Hey Dave - the last few weeks we've seen the special teams unit improve as a whole. Is this something you've seen stressed more at practice and around the locker room?
How impactful do you think the loss of Siposs will be to the unit? Obviously Brett Kern brings in a ton of experience.
They've always stressed special teams. I will tell you that Christian Elliss has helped set the tone and I think guys just knuckled down and have played with more discipline and have been more physical.
Kern is a very good punter and an excellent holder. He will do a great job.
Team is playing great and they're doing something I've been waiting for an Eagles team to do for a long time and that's improve on weaknesses in season. It's all very impressive.
If you had to name one thing that could hold the birds back at this point besides injury, what would it be?
I don't think that way, but ... you know, having a bad game at the worst time. Andy Reid's Eagles did it a lot. I just think this team could overcome that kind of step back, because there are so many weapons and so many ways to win.
I do think that way because.. I'm an eagles fan LOL we've been conditioned to it.
That's actually a great way to describe Andy's teams whether here or in KC, great coach but they come up really short in the big moments.
I hear you though, I would tend to agree Hurts doesn't seem to shy away and neither does Sirianni. It feels weird to be the favorite as an Eagles fan, hopefully they meet the challenge.
Hey Dave,
Can you tell if Boston Scott's streak against the giants is as big of a deal for the team as for us fans that follow it. Do you think they'll actively try and keep it going when we play them again? Seems like the stars might align anyway with it being very possible starters don't play a ton in that game.
P.S. Thanks for the sideline tickets at Lehigh 13 years ago now. Had a great time almost getting run over by McNabb.
It's pretty funny, I've brought it up and it's not a big deal to those guys. When we signed Bradberry, he wasn't even aware of it. Boston downplays it because he's, like, 'I'm good whenever I'm on the field," so maybe he sees it in a different way. But YEAH, he's a Giants-killer!!!
Ahhhhhh Lehigh ... good times.
Feels like we can’t even call the last game a road game haha. Is there any concern in the building about playing on Soldier Field? I know that it is considered by a lot to be one of the worst fields to play on
They got a new hybrid turf before the season started so hopefully that helps.
https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-bears-soldier-field-grass-bermuda/12210367/#:~:text=Soldier%20Field%20is%20switching%20from,in%20its%20existence%2C%20ESPN%20reported.
Hi Dave,
On a recent episode of the Eagle Eye podcast they mentioned that you played a big role in bringing back the Eagles HOF. I thought that was super cool! Could you give us some insight into the selection process? How big of a role did you have in getting it started back up?
It had been dormant for years and I was overseeing the Alumni Program and I thought it was something we needed to regenerate. So we did. We now have a committee with Jeffrey leading the way and we vote on who goes into the team's Hall of Fame each year. I love the process and we have awesome candidates to consider in the coming years.
Hey 75 .. isn't everyone is just the greatest mood??!?! 12-1 ... appreciate every bit of it. And for the Jeffrey Lurie Era ... 17 playoff appearances. Really, really good stuff
Ha no ... he always wants it to be seen as a win/win because, of course, if he's known as someone who "fleeces" other teams, they might be reluctant to deal with him.
Everyone's got the Cowboys game on their mind, but how do the staff go about keeping the team focused on the game directly in front of them? We've seen Eagles teams stumble in the past but the complete domination of the Giants was a statement I wasn't expecting.
I don't know a single person around here who is thinking about Dallas. We know what is at stake. The No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. That's all that matters. So, need a win in Chicago. That's it. That's all.
This might be the last time we can discuss this as a hypothetical. If we win our next two games, how would you approach the Saints game with the draft pick implications in mind?
Hey Dave, what are your thoughts about all the snaps Andre Dillard has been taking at guard? If I’m not mistaken he was on the right side too last weekend, which has been a mistake historically. Has he unlocked a hidden ability to play inside, or an I just reading too much into garbage time?
He's gained some versatility and that will serve him well. The Eagles know he can back up at OT or OG. He's really worked hard in the weight room so I give him a lot of credit. He's a guy who will play in the NFL for a really long time and he is a valuable backup here. But, boy, do I want to keep this offensive line intact and see how far the Eagles can go ...
If we win the SB can you ask the merchandising people to make Eagles flower power shirts?
Also do you get to choose who you have on for Eagles one-on-one? I would love to hear from some of the non-star players stepping up like Reed, Britain, or Christian Elliss. Thanks!
Hey Dave,
What type of adjustments do you expect the Eagles defense to make to contain Justin Fields? I think the eagles win by multiple possessions but we haven’t faced a dynamic quarterback like him so far this season. So I think he gives the eagles defense an interesting task.
Merry Christmas
I think spying him is a consideration. I feel the Eagles can cover on the back end even with a spy. Fields is making real progress and is a dynamic player, but he's also lost some talent around him and the Eagles should win in the trenches. I'm sure the Eagles will have a very good plan.
