Category: Sports Daily

All is not lost. Many of the Eagles’ followers are distraught after two straight defeats (see “Fans are flustered” below), but the team remains in first place in the NFC East at 8-4.

The fans need to take a deep breath, look at the Eagles’ remaining schedule, and hope that Nick Sirianni and his staff get things straightened out to make another playoff run.

The top seeds in the NFC, the 9-3 Bears, have a challenging schedule in their last five games. The Eagles could be facing a Chargers team without Justin Herbert, then they’ll play the lowly Raiders and a tough road game against the Bills sandwiched by two Commanders games. Of course, the loss to the Giants this season proves that the Eagles can be beaten by anyone.

If the season ended now, the Eagles would be seeded third in the conference. Jeff Neiburg examines their chances of gaining the NFC’s top seed and the bye that goes with it. The odds are not great, but the Birds control their own destiny when it comes to the NFC East.

Sirianni said Monday that the team has been evaluating everything since the Black Friday loss to Chicago. “We all have to look internally and get better,” said the coach, who also said that the embattled Kevin Patullo will remain as the play-caller.

Maybe it’s the fact that Herbert had surgery scheduled on his broken (non-throwing) hand, but the host Chargers opened as underdogs in the Monday Night Football game against the Eagles in Los Angeles.

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

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Signs from the Big Three

Sunday marked the first time Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey have been on the floor together in a game this season. It also marked just the 19th game the trio played together since George signed his four-year, $211.5 million deal on July 6, 2024. There were some encouraging and not-so-encouraging signs from the loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The Inquirer’s Keith Pompey does a deep dive into Maxey’s high usage, George’s shot making, and Embiid’s mobility (or lack thereof).

What’s going on with TK?

Travis Konecny has been the Flyers’ best player for the past few seasons, as the right winger has led the team in scoring in four straight campaigns and five of the last six.

But while the Flyers have gotten off to a surprisingly strong start, Konecny is one of the few players who has yet to really click the way he has before. On pace for just 17 goals after averaging 29 over the last three seasons, Konecny says there is “more for me to give.”

But is the historically streaky Konecny due for a breakout in terms of scoring goals? Count Rick Tocchet among those who believe so.

The Flyers’ three-game winning streak was snapped in 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team also lost top scorer Tyson Foerster to an upper-body injury during the game.

Young arms to watch in 2026

The Phillies were pleased with the quality of Andrew Painter’s stuff and his velocity in 2025. But command is typically the last thing that returns to a pitcher after undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery, and that’s what Painter struggled with the most. He had a 5.40 ERA and issued 3.9 walks per nine innings at triple-A Lehigh Valley, and a call-up never arrived.

But Painter, their top pitching prospect, should make his long-awaited major league debut in 2026. And he might not be the only one. Let’s take a look at the Phillies’ pitching prospects who are the most likely to make a major league impact this season.

Fans are flustered

Many Eagles fans have had it after two straight losses in which the offense looked leaner than a picked-over turkey carcass. Someone lit up an electronic sign outside the Linc yesterday that said: “FIRE KEVIN PATULLO.” One fan even broke up with his girlfriend over the Birds, saying the Eagles have been playing badly ever since they got together. She agreed to stop talking to him until the end of the season.

Some fans take out their frustrations in the wrong way, though. Police in Moorestown said someone vandalized Patullo’s house early Saturday morning.

Marcus Hayes’ take

Jalen Hurts is a competent starter with a few special gifts. He is a tireless worker, a steady hand on the tiller, a fine runner, fearless, tough, accurate, with exquisite touch on deep passes. He is not the total package. To expect him to be so only courts disappointment.

Eagles first-year coordinator Kevin Patullo might not be calling all the best plays, and his sequencing might be imperfect, but the consensus among analysts and several Eagles sources is that Patullo’s not the problem. Hurts is missing wide-open receivers, sometimes missing multiple receivers on the same play, even when he’s not pressured.

🧠 Trivia time

Nick Sirianni has the best career winning percentage among Eagles coaches all-time at .700. Who is second at .594 (not including interim coaches)? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.

A) Andy Reid

B) Greasy Neale

C) Rich Kotite

D) Buddy Ryan

Who said it?

The Eagles managed only 87 rushing yards in the loss to the Bears. Do you know which Birds player had this take? Click here to find out.

What you’re saying about this sports town

We asked: What do you think makes Philadelphia a great sports city? Among your responses:

It’s the City of Brotherly Love! Philadelphia and its fans are real — both are intense, passionate, loyal, and have always, always had an unwavering fan base. Philadelphia is in a league of their own; always have been, always will be. — Karen L.

