Author: Staff Reports

We have news about the Phillies fortifying their bullpen and the Flyers losing a key player for the season, but let’s start today’s Sports Daily with something completely different.

Billy Gordon was a basketball fanatic who connected with John Chaney when the Hall of Fame coach was at Cheyney State. Gordon had a deep love for the sport, and from 1986 to 2024 he recorded thousands of college basketball, NBA, and WNBA games on VHS tapes in his home.

After Gordon died in May, his uncle, Ron Hall, marveled at the collection in Gordon’s Cobbs Creek bedroom. “The magnitude of what was here really hit me,” Hall said. “I was in disbelief that he had accumulated so much. That he had taken the time to collect so many things.”

The question is what to do with the VHS collection now. Hall wants to find a buyer who will share the passion his nephew had for decades. Someone who will honor his hobby and preserve it. Alex Coffey has the story.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Now that the Phillies are adding Brad Keller, how do you feel about their bullpen? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Investing in the bullpen

As recently as Tuesday, Phillies president Dave Dombrowski sounded like a man who didn’t feel much of a sense of urgency with regard to his bullpen.

It was encouraging, then, when news leaked Wednesday that the Phillies were closing in on a two-year, $22 million contract for former Cubs setup man Brad Keller. Set aside the question of who Keller is and whether Rob Thomson can count on a repeat of the veteran righty’s breakout 2025 campaign. The mere fact that the Phillies saw a pressing enough need to spend this sort of money on another reliever is commendable.

Injury blow

Wednesday brought a sobering blow to the Flyers, as the team announced that winger Tyson Foerster will miss the next five months after arm surgery, which will likely rule him out for the rest of the season.

The 23-year-old, who was leading the team with 10 goals at the time of his injury on Dec. 1, was initially expected to avoid surgery and miss two to three months of action.

In a positive for the Flyers, Rasmus Ristolainen came out of his first game action since March unscathed. The hulking defenseman said he felt good Tuesday night in his 19-plus minutes of action, while his physicality caught the eye of coach Rick Tocchet.

Positive vibes

Jordan Davis, who turns 26 next month, is having his best season with the Eagles. The defensive tackle’s weight loss and body change — Davis fell in love with Peloton workouts and lost 26 pounds in the offseason — has been well documented, but Davis also has found his voice as a positive force in the locker room.

“I’ve always been happy-go-lucky, always been jovial,” he says. “It’s just now everyone is seeing it because I’m so confident in the person I am.”

Also on the Eagles beat as they prepare to face the 4-10 Commanders:

• Jalen Hurts is on the upswing, but the Eagles quarterback has faced a fair share of criticism this season. Hurts says he has not noticed at all.
• The Eagles have scored on an NFL-best 69.4% of their red zone trips. More often than not, Dallas Goedert has been doing the scoring.
• Who’ll win Saturday in Landover, Md.? Here are our writers’ predictions.

‘We can be really good’

In the midst of an All-Star-caliber season, Tyrese Maxey missed two games this weekend because of an illness. He watched the Sixers’ win over the Pacers and loss against the Hawks from home, posting enthusiastically on social media from his couch. Maxey returned to practice Wednesday and said he was pleased with the team’s performance during his absence.

“When I said [before the season that] I wanted stuff to look the same,” Maxey said, “I just wanted us to go out there and compete every single night. I don’t want it to look like, ‘Oh, this guy’s out. That guy’s out. So we’re just going to lay down, and the other team’s going to beat us.’

“I think we’ve kind of created that standard and done a good job of it. It’s kind of coming to light, and now we’ve got to keep doing it.”

Sports snapshot

• College Football Playoff: Former Northeast High star Tyreek Chappell and Texas A&M will host Miami on Saturday.
• FCS semifinal: Villanova is offering students incentives to attend Saturday’s home game against Illinois State.
• Ailing Quaker: Penn looks to fill the void while its top scorer, swingman Ethan Roberts, remains sidelined.
• “Hard Knocks”: On the latest episode, Eagles tackle Lane Johnson says he’s “getting close to getting back on the field.”

Marcus Hayes’ take

Contrary to much of the commentary and punditry, the Eagles are nearing the end of a very good season. Saquon Barkley isn’t going to break rushing records this season, and the passing game hasn’t equaled its pedigree, and the defense won’t finish ranked No. 1, but none of that matters. What matters is who they beat, who they lost to, and where they stand.

They’ve beaten the Rams, Packers, and Buccaneers, all playoff teams. The Eagles’ results through 15 weeks present a team that can become just the eighth franchise to win consecutive Lombardi Trophies, Marcus Hayes writes.

Join us before kickoff

Live from Northwest Stadium: Beat writers Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner will preview the Eagles game against the Washington Commanders at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Tune in to Gameday Central.

What you’re saying about Adolis García

We asked: What are your thoughts on the Phillies’ new outfielder? Among your responses:

Meh. We need Bader. This guy ain’t Bader. — Tony R.