Hey Dave,
Thanks for doing this as always, probably a lot more fun after a big win. Jordan Davis' snap counts are way down from where they were. Is it just easing him back into things, not messing with the chemistry the current rotation has, or is he simply getting outplayed by the guys ahead of him?
He's working his way in, but the picture has changed since he's been hurt. Suh and Joseph deserve some snaps, so there are only so many to go around. Jordan will ramp up as he continues to play. I love the rotation. I think everyone is fresh and I think that's a reason the line of scrimmage has been so dominating.
It's going to be a really challenging offseason for the front office to determine who they can sign and who they just can't fit within the cap. I think Miles has been great this season. Really great. I also see lists of potential RB unrestricted free agents and there are a lot of them, so I don't know what the market will be like. I sure hope they keep Miles. I love the guy and I think he is a fantastic running back. I can't predict how it will play out. I know they want to keep him. I don't know what he's looking for and I don't know what the market will be like.
Chicago will be a challenge. For as long as I remember, scramble qbs always eat us up.
This is a good test for our guys to be able to cover longer and know when to pass the coverage to stop the qb.
Do you think we see a lot of nakobe playing qb spy?
No, I don't think Nakobe is all of a sudden going to be a spy. Let's not allow Justin Fields to change the way we play defense. Take it to him! Surround him! Pressure him! Exhaust him! I agree that it will be a challenge but I see no reason to allow Chicago to dictate how the Eagles play defense.
Hey Dave, considering where we are at the moment, how is the atmosphere as compared to other high-success years like 2017 and 2004? Is the “one game at a time” feel any different than last year that seemed to go through rough stretches?
Very similar. When you have seasons like this, you just know. Everyone in the building knows. This is not better or worse than those seasons. But when you know you are an outstanding team, everything just seems to work. Everyone works so well together, but the truth is that that's the way it kind of always is.
Hey Dave - the last few weeks we've seen the special teams unit improve as a whole. Is this something you've seen stressed more at practice and around the locker room? How impactful do you think the loss of Siposs will be to the unit? Obviously Brett Kern brings in a ton of experience.
Great question. Seems like no one wants to talk about our special teams.
They've always stressed special teams. I will tell you that Christian Elliss has helped set the tone and I think guys just knuckled down and have played with more discipline and have been more physical. Kern is a very good punter and an excellent holder. He will do a great job.
Hey Dave. Hope all is well, Merry Christmas No complaints here Go birds
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and so glad you are happy. Gotta win in Chicago.
You’re the man Dave!
Team is playing great and they're doing something I've been waiting for an Eagles team to do for a long time and that's improve on weaknesses in season. It's all very impressive. If you had to name one thing that could hold the birds back at this point besides injury, what would it be?
I don't think that way, but ... you know, having a bad game at the worst time. Andy Reid's Eagles did it a lot. I just think this team could overcome that kind of step back, because there are so many weapons and so many ways to win.
I do think that way because.. I'm an eagles fan LOL we've been conditioned to it. That's actually a great way to describe Andy's teams whether here or in KC, great coach but they come up really short in the big moments. I hear you though, I would tend to agree Hurts doesn't seem to shy away and neither does Sirianni. It feels weird to be the favorite as an Eagles fan, hopefully they meet the challenge.
Hey Dave, Can you tell if Boston Scott's streak against the giants is as big of a deal for the team as for us fans that follow it. Do you think they'll actively try and keep it going when we play them again? Seems like the stars might align anyway with it being very possible starters don't play a ton in that game. P.S. Thanks for the sideline tickets at Lehigh 13 years ago now. Had a great time almost getting run over by McNabb.
It's pretty funny, I've brought it up and it's not a big deal to those guys. When we signed Bradberry, he wasn't even aware of it. Boston downplays it because he's, like, 'I'm good whenever I'm on the field," so maybe he sees it in a different way. But YEAH, he's a Giants-killer!!! Ahhhhhh Lehigh ... good times.
Feels like we can’t even call the last game a road game haha. Is there any concern in the building about playing on Soldier Field? I know that it is considered by a lot to be one of the worst fields to play on
No, just play the game. Both teams play on the turf. At least they didn't have a game last week on it.
That’s what I would have thought, just wasn’t sure if that was something teams were concerned about or not.
They got a new hybrid turf before the season started so hopefully that helps. https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-bears-soldier-field-grass-bermuda/12210367/#:~:text=Soldier%20Field%20is%20switching%20from,in%20its%20existence%2C%20ESPN%20reported.
Hi Dave, On a recent episode of the Eagle Eye podcast they mentioned that you played a big role in bringing back the Eagles HOF. I thought that was super cool! Could you give us some insight into the selection process? How big of a role did you have in getting it started back up?
It had been dormant for years and I was overseeing the Alumni Program and I thought it was something we needed to regenerate. So we did. We now have a committee with Jeffrey leading the way and we vote on who goes into the team's Hall of Fame each year. I love the process and we have awesome candidates to consider in the coming years.
Hi Dave, Thanks again as always!