Philly is all in on all sports … and not person by person. If the Eagles are up it’s all green all the time. If it’s the Phillies … it’s red October. When the Sixers are up — play the song. In Boston, if you’re a Sox fan you might be a Pats fan but not passionately. Chicago is similarly divided. SF is either Giants or Niners. Not here. We get behind the team that’s taking us to the promised land. But be sure you don’t underperform or we’ll eat your lunch. — Angelo D.

Obviously, the Washington Post works for Trump, Trump hates blue cities, Philly is a blue city, ergo Philly is not on the list. — Diane D.

Why? Because we love the Union! — Valerie M.

Every time I see a Philly sports team playing in some other city I always see more than one fan where a Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, college team in the stands wearing Philly team clothes. P.S. I love the Phillies Friday home uniforms. — Bill M.

A fairly recent great example of why Philly is a great sports town is how during Covid, when fans were not allowed in the stadium, a group of fans met outside the stadium for every home game and watched and cheered the Phillies through the gates. That’s fans who truly love their teams! — Bob A.

I have lived in Los Angeles/Orange County Calif., and now here in Arizona and have been to games in many cities and have never experienced the excitement and fan loyalty Philadelphia has in any other city or area. Maybe Philly doesn’t have the championships that NY and LA and Boston have, but it has a very special Philly feeling around the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, Flyers, & Union that is unmatched anywhere. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Jeff McLane, Gabriela Carroll, Lochlahn March, Keith Pompey, Jackie Spiegel, Marcus Hayes, and Ariel Simpson.

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 our newsletter. Bella will bring you Sports Daily on Wednesday. — Jim

Ask any Philadelphian and they will gladly tell you that the city is among the nation’s best when it comes to sports.

They’ll tell you that you won’t find a more passionate, knowledgeable, and, at times, unique fan base in the country.

The Washington Post disagrees.

The Post’s opinion section recently asked nine writers to name their top contenders for America’s top sports town. But Philly wasn’t one of them. So we asked nine of our own writers to make the case why Philadelphia is the best sports city in the nation — and they didn’t disappoint.

— Vaughn Johnson, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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The root cause of the Birds’ offensive struggles

It would be unfair to pin the Eagles’ 24-15 loss to the Chicago Bears on Jalen Hurts, even if his two turnovers and ineffectiveness as a passer were contributing factors.

Nick Sirianni and Kevin Patullo’s inability to scheme to the quarterback’s strengths, while also covering for his weaknesses, again was the primary reason for another inept showing from the offense. The same could be said for their game plan in the run game.

Jeff McLane examines why you can blame the listless Eagles offense on a number of causes. Just be sure not to forget the quarterback in your diagnosis.

Nick Foles’ diagnosis is for Patullo to move from the sidelines to the box, where he’s spent his time on gameday since 2021 before becoming offensive coordinator. Here’s what the national media is saying about the Birds following their loss to the Bears.

The Eagles also suffered a loss to their front office, as senior personnel director/advisor to the general manager David Caldwell is headed to the University of Florida to become the football program’s general manager.

Next: The Eagles (8-4) will travel to Los Angeles for a Monday night showdown against Justin Herbert and the Chargers (8-4) at SoFi Stadium. (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC)

Should the Sixers trade Paul George?

The Paul George experience has not gone the way the Sixers thought when they signed him to a four-year, $212 million deal in the summer of 2024. Should the team try to move him ahead of the trade deadline?

Beat reporter Keith Pompey answers that question and more in his latest Sixers mailbag.

Meanwhile, the Sixers lost the Hawks in double overtime, 142-134, on Sunday. Tyrese Maxey led the way for the Sixers with 44 points, while Joel Embiid returned after missing nine games and scored 18 points.

Next: The Sixers (10-9) will next hit the court on Tuesday to host the last-place Wizards (2-16) at Xfinity Mobile Arena. (7 p.m., NBC Sports Philadelphia)

Rick Tocchet’s calm approach

There are different ways of coaching. Some coaches are fiery and use that to spark their team. Other coaches, like Rick Tocchet, appear to maintain a cool, calming presence.

Now the owner of 300 wins in the NHL after Saturday night, he knows the Flyers are just 24 games into the season, and there’s a long road ahead. And although every moment is important, he doesn’t get too wrapped up in the ups and downs and momentum shifts of every game.

