I don't think his confidence is shot or anything of that nature. And so you kind of have to, he has equity here. But it's kind of like, I mean, yeah, he's a, he's almost like a franchise hall of fame type picture. I mean, he's been tremendous. But it's, it's kind of like. a slugger who's struggling at the plate and you're like, all right, you know, we can't bench him for the World Series, but we just, we need him to get his bat on the ball here, right? And so it's, it's kind of like that.

When you're saying, you're saying like, yeah, he's, he's done too much. And the way I framed it after, I think the ball, or, you know, back in December is that he's, he's earned too much and he earns too much, right? Is that like they're not, they're not moving on from him. And so, but, yeah, it is concerning because this has been going on, and I've said this, this has been going on since the preseason. This has not been a bad game. This has been since the first season, Jake has been more inconsistent than they would like.

And he's had one bad year since he's been here, and that was 2020. And he was able to write the ship then, but he didn't do that until the following season. So look, you just don't want this to come up at a bad time. No, you really don't. But the thing is, I mean, what are you going to do from a practical standpoint? Bringing somebody in, it's rare that you bring somebody in who just starts blasting 55-yard field goals. To be fair, the last guy they had to bring in is Cameron Dicker. Cameron Dicker.

I was getting to that. But, yeah, that was the one time, and they were so lucky that that that was the guy they brought in. You know, normally that's not the way it goes. you know. So I'm not, I think you just have to hope that it all works out. I wish they'd keep him on the kickoffs. I don't really get. I'm curious to see what they do this week. I heard that whole explanation about different directions and blah, blah, blah, but I, one guy gets the ball well into the end zone. The other guy doesn't. That's kind of what I'd look at,

because they're not very good at covering it when it comes out. And, you know, statistics. So I would just have Elliott blast the ball through the end zone and not worry so much about the directions or trying to fool people or any of that kind of silliness. But that's just a good point in the chat from Matt, who says that the second to last guy they had to bring in was Jake Elliott. Yeah. Yeah. That's right. Yeah. Bengals practice squad.

A question from Bluski, Tyler, who says, after seeing the passing concepts in the past two games, is it fair to say that the rhythm, timing? throwing throws and lack of targets in the middle of the field and running back checkdowns are probably a Jalen issue and not a Nick Siriani or Kellan Moore issue at this point. I let Zach go first there. I don't know. Go ahead. Yeah, I think that there's evidence that suggests, excuse me, that the way they're playing with Jalen. Thanks to watch the TV viewers watching on Fast, by the way, and check out all p.hly.com if you want to check out the rest of the episode. go ahead, Zach. The way they're playing with, with Jalen,

and Professor Selman's on tomorrow's show, and he'll outline some of the play action numbers, the under-center play action numbers, and how the disparity between what they showed last week with Tanner McKee and what they've done with Jalen, and the way Jalen's played the past two years, and the way Kellmore called plays before he got here, shows that the Eagles run certain concepts

because it's what Jalen either likes or what Jalen excels it. And so, yeah, I don't want to say that it's problematic. Like, they've had a lot of success, you know, I mean, like, you know, jailen hurts and college and pros has never not made the playoffs for a team that he started. But this is not the Cowan Moore offense that you saw in Dallas and that you saw parts of it with the Chargers. Because this is, and we said this, going back to the beginning of the year.

This is a jail in Hurts offense with with Kellyn Moore concept in there. And I think a lot of the different parts of this is is built to try to maximize jail. Zach, do you think they could have, like I was really struck by last week how they moved the pocket early with Tanner McKee and gave him some very easy pitch and catch options that were wide open. Maybe they were wide open because it was the Giants. I don't know. But do you think they could do more of that with Hertz? Because they have such a problem at the beginning of games. Yeah.