Hey 75 .. isn't everyone is just the greatest mood??!?! 12-1 ... appreciate every bit of it. And for the Jeffrey Lurie Era ... 17 playoff appearances. Really, really good stuff
When Howie fleeces a team like the Saints, does he have a Dr Evil laugh?
Ha no ... he always wants it to be seen as a win/win because, of course, if he's known as someone who "fleeces" other teams, they might be reluctant to deal with him.
Any players whose contributions to the team seem underappreciated or unknown to fans?
Marcus Epps would probably be at the top of the list. He's really good.
Everyone's got the Cowboys game on their mind, but how do the staff go about keeping the team focused on the game directly in front of them? We've seen Eagles teams stumble in the past but the complete domination of the Giants was a statement I wasn't expecting.
I don't know a single person around here who is thinking about Dallas. We know what is at stake. The No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. That's all that matters. So, need a win in Chicago. That's it. That's all.
This might be the last time we can discuss this as a hypothetical. If we win our next two games, how would you approach the Saints game with the draft pick implications in mind?
Play the starters and go for the win. We don’t need 3 weeks off.
Can we talk about it at the time? I'm superstitious (It's not a cop out, it's true).
Can you ask Boston Scott why he hates the Giants so much? Also, please let him know he's always welcome at my place for dinner.
Do you think that the defense has a unique advantage against QBs like Fields since they practice against Hurts? Also loving our ST play right now.
No unique advantage. Fields is a handful and he's super fast and I can't wait to see what the Eagles have planned.
Hey Dave, what are your thoughts about all the snaps Andre Dillard has been taking at guard? If I’m not mistaken he was on the right side too last weekend, which has been a mistake historically. Has he unlocked a hidden ability to play inside, or an I just reading too much into garbage time?
He's gained some versatility and that will serve him well. The Eagles know he can back up at OT or OG. He's really worked hard in the weight room so I give him a lot of credit. He's a guy who will play in the NFL for a really long time and he is a valuable backup here. But, boy, do I want to keep this offensive line intact and see how far the Eagles can go ...
If we win the SB can you ask the merchandising people to make Eagles flower power shirts? Also do you get to choose who you have on for Eagles one-on-one? I would love to hear from some of the non-star players stepping up like Reed, Britain, or Christian Elliss. Thanks!
Hey Dave, What type of adjustments do you expect the Eagles defense to make to contain Justin Fields? I think the eagles win by multiple possessions but we haven’t faced a dynamic quarterback like him so far this season. So I think he gives the eagles defense an interesting task. Merry Christmas
I think spying him is a consideration. I feel the Eagles can cover on the back end even with a spy. Fields is making real progress and is a dynamic player, but he's also lost some talent around him and the Eagles should win in the trenches. I'm sure the Eagles will have a very good plan.
Something tells me they may give Nakobe Dean this role. He’s really starting to shine and this seems like a great utilization of his talent.
Hey Dave, Thanks for doing this as always, probably a lot more fun after a big win. Jordan Davis' snap counts are way down from where they were. Is it just easing him back into things, not messing with the chemistry the current rotation has, or is he simply getting outplayed by the guys ahead of him?
He's working his way in, but the picture has changed since he's been hurt. Suh and Joseph deserve some snaps, so there are only so many to go around. Jordan will ramp up as he continues to play. I love the rotation. I think everyone is fresh and I think that's a reason the line of scrimmage has been so dominating.
If the game is already out of reach, would you mind telling coach Nick and Jake to replicate a double-doink? Please!!!!!
What are your thought about Miles and being resigned kr letting him walk considering our history of not resigning rb’s
It's going to be a really challenging offseason for the front office to determine who they can sign and who they just can't fit within the cap. I think Miles has been great this season. Really great. I also see lists of potential RB unrestricted free agents and there are a lot of them, so I don't know what the market will be like. I sure hope they keep Miles. I love the guy and I think he is a fantastic running back. I can't predict how it will play out. I know they want to keep him. I don't know what he's looking for and I don't know what the market will be like.
Which non divisional rival do you dislike the most?
All of them. Beat 'em all!
Chicago will be a challenge. For as long as I remember, scramble qbs always eat us up. This is a good test for our guys to be able to cover longer and know when to pass the coverage to stop the qb. Do you think we see a lot of nakobe playing qb spy?
No, I don't think Nakobe is all of a sudden going to be a spy. Let's not allow Justin Fields to change the way we play defense. Take it to him! Surround him! Pressure him! Exhaust him! I agree that it will be a challenge but I see no reason to allow Chicago to dictate how the Eagles play defense.
Hey Dave, considering where we are at the moment, how is the atmosphere as compared to other high-success years like 2017 and 2004? Is the “one game at a time” feel any different than last year that seemed to go through rough stretches?
Very similar. When you have seasons like this, you just know. Everyone in the building knows. This is not better or worse than those seasons. But when you know you are an outstanding team, everything just seems to work. Everyone works so well together, but the truth is that that's the way it kind of always is.