Get more of Jackie Spiegel’s takeaways from the Flyers’ win over the Devils.

Next: The Flyers (14-7-3) host the rival Penguins (12-7-5) at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The Flyers won their first meeting, 3-2, back on Oct. 28. (7 p.m., NBC Sports Philadelphia)

The Nittany Lions’ uncertain future

Penn State players and fans have lobbied for Terry Smith to take over as coach after he turned around the team and ended the season on a three-game win streak. But will the university remove Smith’s interim title?

Greg Finberg examines the program’s uncertain future.

Sports snapshot

FIFA World Cup draw: FIFA’s World Cup draw is this week. Here’s what to know before, during, and after Friday’s event.

La Salle’s state title quest: The Explorers have not played for a state title in 15 years and last won the crown in 2009. They’ll have a shot in the PIAA Class 6A title game this Saturday.

A Palestra classic: Penn and La Salle played a regular-season nonconference game that didn’t count toward the Big 5 standings. But the Quakers’ win felt like the real thing.

‘Nova is moving on: A dominant first half allowed Villanova to conquer Harvard, 52-7, in the first round of the FCS playoffs.

Standings, stats, and more

Want to know where the Eagles stand in the NFC playoff picture after Week 13? Here’s a place to access your favorite Philadelphia teams’ statistics, schedules, and standings in real time.

Mike Sielski’s take …

After another rough outing for the Eagles offense, Sirianni defended Patullo, his first-year offensive coordinator. But as Mike Sielski wrote following the loss to Chicago, it may not matter if Jeffrey Lurie decides changes must be made to save a season that is on the brink of spiraling out of control.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Dave Caldwell, Gabriela Carroll, Greg Finberg, Owen Hewitt, Jeff McLane, Keith Pompey Mike Sielski, Jackie Spiegel, and Jonathan Tannenwald.

Hope you all had a happy holiday weekend! Thanks for reading and be on the lookout for us again tomorrow! — Vaughn

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.

In the spirit of the holiday, we’re starting the newsletter today with a pair of football-focused stories by Matt Breen to digest.

The first is about a Thanksgiving tradition that is fading away. High school football games between fierce rivals used to be a Turkey Day staple, but only 10 games are planned Thursday in Southeastern Pennsylvania, down from 28 in 2005.

The games are dwindling because of the PIAA playoff schedule, tepid attendance, and school closures, among other reasons, but one Thanksgiving rivalry plays on. Northeast and Central started playing annually in 1896 and the rivalry has paused only twice: in 1918 during World War I and 2020 during the pandemic. The schools say it’s the nation’s oldest rivalry among public schools.

Although attendance has shrunk, the teams will meet again at Northeast on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and the mahogany Wooden Horse trophy will be at stake.

The second story revisits the rough-and-tumble days of the NFL in the 1940s and ’50s, when Bucko Kilroy was a fearsome force on both sides of the ball for the Eagles. Kilroy was called the dirtiest player in football in a Life magazine article, but he wound up spending 64 years in the NFL as a player, coach, scout, and front-office executive.

Kilroy will be inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame on Friday.

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

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We’re taking a break

Happy Thanksgiving! The newsletter will be taking Thursday and Friday off as we observe the holiday. Sports Daily will return to your inbox on Monday.

Loaded for Bears

The Eagles needed some good news after that awful ending on Sunday and this is it: Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio says he expects to have Reed Blankenship available to play in the Good Friday matchup against the Chicago Bears (3 p.m., Fox29).

The veteran safety left the Cowboys game with an injured thigh and the other safety, Drew Mukuba, suffered a right leg fracture in that game. Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson left with a concussion, too. Olivia Reiner reports on how the Birds plan to patch up their secondary against the Bears.

Also on the Eagles beat:

• Saquon Barkley’s production has been way down this season. Here’s a look at the statistics behind his decline.
• There are few teams that have been as undisciplined as the Bears this season. Chicago has been called for 87 penalties, which is tied for fourth in the NFL.
• Eagles defensive tackle Byron Young’s father died suddenly in March. He has found a way to keep his dad close to him.
• The Eagles will wear black on Black Friday and are asking fans to do the same.

A bright spot

The Flyers managed only 20 shots on goal Monday, failing to score for the first time this season in a 3-0 loss to the Lightning in Tampa, Fla. Tending goal for the first time in 10 days, Sam Ersson played well for the Flyers, making 15 saves. Peer beyond the box score and you’ll see a goalie who played his game.

