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  • You be the general manager | Sports Daily Newsletter

    You be the general manager | Sports Daily Newsletter

    As the Dodgers prepare to open defense of their World Series title on Friday against the Blue Jays, Phillies fans are forced to look ahead to next season. (Unless they want to see more of the all-time greatness that is Shohei Ohtani, who is certainly worth watching.)

    There will be changes next season, for sure. Nick Castellanos is not expected to be back, and there’s a chance the Phillies could have an entirely new outfield. Alec Bohm is sure to hear more trade rumors. Also, it is unlikely that the team will bring back both Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suárez, two free agents.

    So who will stay and who will be gone by the time the Phillies open the 2026 season on March 26 against the Texas Rangers? Phillies beat writers Scott Lauber and Lochlahn March have made their decisions and now it’s time to make your picks. Join us for a round of Stay or Go. Finding it hard to decide? We’ll show you how other Inquirer readers have voted so far and what we think the team will do.

    (To those Sports Daily readers who thought Rob Thomson should move on: The Phillies brass voted Stay on that one, as you know.)

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

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    ❓Should the Phillies follow through on an Alec Bohm trade this offseason? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    A dodging Dart

    Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart scrambles during his team’s win against the Eagles on Oct. 9.

    Mobile quarterbacks have given the Eagles problems this season. Patrick Mahomes scrambled for 66 yards against them in September and even Carson Wentz escaped for 28 yards on two scrambles on Sunday. Which brings us to Jaxson Dart. The Giants rookie scrambled five times for 42 yards and a touchdown in a 34-17 upset of the Birds on Oct. 9 and now the Eagles get to face him again.

    Jalen Carter will be back in lineup Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field after he sat out the last meeting with the Giants, which should help. But the Eagles simply have to tackle better, writes Olivia Reiner, who examines other keys to the game as well. The Birds might have something cooking with play-action passes, but they need to keep Giants edge rusher Brian Burns in check.

    Some help at edge rusher will be coming down the road for the Eagles with the addition of Brandon Graham. The veteran defensive end will come out of retirement to rejoin the team, league sources told The Inquirer.

    The Eagles opened as seven-point favorites against the Giants.

    In case you missed it, Saquon Barkley and the running game stayed stuck in the mud, but Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and A.J. Brown made sure that didn’t matter, Jeff McLane writes.

    A changed Embiid?

    Sixers center Joel Embiid shooting over Johnny Juzang of the Timberwolves during a preseason game on Friday.

    Joel Embiid has been the focal point of the Sixers’ offense for years, but the big man was singing a different tune after his preseason debut on Friday. “I’m here to help,” Embiid said after he finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and three steals against the Timberwolves. “According to a lot of your peers [in the media], I’m not even a top-100 basketball player in the league. So I guess I’ve just got to fit in and see where I can help the team win basketball games. So, if that’s playing defense and stretching the floor, that’s what I’m going to do.”

    Embiid, 31, has had two knee surgeries in the last 14 months, so maybe a different approach makes sense, Keith Pompey writes.

    The Sixers seem to be getting healthier heading into the season opener Wednesday at Boston. Nearly every player on the roster practiced Monday, including Embiid and Paul George.

    Goals aplenty

    Flyers wing Nikita Grebenkin (29) fights Seattle’s Cale Fleury during the first period Monday.

    Owen Tippett and Tyson Foerster each scored two goals in the Flyers’ 5-2 victory over the Kraken, handing Seattle its first regulation loss of the season.

    Coach Rick Tocchet gave Egor Zamula another chance to play against the Kraken.

    ‘The real deal’

    Villanova guard Acaden Lewis goes to the hoop past VCU’s Brandon Jennings during the exhibition game on Sunday.

    Villanova offered a sneak peek at new coach Kevin Willard’s Wildcats in a 70-51 exhibition win against Virginia Commonwealth. VCU coach Phil Martelli Jr., a guy with some Big 5 chops, was impressed.