I’ll give him a chance, but it looks like replacing a guy on the downside of his career with a guy on the downside of his career, albeit a better fielder. — Joel G.

Another right fielder that doesn’t hit consistently. Go for the gusto and not bandaids. — Tom G.

I was hoping for a more powerful right-handed hitter, but they are probably in great demand and maybe beyond Mr. Middleton’s present budget. Adolis Garcia has had some really good years in the past so let’s hope for the best. I am really disappointed thus far to see that we have not re-signed Bader. — Everett S.

Don’t quite understand why the Phillies don’t think that power hitting outfielders are a priority, since they really only have 2 power hitters in their lineup. — Bill M.

Yawn. — Doug R.

At $10 million, he may be a better bet than the late blooming Max Kepler or the moping Nick Castellanos. With Justin Crawford slated to start in center, looks like the Phillies are no longer interested in Harrison Bader, who is looking for a rich multi-year deal. I like the move, if Adolis return to form, the Phillies may be the “bash brothers” of 2026! — Bob C.

… Meanwhile, back at the farm, Harrison Bader remains unsigned. The best center fielder we’ve had since the flyin’ Hawaiian. The good news is Jordan Romano is now a member of the Angels. Robbed the bank of $2 million. What great agents these players have. — Ronald R.

In spite of all of the modern metrics I’m still a strong believer in batting average being a huge indicator of a player’s offensive success and .227 is very concerning. So… if Crawford isn’t expected to hit as well as he did in the minors and Marsh not yet proven to be a .300 hitter I would say that the outfield offensive production is going to be weak. — Bob A.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Marcus Hayes, Alex Coffey, Devin Jackson, Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, Jeff McLane, Scott Lauber, David Murphy, Gina Mizell, Jackie Spiegel, Gustav Elvin, Dylan Johnson, and Sean McKeown.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thank you for reading Sports Daily. Bella will bring you the newsletter on Friday. — Jim

The Eagles have a chance to clinch the NFC East on Saturday night with a win against the Washington Commanders.

This might sound like a cakewalk. The 4-10 Commanders will be without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, who’s being shut down for the remainder of the season, which leaves former Eagles backup Marcus Mariota to get the start.

But even with Daniels out, that doesn’t change what is arguably the biggest challenge facing the Eagles defense on Saturday: the quarterback running game.

Only one team allows more quarterback rushing yards than the Eagles, and against Mariota, whose running and scrambling abilities have always been a big part of his game, Vic Fangio and Co. should be wary of their old friend.

The Eagles are certainly playing with more on the line. They could become the NFC East’s first repeat champ in more than 20 years, and Jalen Hurts is focused on achieving that.

Despite there being criticism of Hurts for his play over the last two games of the Eagles’ losing streak, the fifth-year starter doesn’t entertain it, because he’s been here before.

This past month was a microcosm of Hurts’ football journey. Soon enough, the stakes will be as high as they’ve been all year, and Hurts will incur plenty more scrutiny, but he looks “forward to those moments” on the big stage and can handle any kind of attention that comes his way.

— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What are your thoughts on the Phillies’ new outfielder? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

What we’re …

🙌 Praising: Saquon Barkley and his foundation hosted a toy drive at a Chickie’s & Pete’s in South Philly to help families in need during the holiday season.

🤔 Wondering: Where the Birds stand in the NFL power rankings heading into Week 16 — and it looks like not much has changed.

🔍 Learning: The numbers that matter against the Commanders as the Eagles look to earn their second consecutive win.

Outfield is ‘pretty well set’

After the Phillies signed Adolis García to a one-year, $10 million deal on Tuesday, the team’s outfield picture for 2026 is “pretty well set,” according to president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. García will slot in as an everyday right fielder, with Brandon Marsh in left, and Justin Crawford will get an opportunity to be the everyday center fielder.

By committing to this configuration, the Phillies are taking a few gambles. However, it’s a familiar bet for Dombrowski, who took a similar risk on Max Kepler a year ago on another one-year, $10 million contract.

Now, the Phillies will turn their priority to catcher and bringing back free agent J.T. Realmuto.

Ristolainen makes season debut

Rasmus Ristolainen last appeared in a Flyers game in March before undergoing right triceps tendon surgery. It’s been a long road to recovery, but the 31-year-old blueliner finally suited up and made his season debut Tuesday night against the Montreal Canadiens.

Ristolainen skated alongside Nick Seeler on the third pairing. His addition helps solidify the defensive corps, with Cam York and Travis Sanheim as the top pair and Jamie Drysdale and Emil Andrae back together. He isn’t part of the power-play unit yet, but Ristolainen is just looking to get his legs under him.

The Flyers ran away with a 4-1 at the Montreal Canadiens to snap a three-game losing streak.