Join us before kickoff

Live from the Linc: Beat writers Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner will preview the game against the Bears on Friday at 1:30 p.m. Tune in to Gameday Central.

Sports snapshot

• More injuries: Trendon Watford is latest Sixers player to suffer an injury during the team’s blowout loss to the Magic.
• Rebuilding at La Salle: Men’s basketball coach Darris Nichols and his brother Shane, an assistant, are tasked with turning things around.
• Headed for the Bahamas: Temple’s women have a date with No. 20 Michigan State in Nassau on Friday.
• Starting from scratch: Arcadia University has launched men’s and women’s wrestling programs this season.

Who said it?

What’s wrong with the Eagles? One veteran offered his take. Click here to see if you know who said it.

What you’re saying about the Eagles

We asked: Should the Eagles change their play-caller? Among your responses:

I do not ascribe that play calling is at the root of the offense’s “funk.” I see the issue as execution on the field. Saquon’s inability to gain constructive yards and bone headed penalties and decisions (fielding punt on 2-yard line) as the primary culprit. — Bill M.

YES! — Jill L.

Just curious why the Eagles felt that “on the job training” would be successful? Detroit made the change a few weeks ago. Worked for the first game and that’s it. How come no one is questioning Jeff Stoutland, the OL and run game coach? Big game coming up on Friday afternoon against da’ Bears. Looking for a 34-10 win and that will shut everyone up! Me included! Except for talk radio that will pick the game apart as usual. — Ronald R.

ABSOLUTELY. Duh. … Patullo is not working. At the end of the season, you’ll be saying “shoulda, woulda, coulda.” — Karen L.

The Eagles definitely need to change their play caller, but would guess that would not be easy at this point in the season. Maybe a serious sit down with Patullo, Sirianni, Roseman, and Mr. Lurie would help. I’ve never been a football coach, but just watching on TV from far away I find myself so frustrated at the calls that seem to be contrary to the immediate need. — Everett S.

It is easy to want a change, but who would you turn to? Nick is hopefully on the middle of game planning. Given his 4th quarter calls, he is not the answer. We are stuck with a learning curve and will have to ride it out. Either the plays are too conservative or the execution by the players is off. The offensive line has not been intact all year and Barkley looks a step slower. — Bob C.

There is something clearly wrong with this offense. They have enough talent that blowing a 21-point lead should never happen. I am not certain that the play caller is the problem but something has to change and that seems to be the place to start. — Bill H.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Matt Breen, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Jeff McLane, Marcus Hayes, Keith Pompey, Jackie Spiegel, Ariel Simpson, Colin Schofield, 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.

Again, happy Thanksgiving! I’ll see you in Monday’s newsletter. — Jim

How did the Eagles collapse Sunday in Arlington, Texas? Let us count the ways …

They coughed up a 21-point lead to the Dallas Cowboys. Their running game vanished. They fumbled the ball away twice in the fourth quarter. Dak Prescott passed for 354 yards against their defense. And they had 14 penalties, which tied the largest total in a single game since Nick Sirianni began coaching them.

So it was Cowboys 24, Eagles 21, thanks to Brandon Aubrey’s 42-yard field goal as time expired. A four-game Eagles winning streak ended with a thud.

This one’s on Sirianni, Jeff McLane writes in his grades on the game. The coach’s conservatism finally cost the Eagles, who were sloppy with all those penalties. That’s on the coaching.

Tom Brady praised Jalen Hurts in Fox’s coverage of the game, but Hurts and the offense went nowhere in the second half.

“I’m in a little funk right now,” Saquon Barkley said at his locker stall after he totaled just 22 rushing yards on 10 carries.

“All it is is a lack of focus,” left tackle Jordan Mailata said of the Birds’ sorry effort. “First, look internally, because that’s the only way we can move forward.”

Focus? Marcus Hayes wonders how the team could not do that when it could have virtually wrapped up the NFC East title with six weeks to go.

Now the Eagles will need to turn things around quickly with the 8-3 Chicago Bears heading to Lincoln Financial Field for a game on Black Friday.

More coverage from Sunday’s game can be found here.

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

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❓What bothers you most about this Eagles loss? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Down and out

New York City FC bounced the Union out of the MLS playoffs with a 1-0 victory Sunday night at Subaru Park. Matt Freese, a former backup goalkeeper for the Union from Wayne, did in his old team, making four saves. The Union earned the Supporters’ Shield as the team with the best record in MLS, but they were shut out at home for just the second time this season.

NYCFC advances to face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami squad in the Eastern Conference final on Friday.