Week in and week out. I think they would like to. I think that whether it's that Jalen doesn't want that or that's not the ball. No, no, no, no. The big thing I thought with Tanner is he was getting rid of the ball quickly, right? Yeah. And that's not, that's just not. Jay Allen's game is no it is like you know the other thing with Tanner's but the thing is that

when Jaylin does get rid of the ball quickly his numbers are are better than anybody in the league like you're absolutely awesome when he gets rid of the ball quickly that's really true but one thing you saw with Tanner that Jalen can't do anything about is Tanner 6-6 and he can't stand back there and throw it over the middle over the gigantic guards that he has and I'm not sure Jalen can I think there's a real art I remember reading something about Drew breeze once about how a smaller quarterback has to sort of not so much move your feet around, but move your perspective and get, you know, really work to see everything. And it's a knack.

And not everybody develops it or has it. And I'm convinced a lot of times when they don't throw over the middle, it's because Jaylon can't see it. He's not seeing what's there. All right. I think this is the last one from pair of slacks. who says, will the evolving door of offensive coordinators continue if Kellyn Moore gets a head coaching gig, or is there a more permanent solution similar to what we could expect for Vic Fangio moving forward?

I'll be shocked if Kellyn Moore gets a head coaching job off of this. Just because you're bored to death by his press conferences? Well, I just don't think, what is he really done that people are going to be? And if they win the Super Bowl, that changes everything because every coordinator who's on a Super Bowl winning team is a genius. you know, for a little while. But is anybody like, boy, what Kellan Moore has done in Philadelphia this year? Have you seen it? Have you, you know, is it really caught your imagination?

You know, nobody else is doing this. You know, he'll get an interview or two. He's already had it. I guess an interview, but. Scheduled with the Jags. I just don't. Jags and the Saints. And that's next, yeah, and that's, he can't do it this week, has to be next week.

And he's also a guy that's been doing this for a while. while without getting time. He interviewed for Nick's job in 2022, or 2021 rather. It feels like there's a bit of a tension here. There's a bit of a rivalry between less and more. That's a good one. Yeah. I don't have anything against the guy, but I just don't think he's got a particularly great platform for being named a head coach this year, more than he would have had in any other year that he's been doing these interviews, you know. Yeah, but so the answer the question, as far as like what the answer would be. It's fascinating to me if Kelmore were to get a job.

But I think there are other options out there. The Eagles numbers haven't been great. But like you said, he's been on the interview circuit before. There's clearly interest in him. You do wonder, too, if Mike McCarthy doesn't get retained there, if that's some, if that's a place Dallas looks. I mean, Jerry Jones does like familiar, you know. I think McCarthy will get retit.

They wouldn't let him talk to the bears, you know. Yeah. I think they're just dragging their feet like they do on everything. But go ahead. They might be low-balling, though. That's the thing, too. Yeah. Yeah.

So, but to that point, it really goes back to the original, or not the original A conversation we had earlier. And that's what equity does Nick Siriani have. Because I think that Nick would love to give Kevin Petuo an offensive coordinator job. Like, you know, Kevin Patuo is Nick's right-hand man. I think, you know, Kevin Patuo, is someone who Dick really trusts, who's been here. You can make the argument that he knows Jalen.

There's continuity for Jalind. Petulow couldn't be elevated two years ago because they would have lost Brian Johnson. Brian Johnson was going to be an O.C., whether it's here or somewhere else. Okay? And then this past year, they couldn't put Patoa in after everything. You know, they had to bring in someone from the outside, right? Right. And so if it's like, if it's a situation where,

he gets the equity back and he gets to make his hire than like Patuo is his guy. Now I see in the chat, Frank Reich, maybe, yeah, maybe it's a senior offensive. Maybe it's like the 2020 Eagles where you have all these different titles. But I don't think there's an awesome. I honestly don't think there is any scenario. I like Kevin Wittulo a lot personally. I don't think there is any scenario in which the Eagles think that Nick Siriani has earned the equity to hire from within an offensive coordinator again after the way that

the 2023 went. I think even if they win the Super Bowl and Kelly Moore gets hired, I think they are still going to make his offensive coordinator higher. Now, the one thing I'll say there is I think that Brian Johnson was their offensive coordinator higher. Now, that said, that said, Nick was like a, you know, I think Brian Johnson to a certain extent had his hands tied behind his back. Like I think Nick. Can you never hire from within again because that happened?