    “That Lewis kid is the real deal,” Martelli said of freshman guard Acaden Lewis, who scored 15 points. “He’s going to be a problem for a lot of people.”

    Sports snapshot

    United States Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone announcing the bid for the 2031 women’s World Cup.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Who is the Phillies’ career leader in postseason RBIs with 33? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.

    A) Shane Victorino

    B) Ryan Howard

    C) Bryce Harper

    D) Chase Utley

    What you’re saying about Brandon Graham

    Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham with Travis Kelce after the victory over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

    We asked: Do you think Brandon Graham should come out of retirement and join the Eagles? Among your responses:

    No Brandon, don’t do it. You’re enjoying retirement and have several opportunities you’re capitalizing on. Not worth the risk of another injury. You had your time, did a great job, enjoy retirement. — Tom G.

    Hard NO! Graham is an Eagles Legand who is now past his prime and was holding on faintly to make the team in the last 3 years. His health, wealth and mental capacity is in a good place. Sometimes players don’t know how to walk away and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Take the blessings you have been given and use your talents to help others throughout the community in other tangible ways. Good luck in your retirement! — William M.

    Brandon Graham one of our most popular Eagles ever and 37 years old probably should not, but if the team and the medical team think he is physically fit to do so and he is truly committed then OK. Vic’s defense that is certainly not the one that made Mahomes look like a high school QB could probably use him. — Everett S.

    I do not. I miss his spirit with the team, but he has had more than his share of injuries and is probably not in shape for football. He needs to enjoy his retirement in one piece. — Kathy T.

    Absolutely! He and JK were invaluable in the locker room as well as on the field. — Ray G.

    Yes — Richard V., Glenn P.

    No — Bob L.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Jeff McLane, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Ariel Simpson, Jonathan Tannenwald, Keith Pompey, Jackie Spiegel, Dylan Johnson, Colin Schofield, and Kristen A. Graham.

    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.

    How many of our readers got the Dodge Dart reference? That’s all for today in Sports Daily. Thank you for reading. Bella will be at the newsletter controls on Wednesday. — Jim

  • Phillies Extra: Greg Luzinski

    Phillies Extra: Greg Luzinski

    It’s always a good time to sit down with former Phillies slugger Greg Luzinski. But it’s particularly timely this week, as the team marks the 45th anniversary of its first World Series championship. The Bull discusses his starring role in the 1980 NL Championship Series, his career with the Phillies, the current team’s struggle to get over the postseason hump, the power of Kyle Schwarber, and more. Watch here.

    You can also subscribe to the podcast version of Phillies Extra on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

  • Owen Tippett fuels the Flyers’ offensive explosion in 5-2 win over Kraken

    Owen Tippett fuels the Flyers’ offensive explosion in 5-2 win over Kraken

    Entering Monday night, the Flyers were tied for the sixth-fewest goals per game this season, averaging just 2.6.

    But Monday night, they rose from the depths with a 5-2 win to hand the visiting Seattle Kraken its first regulation loss of the season. The Flyers have now won two straight and three of their last four and are 3-2-1 to start the season.

    The Orange and Black did it backed by two goals from Owen Tippett, two power-play goals — one by Tyson Foerster and one from Noah Cates — three assists by Cam York, and with several players registering their first point, including Travis Konecny notching his first goal of the season.

    Rick Tocchet’s seeking ‘awareness’ from Flyers blueliner Egor Zamula; Dan Vladař starts in goal again

    Tippett stayed hot by snagging his fourth goal of the season in six games, to tie the game 1-1 at the midway point of the first period. Sean Couturier stripped Kraken goalie Joey Daccord as he tried to play the puck behind the goal line. The captain fed Nick Seeler as he snuck down into the left circle and tried to rip a shot. It deflected off the stick of Eeli Tolvanen, allowing Tippett to shovel the puck home into a gaping net.

    Foerster then gave the Flyers the lead with a power-play goal less than 4 minutes later.