Fastest to the finish line

On a brisk Sunday among 17,000 contestants, Melikhaya Frans of South Africa captured the 32nd annual Philadelphia Marathon title in 2 hours, 13 minutes, 57.74 seconds. A former Boston College runner, Anna Oeser of Brookfield, Conn., won the women’s title.

Can’t beat the Heat

The good news for the Sixers: Jared McCain had his best game of the season Sunday against the Miami Heat, finishing with 15 points. The bad news: Their big men could not contain 7-footer Kel’el Ware and 6-foot-9 Bam Adebayo in a 127-117 loss at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The home team played without former MVP Joel Embiid for the seventh straight game, and rookie VJ Edgecombe sat out, too. Injuries continue to hamper the Sixers, who sank to 9-7.

Things are looking up

At the 20-game mark this season, the Flyers are 11-6-3 and sit in a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Three of their four lines scored Saturday in a 6-3 rout of the New Jersey Devils. On defense, the pairing of Jamie Drysdale and Emil Andrae held the Devils scoreless when they were on the ice.

In goal, Dan Vladař has emerged as the team’s clear No. 1, sporting a 2.42 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage. Jackie Spiegel has seven takeaways from an impressive win.

Sports snapshot

• Postseason matchup: Villanova will host Harvard on Saturday at noon in the first round of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.
• Penn State positives: Support is growing for interim coach Terry Smith to keep the job after a blowout victory.
• Bowl hopes fading: Temple has slipped under .500 after a 37-13 loss to Tulane.
• Big ’Nova win: The Wildcats move a step closer to the Big 5 final with an 88-58 women’s basketball victory over Temple.
• Phillies eyeing Japan: They’ve been shut out from signing a Japanese player to a major league deal, but it’s not for a lack of trying.

On this date

Nov. 24, 1960: Wilt Chamberlain pulled down an NBA-record 55 rebounds for the Philadelphia Warriors in a 132-129 loss to the Boston Celtics.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff McLane, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Marcus Hayes, Gabriela Carroll, Owen Hewitt, Keith Pompey, Jackie Spiegel, Scott Lauber, Katie Lewis, Greg Finberg, Dylan Johnson, and Colin Schofield.

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.

Happy Monday as we head into a holiday week. Bella will bring you the newsletter on Tuesday. Thanks for reading. — Jim

On a week when the Union should be preparing for a crucial Eastern Conference semifinal against New York City FC on Sunday (7:55 p.m., Apple TV, MLS Season Pass), the prevailing news is drama of a different kind.

On Tuesday, the Guardian unveiled a monthslong report revealing alleged misconduct by the Union’s sporting director, Ernst Tanner, who is considered the mastermind of the team’s prominence in Major League Soccer over the last few seasons.

According to the report, Tanner is accused in a series of incidents involving racism, sexism, and homophobia directed toward people around American soccer. On Wednesday, we heard the latest from the stance of MLS, the club, and even Tanner himself, via his legal team after he was put on “administrative leave.”

The situation puts the Union in a bind: The technical staff is focused on advancing to next week’s conference final, while the front office seeks to distance itself from serious allegations against the guy in charge of its future.

It’s what we’re leading off your Thursday with, one expected to remain cloudy, but peaking into the 50s today.

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

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Hurts, on Hurts

We all know the Eagles quarterback is good for a great quote or two, but what does he have to say about himself when asked? In a moment in which pundits once again are starting to doubt Jalen Hurts, here’s a snippet of what he said, gathered by Inquirer reporter Olivia Reiner:

“I guess I get a lot of attention when things are going well and when things are not going so well,” Hurts said. “So I never run away from holding myself accountable and I think that’s exactly what I’ve taken the approach of doing. Even when I look at this last game, I take great pride in what we do on offense. I take great pride in how we go out there and play as a team and what our flow is.

“So we obviously got work to do, and I think that obviously starts with me. That’s always my approach. That’s always me looking internally first in everything that we do. And in due time, rising above.”

According to Hurts, scrutiny is par for the course. But he doesn’t plan on caving in to the rumors.

What can George give the Sixers?

Paul George wasted no time getting in on the action in his first game of the 2025-26 season. Just 36 seconds into regulation Monday, George picked up a block against James Harden and turned a quick give-and-go with Tyrese Maxey into a catch-and-shoot three-pointer. Of course, the rest of George’s night wasn’t quite as smooth.