Well, it just has to be like, like Nick, this is working with with you in this, like, you're not going to be running the offense, right? This can't be but tool. It was a figurehead for you doing this here. And, and maybe it's, yeah, yeah, maybe it's a Frank Reich. Maybe there's a different coach out there. You know, they hire externally. I've always wondered like, you know,

is Jeff Stoutland's next job calling plays here. But then, as Bose mentioned in the past, once he do that with Stout, if it doesn't work, he can't revert back to O'Lyloin. So it's like, and you've messed up two things then, you know, you don't know that you're going to have the offensive line as well. Yeah, it's, it's kind of like Juan Castillo in that regard, right? I would love to know what Stout really wants. Yeah. You know, he doesn't really strike me.

People talk about him as a head coach, but, and I know. I know he was briefly interim head coach at Miami when they were going through a bunch of stuff, but in college. But he doesn't strike me as the face of a franchise kind of guy, you know, that he's going to be giving press conferences several times a week and really be. That would be awesome. It would be awesome for us, but I don't see him to do that. I just don't see him being comfortable in that role. Do you think he can? Yeah, I think he, I think that is something that he could do and that.

But I also think he's someone who, who like is, he's enjoying what he or I can't speak for. I think he, he, he likes coaching the Eagles offensive line. Like he's had. And Jeff Lerner makes it worth as well. Yeah. And there are guys that do that in the NFL for whatever reason. I think offensive line is unique almost in that regard. guys like Howard Mudd

who are Tom maybe Tom Moore isn't a great example but you know guys who are basically offensive line guys you know they don't do they don't you don't ever see people

who are just quarterbacks coaches you know they move on to be offensive coordinators or head coaches but you see guys who are career long offensive line guys you sure do all right Les last one is the people in the chat want to know

how you weigh in here if they've football player that you were covering had a tail like an animal's tail what position would be the most interesting one for that to happen at tailback um there you go that's better than that yeah i'll go with that all right Zach any final thoughts uh we were doing so well for an hour and and nine minutes and then the tail question came back up and uh you know i've got what it's going on here with tonight i have all these stats written down about how the offenses and defenses of Green Bay and Philadelphia compare.

And, well, you know, we tossing the fire. I don't know if there's anything about tails in there. But probably, yeah, we have, yeah, we have in the next two days, we have a professor from Wharton on our shows. we're going to discuss so many numbers that it's going to be. I think tonight was a good substance-based show. And then we dig more into the numbers during the next two days. Well, good.

All right. We got, yeah, so on 2 o'clock tomorrow, we've got the preview of the Eagles offense against the Packers' defense. And of course, super-sortcasting, where the game theory really ratchets up for the playoffs. That's 2 o'clock. And then on Friday, Daniz and myself with Seattle, checking in from the facility, most likely,

presuming that that's the day that Jalen Hertz is cleared and then maybe speaks to the media. So thank you to Bet365 and True Mark for making this episode happen. Most importantly, thank you to Les. Thanks for hanging with us, Mr. Bowdo. Thanks for you guys for having me. I feel much younger, having been between you guys for so long. Yeah, we are both old enough to make other people feel young.

I agree with that. And Zach, thank you to you, my friend. Absolutely. See you in a few hours. We'll see in a few hours. That'll do it for this bonus episode of the P.H.L.Y. Eagles podcast. Thanks to all of you sickos for joining live in the chat. Everybody else will talk to you tomorrow. Make sure that you become a diehard so you can read Les's articles as the postseason goes on. Like the video, subscribe, all that good stuff. We'll talk to you later.

And as always, we love you.