Sports snapshot

• New coach: Rick Santos looks to bring a “championship standard” back to Penn in football.
• All-American nod: Penn receiver Jared Richardson is a second-team FCS All-American.
• Price drop: FIFA slashed the prices of some World Cup tickets to $60 following a global backlash by fans.

David Murphy’s take

It goes like this every year, doesn’t it? Opening day arrives and a month or two later the Phillies realize they could really use one more right-handed bat and another reliever or two. Maybe this will be the year that cycle breaks. Though, the biggest potential weakness in the Phillies’ approach this offseason is the extent to which they will be counting on Justin Crawford, the leading candidate to man center field. Nobody is expecting the 22-year-old to hit like he did at triple-A Lehigh Valley, but he will need to warrant that role, or else the Phillies’ outfield situation will look a lot closer to what it did during the first half of last season, writes columnist David Murphy.

🧠 Trivia time answer

The Eagles earned a shutout Sunday for the first time since they blanked Washington in 2018. Who led the Eagles with six combined tackles and posted an interception in that 24-0 victory?

B) Rasul Douglas

What you’re saying about the defense

We asked: Who is the MVP of this Eagles defense? Among your responses:

My pick for defensive MVP thus far is Zack Baun who is at or near the top in just about every statistic including ints, tackles, solo tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss. Jalen Carter is probably the best of all the defense but with his injury he missed a few games. So sad to even think of Jerome Brown’s tragic death. Will never forget the “Bringing the Heat” team so well illustrated by Mark Bowden in his book. — Everett S.

The MVP of this defense is the guy who’s name you rarely hear — Quinyon Mitchell. He takes the opponent’s best receiver out of action week in and week out. When the defense only has to stop 10 players instead of 11 they can operate at a much higher efficiency level. — Mike D.

Zack Baun. — Dom R.

Lately, the Eagles MVP on defense has been Nakobi Dean. Dean made it back from serious injury and has been a starter for most of the season. He keeps getter more prominent, making more big defensive plays each week now. Along with his all pro partner, Zack Baun, he has made the linebackers the strong core of the Eagles defense.Honorable mention to Quinyon Mitchell, who is seldom mentioned, mainly because other teams avoid his lock down coverage. — John W.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, David Murphy, Lochlahn March, Jackie Spiegel, Ariel Simpson, Sean McKeown, and Greg Finberg.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading! Stay warm this week, and have a wonderful day. We’ll be back in your inbox with Thursday’s newsletter. — Bella

What’s the best chance for the Eagles to reach the Super Bowl and repeat as champions? Given the hit-or-miss performance by the offense this season, maybe it’s time for their dominant defense to seize the moment.

In 1991, an overpowering Eagles defense did just that after Randall Cunningham was lost for the season in the first game. Led by Reggie White and Jerome Brown, the Birds put together one of the best defensive campaigns in NFL history, surrendering the fewest passing yards and rushing yards in the league that season. Not only did the Eagles want to keep opponents from scoring, the defensive players wanted to score themselves.

“We knew that we were going to go as far as the defense could carry us,” linebacker Seth Joyner says. “And that just turned the intensity up.”

Joyner sees some of that great fire in Vic Fangio’s defense these days. So do former teammates Clyde Simmons and Mike Golic. The three ex-Eagles can see Fangio’s group taking charge this season the way they did under defensive coordinator Bud Carson in ’91.

So which member of the current Eagles D would have fit right in on Gang Green? They say it’s Jalen Carter. “I mean, put him on that line, with Jerome [Brown] in the middle, would have been ridiculous,” Golic says.

Alex Coffey has the story.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Who is the MVP of this Eagles defense? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

The new Castellanos

Adolis García is the new Nick Castellanos. That’s the simplest way to look at the Phillies agreeing to a one-year, $10 million contract with the former Rangers star on Monday. It’s true on a lot of different levels, including some that will make you scratch your head about why Dave Dombrowski decided to go in this direction. Not only is García likely to replace Castellanos in right field, his batting profile looks an awful lot like Castellanos’. Uncomfortably so, writes David Murphy.

The Phillies’ agreement with García comes 361 days after an identical one-year, $10 million free-agent deal with outfielder Max Kepler. It represents a similar bet, too.

Not exactly in command

At 4-10, the Washington Commanders are not as sad as the Las Vegas Raiders, but they’re not far from the bottom of the NFL’s barrel. The Commanders ended an eight-game losing streak on Sunday thanks to a date with the even-worse New York Giants.

Good news for the Eagles, who will visit the Commanders on Saturday: Washington allows a league-worst 7.5 yards per passing attempt and a sixth-worst 4.7 yards per carry. So the offense should continue to thrive against lousy competition. Washington’s offense hasn’t been setting the world on fire, either. Olivia Reiner has her early look at Saturday’s matchup.

With one more Eagles win or Cowboys loss, the Birds would clinch the NFC East and become the division’s first back-to-back champions since the 2004 Eagles.