It’s tough to draw too many sweeping conclusions from George’s season debut. But The Inquirer takes a closer look at how his return could help the Sixers improve at both ends while lightening the load on Maxey. We look at what George can give to the Sixers — and what might be a thing of the past.

The Sixers could not overcome a third-quarter surge by the Raptors in a 121-112 loss to Toronto. Tyrese Maxey paced the Sixers with 24 points, but the team committed a season-high 21 turnovers that led to 31 Raptors points.

Maddon talks Phillies

Kyle Schwarber spent much of his first five major league seasons trying to get things right against lefties.

Joe Maddon watched the struggle up close as manager of the Cubs.

Schwarber became a complete hitter in four seasons with the Phillies — and put himself in position to cash in this offseason in free agency. As Schwarber’s market develops, Maddon sat down with Phillies Extra, The Inquirer’s baseball podcast, to discuss the slugger’s maturation as a hitter.

Get your Eagles fix!

Get up to speed before kickoff as the Inquirer’s Olivia Reiner and Jeff McLane break down everything you need to know ahead of Sunday’s game against the Cowboys. Watch here.

On this date

Nov. 20, 1997: Flyers great Eric Lindros is alleged to have bitten San Jose Sharks defenseman Marty McSorley. However, two days later, the NHL cleared Lindros of any wrongdoing, despite video appearing to show Lindros in full bite mode.

Standings, stats, and more

Want to see the full breakdown of last night’s Sixers game against the Toronto Raptors? Here’s a place to access your favorite Philadelphia teams’ statistics, schedules, and standings in real time.

David Murphy’s take …

The most important variable in any negotiation is what the other side thinks you are willing to pay. Right now, the other 29 teams in Major League Baseball have every reason to think the Phillies aren’t willing to pay Nick Castellanos anything. — The latest from Inquirer columnist David Murphy on the upside of Castellanos’ situation for the Phillies.

What you’re saying about Temple football

We asked: Can K.C. Keeler bring success back to Temple in football?

Success for Temple football is fielding a competitive team capable of earning a bid for a Bowl Game. Following four years of three-win seasons, KC [Keeler] has worked miracles on North Broad this season. He brought in 46 new players and totally revamped the culture. The team believes they can win and are on the brink of potentially qualifying for a bowl bid. Choosing a successful head coach who is committed to Temple, not the next job, is a big win for the Owls. Now, we need fans in the stands when Penn State visits next September. — Bob C.

Yes. They were competitive in the conference this year in his first year at Temple. He knows the area, he can recruit, he can coach and the American conference is not impossible to win (see Army and Navy this year and last). — Richard V.

Short answer on KC Keeler NO. Temple is not a football school. They should forget football and put all their money and efforts into becoming a big-name basketball school. Lifetime, the Owls are 499-622-52. They have played nine Bowl Games and won three. From 1887 to 2025, Penn State has had 16 coaches. From 1894 to 2025, Temple has had 34. They have played in multiple conferences and were expelled from the Big East in 2019 for a lack of commitment. Their greatest years were the Pop Warner era that ended in 1938 when I was born. Wayne Harden and Matt Rhule also had success there, but very limited success since then. —Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jonathan Tannenwald, Kerith Gabriel, Olivia Reiner, Keith Pompey, Scott Lauber, David Murphy, and Neil Pane.

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.

Hey, thanks for allowing us to get your days started — or just to feel better informed. Bella returns to your inbox tomorrow to get you ready for the weekend. — Kerith

There is one thing Eagles fans want to know: How long is Lane Johnson going to be out?

It’s a relevant question when you consider that the Eagles have a 12-23 record in games Johnson hasn’t started since the beginning of the 2016 season. And he won’t be starting this week after league sources confirmed to The Inquirer that Johnson suffered a Lisfranc sprain in his foot on Sunday night.

The injury in the middle of his foot is named after a Frenchman who was a field surgeon under Napoleon, which is your fun fact of the day. Anyway, the All-Pro tackle is awaiting results from X-rays to determine whether he needs surgery, which probably would end his season. Johnson is likely to miss at least 4-6 weeks with a sprain.

His replacement at right tackle, Fred Johnson, has filled in well when Lane Johnson has missed time, but he is not an All-Pro. Several Eagles have had Lisfranc injuries in the past, including Nakobe Dean in 2023. The linebacker needed surgery and it ended his season. Here’s more to know about Lisfranc injuries.

A.J. Brown famously called the Eagles offense “a [bleep] show” last week, and the attack is not likely to get any better with the news about Johnson, Marcus Hayes writes.

