PHILADELPHIA — Coach Nick Sirianni insists the Eagles’ 4-0 start isn’t the story. For him, it’s the “process” that matters, a drumbeat he repeated this week as the Birds prepared to host the Denver Broncos at Lincoln Financial Field.
“We just talked about the process,” Sirianni said Friday. “The process is what produces results and just being completely locked into the process. I kind of correlate it to somebody shooting a free throw. When the gravity of the moment seems high, you focus on the process so you can give yourself the best chance to succeed.”
The Eagles will need that steadiness against a Denver team that, under coach Sean Payton, made the playoffs last season and is forging a strong identity with second-year quarterback Bo Nix.
The Broncos (2-2) are fresh off a 28-3 win over the Bengals without Joe Burrow. They opened the season with a win against Tennessee but lost back-to-back close games against the Colts and Chargers.
A.J. Brown chatter
The talk most of the week was about the Eagles’ inability to get A.J. Brown the ball, but quarterback Jalen Hurts described their relationship as “good” and “professional,” saying the offense can’t reach its potential without him involved.
Sirianni praised the duo’s behind-the-scenes work.
“I just see two guys that are great pros that care deeply about winning,” Sirianni said. “Whether that’s talking through things in the meeting room or the extra reps on the side, they know the way they perform dictates winning and losing.”
The Eagles are averaging 27 points per game, yet offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo has acknowledged they haven’t put together a full four quarters. Against Tampa Bay last week, they started strong but stalled after halftime.
Defense adjusting with youth and depth
The Eagles’ defense has been opportunistic with five takeaways, tied for a distant fifth in the league, and have a plus-four turnover margin. Young cornerback Kelee Ringo stepped into a starting role against the Buccaneers and broke up a key fourth-down pass. Sirianni said the defender responded well to the challenge.
“Kelee’s just a really good pro that puts himself in position by the way he works all week,” Sirianni said. “He played a good game, did some really good things in coverage. Looking forward to seeing him play on Sunday.”
Veteran Adoree’ Jackson (groin), for whom Ringo filled in, is expected to be back as well. Rookie Andrew Mukuba appears to be the full-time starting safety while rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell has been impressive, despite a couple big-play hiccups by both players last week. As Nakobe Dean works his way back, Campbell will continue to start. Then it will be decision time for the coaches.
Second-year corners Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean (in nickel) have helped limit explosive plays.
Special teams a consistent strength
Special teams have been a steady positive. Kicker Jake Elliott has connected on all nine of his field-goal attempts, including three from beyond 50 yards or beyond. That reliability, Sirianni admitted, influences strategy.
“If the line moves back because we’re making more, all those things go into account,” he said. “I guess the short answer is yes, it has an effect.”
Braden Mann has been excellent punting the ball, and the unit has come up with some big punt and field goal blocks.
Scouting Denver: Bo Nix under Payton
Denver enters powered by Nix and a formidable defense. “Payton (is an) outstanding coach, great offensive mind,” Sirianni said. “I just think you’re seeing that with Bo, too. Athletic, really athletic guy, decisive with the football. A lot of respect for his game.”
The Broncos’ defense remains a challenge, anchored by cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Opposing passers have just a 74.8 rating against Denver and the unit is 10th against the run at 99.3 yards per game.
Phillies perspective
Sirianni acknowledged the buzz around Philadelphia’s sports complex, with the Phillies in the MLB playoffs. He said the teams feed off one another.
“It’s an exciting time. We know that the Phillies’ energy will transpire into our games and vice versa,” Sirianni said. “It’s cool to be a part of this. What a great sports town.”
But the coach’s bottom line heading into Sunday is simple: stay grounded.
“We’re always in these modes of two-minute, situational football, and it all comes down to the process,” Sirianni said. “That’s what gives us the best chance to perform when the moments get big.”
The Eagles hung a “Go Phillies” banner on the outside of the Linc.
Injury report
Eagles: LB Dean (knee) opened his practice window but has been ruled out for the game. Full participants Friday were TE Grant Calcaterra (illness), DT Jalen Carter (shoulder), TE Dallas Goedert (knee), CB Adoree’ Jackson (groin) and RT Lane Johnson (shoulder). Jihaad Campbell didn’t practice because of a personal matter.
The Birds are still without several players on injured reserve: EDGE Nolan Smith (triceps), CB Jakorian Bennett (pectoral), WR Johnny Wilson (knee, ankle), WR Darius Cooper (shoulder), FB Ben VanSumeren (knee) and LS Charley Hughlett.
Broncos: TE Lucas Krull (foot) has been ruled out. Full participants Friday were TE Nate Adkins | TE (Concussion), OLB Nik Bonitto (wrist), OLB Jonah Elliss (ribs), OG Quinn Meinerz (illness), WR Marvin Mims Jr. (hip/ankle) and LB Alex Singleton (thumb).
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Pregame position grades: Here’s how the teams match up heading into Sunday. Performances will be evaluated postgame.
QB: Eagles A, Broncos B
RB: Eagles A, Broncos B
TE: Eagles A-, Broncos C+
WR: Eagles A, Broncos B
OL: Broncos A, Eagles A-
DL: Broncos A, Eagles B+
LB: Eagles A, Broncos C
CB: Broncos A, Eagles B+
S: Broncos A-, Eagles A-
ST: Eagles A, Broncos C+
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On the air: Eagles (4-0) vs. Broncos (2-2), Sunday, 1 p.m., Lincoln Financial Field. TV: CBS 3, Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson. Radio/streaming: 94.1-WIP FM, Tico, ESPN Radio.
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NOTES: The Eagles re-signed CB Eli Ricks and LB Antwaun Powell-Ryland to the practice squad while releasing defensive tackle Jacob Sykes and defensive end K.J. Henry, according to multiple reports.
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Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc.
Source: Berkshire mont