One thing is for sure: A rushing-focused offense, with Jalen Hurts back in a running role, is a winning formula for the Birds, Jeff McLane writes.

Back to his old self

Paul George was called the worst free-agent signing in franchise history. He was going to set the Sixers back a decade. He was washed up and untradable. You sure about that?

Finally healthy after a litany of injuries ruined his 2024-25 season, George appears to be finding his rhythm and changing the narrative that has surrounded his Sixers tenure. Ask the main himself and he’ll tell you just how bad last season was from his own vantage point.

“Oh, my God. I mean, it was rough, man,” he said of last season. “It was brutal. And when you play for Philly, it’s brutal, man. I had an expectation coming into the year, and for me, me alone, like not even the noise outside and whatever people said, you know?”

Bright spots

The Flyers weren’t at their best on Sunday evening, but they still managed to salvage a valuable point against the Metropolitan Division-leading Carolina Hurricanes.

How did they do it? Jackie Spiegel’s takeaways focus on two players who helped the Flyers force overtime in Raleigh, N.C.

Sports snapshot

• Season over: Jayden Daniels is being shut down for the Commanders’ last three games, so Marcus Mariota will face the Eagles on Saturday.
• Eagles-Commanders odds: After the news on Daniels broke, the point spread on the game changed at FanDuel.
• Kris Jenkins’ lawsuit: A New York District Court judge dismissed the suit against the NCAA brought by the former Villanova star.

🧠 Trivia time

The Eagles earned a shutout Sunday for the first time since they blanked Washington in 2018. Who led the Eagles with six combined tackles and posted an interception in that 24-0 victory? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.

A) Brandon Graham

B) Rasul Douglas

C) Malcolm Jenkins

D) Avonte Maddox

Who said it?

Who said this after the Eagles pitched a shutout against the Raiders? Think you know? Check your answer here.

What you’re saying about old athletes

We asked: What’s the greatest performance you can remember by an “aged” athlete? Among your responses:

Chuck Bednarik’s performance in the 1960 NFL championship game playing both linebacker and center at age 35. — Dom R.

Gene Dykes, Bala Cynwyd, ran a world best marathon time for men 70 and over. … By the age of 60 most have lost over half the muscle fibers in your legs. His accomplishment is far beyond anyone else including Brandon, Wilt, Bednarik, and Schmidt. — Harry N.

Editor’s note: Dykes set a record for his age group in 2:54:23 at the Jacksonville (Fla.) Marathon in December 2018.

The first thing that came to my mind regarding a performance by an aged athlete was 35-year-old Chuck Bednarik, former Penn All-American and WW2 Vet, who played the entire 1960 NFL championship game at Franklin Field. Chuck played every minute of this game while holding down the center position as well as linebacker. — Everett S.

Jurgensen to McDonald, Norm Van Brocklin and Concrete Charlie ‘s performance in the 1960 NFL Championship game … — Bill M.

Roger Bannister’s mile! — Hunter L.

Editor’s note: Bannister was 25 when he broke the four-minute mile on May 6, 1954.

In my opinion, Jack Nicklaus winning the masters in 1986 at the age of 46! — William M.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Alex Coffey, Scott Lauber, David Murphy, Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, Jeff McLane, Ariel Simpson, Jackie Spiegel, Mike Sielski, and Keith Pompey.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Greetings from Siberia, also known as the Philadelphia suburbs. Do your best to stay warm. Bella will bring you Sports Daily on Wednesday. — Jim

Here’s how downright dominant the Eagles were Sunday at frigid Lincoln Financial Field: They held the punchless Las Vegas Raiders to 75 yards of offense. Saquon Barkley had more than that in rushing yardage by himself.

The Eagles posted their first shutout in almost seven years in a 31-0 victory. The Raiders averaged just 1.8 yards on their 42 offensive plays. They did not advance the ball past the Eagles’ 33-yard line. That’s dominance.

At the center of the defensive effort, often literally, was Brandon Graham, a 37-year-old guy who was retired two months ago. Graham became the oldest Eagles player to register a sack, and he picked up another in the game for good measure. With Jalen Carter sidelined, the longtime defensive end has filled in at tackle, and Graham is starting to get to the quarterback.

“I’m happy to be able to come back” Graham says, “because I feel like we can make another run.”

The Eagles victory snapped a three-game losing streak. Granted, the blowout win came against what could be the worst team in the NFL, but the defense came up huge across all positions, from the line to the linebackers to the secondary. Jeff McLane has his grades on the game.

The performance offered a glimpse of what might yet be the Eagles’ saving grace in their quest to win a second straight Super Bowl, Mike Sielski writes. As ragged and inconsistent as their offense has been, their defense is good enough to get them there.

More coverage from the convincing Eagles win can be found here.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What’s the greatest performance you can remember by an “aged” athlete? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Missing Maxey

Tyrese Maxey missed his second game in a row with an illness Sunday as the Sixers visited the Atlanta Hawks, and the team could not make up for the loss of its star guard. Paul George scored a season-high 35 points, but Atlanta prevailed, 120-117, behind 27 points from Dyson Daniels and 20 from Onyeka Okongwu. Joel Embiid had 22 points and 14 rebounds.