The worries about the offense will continue, but it is important to remember that the defending Super Bowl champions are 8-2. Nick Sirianni continues to be second-guessed, Jeff McLane writes, but all he does is stack up wins.

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

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❓Can the Eagles make up for the loss of Lane Johnson? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

George makes debut

The 76ers’ season began with questions about the health of Paul George and Joel Embiid. The answer came quickly on Embiid, who has averaged 19.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while playing limited minutes.

George had to wait longer to return as he recovered from offseason surgery on his left knee. The official word that the former All-Star forward would play Monday came moments before the Sixers’ home game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Sixers have waited months to reach full strength. And while Embiid now has pain in his right knee, this is the closest the Sixers have come this season.

George scored nine points in his return as the Sixers rallied to beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 110-108. Tyrese Maxey led the way with 39 points.

Nori speeding into 2026

Dante Nori, the Phillies’ first-round pick in 2024, rose through three levels of the minor leagues in his first full season of professional baseball, which concluded this month at the Arizona Fall League. An adjustment and a new bat made a big difference for the speedy outfielder, who hopes to start 2026 in double A.

But before beginning his next minor league assignment, Nori has his eyes fixed on another objective: playing in the World Baseball Classic for Team Italy.

He’s a Hokie now

About five weeks after James Franklin lost his job at Penn State, he landed another one at Virginia Tech. Franklin finalized a deal Monday to become head football coach of the Hokies, who are 3-7 and have not won an ACC title since 2010. The good news for Penn State? His buyout with the Nittany Lions, once valued at $49 million, reportedly will be reduced to $9 million.

Penn State ended a six-game losing streak on Saturday and interim coach Terry Smith is hoping the Nittany Lions can win two more and become bowl eligible.

Speaking of bowl eligibility, Temple can get there with one more win. Tulane offers a tough test in the Owls’ home finale on Saturday.

Offensive Bump?

The Flyers could use an offensive bump as they are averaging the fourth-fewest goals in the NHL (2.61). Enter … Alex Bump?

Bump, one of the team’s top prospects, is lighting up the American Hockey League with 13 points in 15 games, and 10 points in his last seven games. Could a call-up be on the not-so-distant horizon? Jackie Spiegel thinks so.

The Flyers made a move Monday, swapping AHL defensemen. Here’s what the Flyers are getting in Maxence Guenette.

Sports snapshot

• Tough test: The U.S. men’s national team closes its year by facing South American superpower Uruguay tonight in Tampa, Fla.

🧠 Trivia time

Which former Eagles offensive tackle is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.

A) Jon Runyan

B) Tra Thomas

C) Jerry Sisemore

D) Bob Brown

What you’re saying about the Eagles

We asked: How can the Eagles offense get going? Among your responses:

How about if Hurts starts running again? Not saying a lot of runs — we can’t afford to have Jalen hurt — but how about a few designed run plays??? They were so successful in getting the run game moving last year and would spring Barkley when opposing defenses had to bring a safety down to cover one of them. — Lynda M.

Stop running Barkley directly into the line. — John B.

I’ve been saying this from day one. The offensive coordinator has not a clue on how to manage a game. But how can you fire someone when you are 8-2? You can’t! The QB1 overthrows his wide-open receivers by at least 10 yards in fear of throwing a interception. We lost three opportunities for a first down at fourth and one when the offensive line jumped offsides. But we’re 8-2! One thing I notice is the defense keeps talking to each other after each play. Not so much the offense if ever. — Ronald R.

We desperately lack creativity in our offense. Our inability to get the ball to our wide receivers is inexplicable. You just can’t run a play and hope someone gets open, you have to scheme them open. Misdirection, motion, quick hitters will get the defense to back off and open up some running lanes for Saquon and Tank. — Bill B.

Hurts needs to pretend he is Josh Allen and learn to be consistent. We need to see that Super Bowl winning QB again. The offensive line is also not what we saw in that SB victory. Injuries of course, but they really need to notch it up. They are not providing the openings for Barkley they did last year. The receivers are outstanding, but Patullo has to come up with better game plans and Hurts has to execute much better. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff Neiburg, Marcus Hayes, Jeff McLane, Keith Pompey, Jackie Spiegel, Gustav Elvin, Jack Vita, Devin Jackson, Greg Finberg, Ryan Mack, and Jonathan Tannenwald.