“We’re super concerned,” Sixers coach Nick Nurse said of Maxey’s illness. “We’re concerned because he’s sick, and he wasn’t well enough to get on the floor here for a couple of games.”

Stopped in a shootout again

The Flyers had not lost a shootout this season until the Carolina Hurricanes beat them, 4-3, Saturday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

They faced the same team Sunday in Raleigh, N.C., and the result was nearly identical. Andrei Svechnikov scored the winner in the shootout as Carolina prevailed, 3-2. Jamie Drysdale and Trevor Zegras scored in regulation for the Flyers, who lost their third straight but extended their point streak to four games.

Defenseman Cam York returned to the lineup for the Flyers on Sunday after missing four games with an upper body injury. Coach Rick Tocchet said York’s return goes a long way toward stabilizing the defense: “It’s huge.”

Wildcats strike again

Villanova advanced to the Football Championship Subdivision semifinals for the first time since 2010 with a 26-21 comeback victory over Tarleton State on Saturday in Stephenville, Texas. Next up for the Wildcats is a home game this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. against Illinois State.

The new coach at Penn will be former New Hampshire coach and standout quarterback Rick Santos, the Quakers announced.

Marcus Hayes’ take

After Jalen Hurts had five turnovers in a Monday Night Football loss at the Chargers, Nick Sirianni was asked whether the QB should be benched if he continued to struggle. “I think that’s ridiculous,” the Eagles coach said.

The question wasn’t ridiculous. It was legitimate. It sure seems ridiculous now. Hurts rebounded from the worst game of his career with one of his best against the Raiders. He completed 12 of 15 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns.

Hurts needs to run. Saquon Barkley needs to run. Dallas Goedert needs the ball. This is a successful formula for the Eagles, and if A.J. Brown gets some looks, great. If not, live with it.

Sports snapshot

• Youth movement: The Phillies are sticking with a veteran core, but it’s time for some prospects to arrive.
• Duke delivers: Villanova’s Brennan came up big as the Wildcats rolled past Pittsburgh, 79-61.
• U.S. soccer: Sporting director Matt Crocker is making progress with the “U.S. Way.”
• One quick game: The Eagles’ rout of the Raiders was almost accomplished in record time.

On this date

Dec. 15, 2010: Left-hander Cliff Lee agreed to a five-year, $120 million contract to return to the Phillies. The team had traded Lee to the Seattle Mariners one year earlier. He wound up going 48-34 with a 2.94 ERA in his two stints with the Phillies.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, Gabriela Carroll, Marcus Hayes, Mike Sielski, Jeff McLane, Jackie Spiegel, Keith Pompey, Scott Lauber, Jonathan Tannenwald, Katie Lewis, and Sean McKeown.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Here’s hoping you have dug yourself out by now. Thank you for reading. Stay warm and I’ll see you in Tuesday’s newsletter. — Jim

How popular was Allen Iverson during his heyday with the Sixers? The Answer could turn a chain restaurant into a jam-packed nightclub — and Iverson did just that more than two decades ago.

You may remember the fuss around TGI Fridays on City Avenue, when fans would line up around the block, all the way to the bus stop at Presidential Boulevard, just to catch a glimpse of the superstar. This was around the time that Iverson led the Sixers to the NBA Finals in 2001, when the City Line restaurant became “Club Fridays.”

The Sixers had been regulars at TGI Fridays for years because it was close to their practice facilities at St. Joseph’s and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. But when Iverson arrived, the place was incorporated into Philadelphia’s nightlife scene. “It was exactly like a club,” said former Sixers forward Jumaine Jones.

The Inquirer’s Alex Coffey has the story.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Holding the (D) line

Aside from that hiccup against the Chicago Bears on Black Friday, the defense has been keeping the Eagles in games. With Jalen Carter sidelined after a shoulder procedure, Jordan Davis has picked up the slack. The defensive tackle collected 1½ sacks and six pressures Monday against the Chargers, although the Birds still lost their third straight.

The offense hasn’t scored more than 21 points in those losses, but Davis is keeping the faith. “Offense is going to have their games,” he says. “And I’m so deep into this faith in the offense that I have, that one day, hopefully very, very soon, it’s going to click. And when it does click, watch out.”

Brandon Graham played a season-high 30 snaps against the Chargers, with more than a third of them coming at defensive tackle. That’s a new twist for the unretired Graham at age 37.

The other side of the ball is where the problem lies for the Eagles, of course. They have often played it too safe in under-two-minute situations this season, and it cost them three vital points in their latest loss.

Maybe the hand-wringing will end on Sunday when the 2-11 Las Vegas Raiders visit Lincoln Financial Field. Here are our writers’ predictions for the Eagles-Raiders game.

They like their chances

The 76ers have coped with injuries and poor shooting from Joel Embiid. Tyrese Maxey has been pushed to the max, leading the NBA in minutes. And supporting players Kelly Oubre and Trendon Watford aren’t healthy enough to play in practice. Still, the Sixers, at 13-10, are in the hunt in the Eastern Conference and sit 1½ games out of third place. All things considered, they like their chances.

“You look at the East, it’s kind of clumped,” Paul George says. “No one’s really pulled away yet, so we do have the opportunity to kind of write our future out from this point forward.”

No Hart

Thursday marked the return of Carter Hart to Philadelphia … kind of.

The former Flyers netminder, who was charged and later acquitted on sexual assault charges over the last two years, recently signed with Vegas but did not get the start against his old team.

Hart, now 27, took a leave of absence from the Flyers in January 2024 and was later charged alongside four of his 2018 Canadian World Junior teammates. All five players were acquitted this summer in London, Ontario, but Hart, who was no longer under contract with the Flyers, opted for a fresh start with the Golden Knights.

On the ice, the Flyers hung tough with Vegas but fell short in overtime with a 3-2 loss. The Flyers are now 2-4 in games decided in the extra session.

Speaking of returns, the Flyers could soon get a pair of injured defenseman back in the lineup in Cam York and Rasmus Ristolainen.

College football focus

Devin Jackson’s weekly notebook looks at the mess created by the College Football Playoff selections, an award for Delaware State’s DeSean Jackson, the Army-Navy game, and more.

Villanova will play the underdog role Saturday in an FCS quarterfinal against Tarleton State in Stephenville, Texas.

New coach Matt Campbell is bringing several assistants with him from Iowa State to fill out Penn State’s coaching staff.

Join us before kickoff

Live from Lincoln Financial Field: Beat writers Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner will preview the Eagles game against the Las Vegas Raiders at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Tune in to Gameday Central.

Sports snapshot

• Boys’ players to watch: Among the top players on the court is Roman’s Sammy Jackson.
• Girls’ players to watch: Westtown School’s nationally ranked Jordyn Palmer leads the pack.
• Coming to Penn: South Jersey’s Isabeau Levito and other Olympic hopefuls will skate Saturday at the Class of 1923 Ice Rink.
• World Cup tickets: Here’s what prices are looking like for games in Philly after FIFA’s latest presale.

Our best sports 📸 of the week

Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors will pick our best shots from the last seven days and share them with you, our readers. This week, coverage includes a Flyers resurgence, Villanova’s victorious women, and that disappointing Eagles loss to the Chargers.

Who said it?

J.T. Realmuto is on the free-agent market and this Phillie clearly wants him back. Think you know who said it? Check here.

What you’re saying about holiday traditions

We asked: What’s your favorite holiday sports-themed tradition? Among your responses:

Not so much now, but in the past the Bowl games were a big part of my holiday times, and especially when Joe Pa’s Nittany Lions were often involved with two national championship bowl games and many other holiday wins. Saw them twice in person at the Rose Bowl, and then twice at the Fiesta Bowl, beating USC 26-10 in [1983] and then upsetting Jerome Brown and the Miami Hurricanes in the 1987 national championship game. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Alex Coffey, Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, Keith Pompey, Jackie Spiegel, Kerith Gabriel, Scott Lauber, Devin Jackson, Dylan Johnson, Joe Santoliquito, Ellen Dunkel, Greg Finberg, and Inquirer Staff Photographers.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thank you for reading Sports Daily. Have a great weekend and I’ll see you in Monday’s newsletter. — Jim

For over 20 years, at three locations, former Daily News sportswriters Ed Barkowitz and Mike Kern have made the Christmas season special in South Philly in their other roles as guest bartenders.

Here’s the thing: The good vibes have nothing to do with the drinks they were slinging (well, somewhat, as someone who has attended a few), but everything to do with what the event’s proceeds ensured.

Scores of kids from the neighborhood would have something to open under the tree.

Friday will mark the 23rd time their annual toy drive takes place, now at Wolf Burger on Front and Wolf Streets. In place of Kern will be fellow former Daily News sports scribe Bob Cooney, but Barkowitz, who has used his platform and notoriety at the paper for good, is scheduled to attend, doing what he does best: anything for the kids.

Inquirer reporter Matt Breen is first up on this frigid Thursday, delivering the holiday cheer with this fantastic story.

Also, could securing athletes with multiyear deals be the key to retaining top talent for college programs outside the Power Four? Temple thinks so, and might be on to something.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What’s your favorite holiday sports-themed tradition? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Rebound jawn

It’s been a rough few weeks for the Eagles, but surely the end has to be near by way of the visiting Las Vegas Raiders, a team that enters 2-11 and hasn’t won a game since October.

Right?

Well, that remains to be seen, and it’s too early to assume, especially after the Eagles were in a similar situation in the 2023 season in what looked to be a surefire win against the Arizona Cardinals that turned into anything but.