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 wraps up your Tuesday newsletter. Thanks for reading. Bella will be in charge of Sports Daily on Wednesday. — Jim

The Eagles picked the perfect way to head into the bye week, unleashing a running attack that looked a lot like the one from the Super Bowl season. Saquon Barkley ran for 150 yards, Tank Bigsby added 104 more, and the Birds flattened a Giants team that had manhandled them two weeks ago.

“I think the O-line did a really good job of dominating up front,” Barkley said after the 38-20 victory. “Creating space for us. It’s cool to see Tank get out there and make some big plays. I’ve never been part of a game, I don’t think so, of having two 100-yard backs. So it was great to see him go out there and make plays, especially to see him finish the game for us.”

Barkley added: “For sure, we definitely saw how they celebrated when they beat us last time.” It is never wise to poke the bear, but it is especially unwise to poke the bear when you know you will be seeing the bear again in 17 days, David Murphy writes.

The Eagles head for a week off with a 6-2 record, but games against the Packers and Lions await after that. At least the offense finally seems to be rolling under coordinator Kevin Patullo, Marcus Hayes writes.

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

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❓What should the Eagles work on improving during their bye week? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Getting physical

The Giants were the more physical team when they battered the Eagles, 34-17, on Oct. 9. The Birds made sure that did not happen again on their home turf. They sacked Jaxson Dart five times Sunday as the defensive line came through with an especially strong game.

“We were more physical than them today,” linebacker Zack Baun said. “That was the mentality we wanted to come out with. We came out with it and we sustained it throughout the whole game.”

Defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who was held out of the first game vs. the Giants, picked up his first sack of the season. Outside linebacker Jalyx Hunt brought energy off the edge from the jump, Jeff McLane writes in his grades on the game.

The game was not the smoothest on the officiating end, and Fox’s broadcast crew made note of a few blown calls.

More coverage from Sunday’s Eagles win can be found here.

A dramatic playoff win

The Union saw a 2-0 lead against the Chicago Fire disappear in short order Sunday night. Luckily for them, they had Andre Blake in goal. When the 2-2 game went to penalty kicks, Blake stopped a shot by the Fire’s Jack Elliott, then got a break when Joel Waterman’s shot bounced off the top of the goal. Penalty-kick goals by Frankie Westfield, Milan Iloski, Tai Baribo, and Jesús Bueno lifted the Union to a playoff-opening victory at Subaru Park.

The Union’s principal owner, Jay Sugarman, says, “Our goal right now is to win a Cup.”

Back on track

Like many of his Sixers teammates, Andre Drummond had a lost season in 2024-25. The 32-year-old center is fully recovered from a turf toe injury now, though. Drummond pulled in 13 rebounds in 16 minutes of action Saturday night as the Sixers improved to 2-0 by beating the Charlotte Hornets.

“That’s what I’ve been paid for my entire career,” Drummond said. “It doesn’t take much for me to get to that point where I want to get every rebound.”

Rookie VJ Edgecombe is off to a flying start for the Sixers, and back home in the Bahamas, his friends and former coaches are following every move.

Edgecombe already has made an impression on Joel Embiid, who says: “Whether shots are going in or not, [he] always plays the right way, makes the right plays.”

The Sixers struggled to stop the Hornets’ dribble penetration, something Nick Nurse is sure to address in practice this week.

Getting his chance

Former Spring-Ford High star Matt Zollers got an opportunity to play Saturday after Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula went down with a dislocated left ankle. Zollers completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown in a 17-10 loss to No. 10 Vanderbilt.

Evan Simon completed 24 of 35 passes for 265 yards and five touchdowns as Temple outlasted host Tulsa, 38-37, in overtime.

Luke Colella scored two TDs in Villanova’s 29-16 win against Albany.

Penn suffered its first Ivy League loss as Yale prevailed, 35-13.

Penn State is still looking for its first Big Ten victory with a trip to No. 1 Ohio State on tap this Saturday.

Sports snapshot

• He’s on a roll: Trevor Zegras scored twice, then added a goal in the shootout as the Flyers beat the Islanders.

On this date

Oct. 27, 2008: The Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays battled to a 2-2 tie in Game 5 of the World Series before a storm prompted a rain delay that lasted two days. The game resumed on Oct. 29, when Brad Lidge struck out Eric Hinske to seal a 4-3 victory, clinching the second world championship in Phillies history.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff McLane, Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, Marcus Hayes, David Murphy, Jackie Spiegel, Keith Pompey, Gina Mizell, Jonathan Tannenwald, Owen Hewitt, Colin Schofield, 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.

Have a great Monday. Thanks for reading and I’ll see you in Tuesday’s newsletter. — Jim