So what do we know about these Raiders, next up in a Week 15 matchup for the Birds at the Linc on Sunday (1 p.m., Fox29)? Inquirer writer Olivia Reiner offers this look.

What we’re …

🙏🏾 Hoping: Philly soccer fans looking for World Cup tickets are successful in obtaining some through this latest FIFA presale lottery, which opens today.

🤔 Wondering: With Pittsburgh up next, what, if anything, did Villanova learn in its blowout loss against Michigan this week?

👀 Watching: This fan’s hilarious interaction with Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown in the latest episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks.

⚾ Reading: Who is Zach McCambley, the Rule 5 pitching prospect the Phillies are high on?

Efficiency, meet consistency

Paul George and Joel Embiid want to be more efficient on the basketball court. First, they need to be on the court together more than they have this season.

The pair have played only two games together, and in those games, Embiid averaged 17 points while shooting 28.5%. Meanwhile, George averaged 14 points on 36% shooting.

So what’s the secret to upping those numbers as two of the top names on the roster?

“Just keep at it,” George says. “Keep getting opportunities on the floor together. Keep presenting healthy … and continue to keep logging minutes.”

The Inquirer’s Keith Pompey looks at the general plan and how soon the duo might get their opportunity.

What’s next for the Phillies?

The Phillies’ contingent left Disney World on Wednesday with more clarity than when it arrived. After signing Kyle Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million deal during the winter meetings, the Phillies now have a better sense of direction for the rest of their offseason.

And now, instead of worrying about contingency plans to fill a Schwarber-sized hole in the lineup, the Phillies can focus their attention on other areas of need.

With his third child due any day now, Schwarber returned to the Phillies with a new contract. He’s hoping J.T. Realmuto does the same.

The Phillies selected three players in the Rule 5 draft on Wednesday, including a pitcher they think can make the team in 2026.

Fits like a glove?

When the Flyers secured Christian Dvorak during the first day of NHL free agency in July, he was primarily viewed as a potential midseason trade option if need be.

Not so fast.

Just 28 games into the season, the 29-year-old center has 19 points and is on pace to finish with 56. A big part? His developing relationship with Trevor Zegras and Travis Konecny, on the Flyers’ top line. His play hasn’t gone unnoticed as coach Rick Tocchet noted: “He saw the opportunity here with our situation, and I think that he’s grabbing it.”

The Inquirer’s Jackie Spiegel has more on Dvorak and his upside.

On this date

Dec. 11, 1981: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali entered the ring for the final time, culminating a 21-year career with a loss by unanimous decision to Trevor Berbick in the Bahamas. Ali’s first fight? Oct. 29, 1960, when he was still known as Cassius Clay.

Mike Sielski’s take …

We’re getting to the point where removing Hurts and inserting Tanner McKee would be helpful, just to create a control in this ugly experiment that is the Eagles offense. Read this latest from Sielski here.

What you’re saying about the Phillies

We asked: What was your reaction to the Phillies re-signing Kyle Schwarber and extending manager Rob Thomson?

Wise decision. [J.T.] Realmuto should be next, since the Phillies have no backup plans — Bill M.

I love Schwarber and agree that the Phillies really needed to re-sign him. On the practical side, I can’t see Kyle hitting 50-plus homers four or five years from now. I think the players like Topper, and maybe that is good, but I can’t see him managing a team to a WS win. In that tragic inning at Dodger Stadium when Kerkering tossed the ball over JT [Realmuto’s] head, Rob should have been out there before that, reviewing all the options with his players. He did not, but Dave Roberts would have. — Everett S.

Absolutely thrilled about Schwarber. So so about Thomson. When he’s good, he’s really good. But he’s often not good. I am hoping for re-signings from Realmuto and Suarez. In a perfect world, that would happen. — Kathy T.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Matt Breen, Olivia Reiner, Ryan Mack, Henry Savage, Jeff Neiburg, Jackie Spiegel, Lochlahn March, Scott Lauber, Keith Pompey, and Mike Sielski.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s what I have for you today. Stay warm, and we’ll see you tomorrow. — Kerith

It has been 22 days since the Eagles last won a game. It has been a lot longer than that since they last felt good about their offense.

On the positive side, at 8-4, they can move a step closer to clinching the NFC East with a road victory this evening against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. Still, the Eagles are struggling and the vibes on the sideline reflect a team that is trying hard to correct its issues without success, Jeff Neiburg writes.

“Honestly I think it’s been awful,” Saquon Barkley said when asked what the sideline energy has been like. “I think if you asked anybody, if they’re being honest, we’ll all agree on that.” Maybe Barkley and the running game can lead the charge in changing those vibes.

And maybe the offense could finally get untracked if Jalen Hurts ran the ball more. Designed runs have become rarities for Hurts in his fifth season as the Eagles’ starting quarterback. He has gotten hurt both in and out of the pocket throughout his NFL career, which has caused him to miss games. The threat of injuries figures into the equation, but the offense gets a jolt when he runs the ball.

It’s unlikely the Eagles will suddenly have a high-powered offense at this late stage, Jeff McLane writes in his keys to the game. There is room for improvement and one way to address that is having Hurts run more.

The defense must get the job done without Jalen Carter, who is out after undergoing a medical procedure on both shoulders. Carter’s absence figures into the predictions from our writers on how things will pan out in California. Not everyone’s picking the Eagles, either.

How can the defense turn things around? The Eagles will need a huge game from edge rushers Nolan Smith, Jaelan Phillips, and Jalyx Hunt, David Murphy writes.

Here’s everything you need to know before Hurts and the Birds face Justin Herbert and the Chargers for the first time since 2021.

Maybe this completely different take on the game could calm the nerves of some Eagles fans: ESPN2 will offer a real-time animated broadcast of Eagles-Chargers set in the universe of Disney/Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. franchise. The alt-cast will use real-time player tracking data to place Barkley, Hurts, and the rest of the Eagles in the animated Monsters universe.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Upbeat in defeat

The Colorado Avalanche came into Xfinity Mobile Arena with an NHL-best 20-2-6 record, but the Flyers held their own Sunday in a 3-2 loss.

“Some people use games as measuring sticks, and I think we don’t need to do that anymore,” Travis Konecny said. “We’ve shown we can compete with the best teams, so why not start believing that we should be right there with them?”

‘I’m not done yet’

There was a promising Paul George sighting for the Sixers in their victory over the Bucks on Friday night. George finished with 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists in just under 30 minutes. Even after knee surgery and an injury-riddled first season as a Sixer, he has shown flashes of the player who became a perennial All-Star.

“I feel like myself again,” George said. “I believe I’m not done yet.”

On Sunday, George scored 12 points during the Sixers’ 112-108 loss to the Lakers. Beat reporter Keith Pompey provides his takeaways.

Back on top

Villanova came up short in the first two iterations of the Big 5 Classic, but the Wildcats left no doubt as they closed the tournament’s tripleheader Saturday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena. They beat Penn, 90-63, in the finale and won their three Big 5 games by an average margin of 20 points.

Now they’ll take a big step up in competition. Next up for 7-1 Villanova is a showdown with unbeaten Michigan on Tuesday night in Ann Arbor. “We have a big test Tuesday because I think, by far, they’re playing the best basketball in the country,” Wildcats coach Kevin Willard said.

The loss to ’Nova was a costly one for Penn, as star forward Ethan Roberts was taken to the hospital after leaving the game with a injury.

On the women’s side, Villanova earned the Big 5 championship with a 76-70 win against St. Joseph’s behind 21 points from Brynn McCurry.

Heading for Yankee Stadium

Penn State will close a tumultuous season with a date against Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl. The Dec. 27 game at Yankee Stadium will close a chapter on Nittany Lions football before new coach Matt Campbell takes over. Clemson (7-5, 4-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) has seen its own ups and downs this season, but the Tigers won six of their last eight games to earn bowl eligibility.

In the Football Championship Subdivision, Villanova advanced to the quarterfinals with a 14-7 upset of Lehigh.

Join us before kickoff

Live from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.: Beat writers Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner will preview tonight’s Eagles game against the Los Angeles Chargers at 6:45 p.m. Tune in to Gameday Central.

Sports snapshot

• La Salle’s leader: Notre Dame-bound Joey O’Brien lifted the Explorers past Pittsburgh Central Catholic for the PIAA Class 6A state championship.
• Roman rules: Roman Catholic beat Harrisburg’s Bishop McDevitt for the PIAA Class 5A title, the first football state championship in school history.
• Coming to the Linc: Brazil and France headline the teams coming to Philadelphia for next year’s World Cup.

On this date

Dec. 8, 1987: Flyers rookie Ron Hextall became the first NHL goaltender to score a goal. Hextall scored an empty-netter in a 5-2 victory against the Boston Bruins at the Spectrum.

Marcus Hayes’ take

Now that the drop-off in Jalen Carter’s play in 2025 compared with 2024 has been explained by his deteriorating shoulders, the responsibility for a late-season surge falls more squarely on the shoulders of embattled quarterback Jalen Hurts.

He’s got to throw better passes. He’s got to run the offense more efficiently. He’s got to start using his legs as a weapon, because the main weapon on defense is gone.

Hurts has been a problem all season. Hurts can turn that narrative around Monday night, and beyond.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Jeff McLane, David Murphy, Owen Hewitt, Jackie Spiegel, Keith Pompey, Marcus Hayes, Jonathan Tannenwald, Devin Jackson, Greg Finberg, Dylan Johnson, and Katie Lewis.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thank you for reading Sports Daily. I’ll see you in Tuesday’s newsletter. — Jim