    The winger and Bobby Brink worked the boards after a return pass by York missed its connection with Brink. Foerster got the puck and the two got to work with Brink drawing two Kraken players to him before passing to an open Foerster, who took his time and picked the top corner. The 23-year-old Foerster now has two goals and five points in six games.

    Konecny hinted Thursday that he wasn’t too worried about not having a goal, but the reaction after he scored told a different story. The play started when Matvei Michkov corralled the puck in the neutral zone, carried it into the offensive zone, and found trailing Egor Zamula.

    The defenseman, who is well known for his patience with the puck, used it wisely as he skated down to the bottom of the left faceoff circle — used a little shoulder shrug to get around Jani Nyman along the way — and found Konecny for the tap-in at the right post to make it 3-1. It was Zamula’s first assist of the season.

    Tyson Foerster has three goals in the early going this season.

    Cates got the Flyers their second power-play goal less than a minute later, tipping in a point shot by York. The blueliner received a great pass from Trevor Zegras after the center drew winger Tye Kartye in tight, creating space. Cates has three goals and five points in six games.

    Tippett added his second, to extend the lead to 5-2, with a bad-angle shot that squeezed through Daccord and the left post with under five minutes remaining in the second period.

    Jordan Eberle had gotten the Kraken on the board first in the opening frame when a point shot by Cale Fleury hit him in the slot and changed direction on Flyers goalie Dan Vladař, who was ready to make the glove save. The puck instead went over his right shoulder.

    Here’s why Matvei Michkov found himself on the bench late in the Flyers’ latest victory

    Nyman had made it 4-2 on a Seattle power play when Matty Beniers found him in the right circle after a scramble in front.

    Vladař, who was starting his second straight game, made 21 saves on 23 shots, including a big pad save on Kartye during a two-on-one when the Flyers were on the power play in the first period and then Chandler Stephenson on a breakaway four seconds later. Foerster scored his first on the power play soon after.

    Breakaways

    Nikita Grebenkin got back into the lineup and made an impact by coming to the defense of his teammate, Garnet Hathaway, who was hit awkwardly by Fleury along the boards in the neutral zone. The Russian earned five for fighting, two for instigating, and a 10-minute misconduct but earned his money by body-slamming Fleury down and then motioning to the crowd — a la Nic Deslauriers — to get excited. … In the third period, Konecny also dropped the gloves and was given a 10-minute misconduct. He went to the defense of Couturier, who was cross-checked unexpectedly and from behind by former New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren. The play happened after Tippett nailed Kartye in front of the Kraken’s bench. … Jett Luchanko also returned to the lineup and played 8 minutes, 43 seconds and had a shot on goal in what was his fourth game of the season.

    Nikita Grebenkin earned himself some props from his teammates after standing up for Garnet Hathaway.

    Up next

    The Flyers hit the road for a matchup with the Ottawa Senators on Thursday (7 p.m., NBCSP). The Sens will be without captain Brady Tkachuk, who is out 6-8 weeks after thumb surgery.

  • Brandon Graham set to come out of retirement to rejoin the Eagles

    Brandon Graham set to come out of retirement to rejoin the Eagles

    Seven months after he gave a tear-filled speech announcing his retirement following 15 seasons with the Eagles, Brandon Graham is set rejoin the team, league sources told The Inquirer.

    Momentum toward a deal was building over the weekend, and league sources confirmed to The Inquirer Sunday that the wheels were in motion for Graham’s return to football.

    Graham on Monday night posted on social media a teaser to a Tuesday morning announcement that he’ll make on his podcast, Brandon Graham Unblocked. PHLY Sports, which hosts Graham’s podcast, said a deal was agreed to Monday.

    Graham, 37, is the Eagles’ all-time leader in games played with 206, a number he will add to, and his 76½ sacks rank third in team history. He returns to the Eagles at a time when they desperately need help at his position.

    An already thin group of edge rushers took a hit last week when Za’Darius Smith abruptly retired from football. Then Azeez Ojulari went down with a hamstring injury during the first quarter Sunday in Minneapolis. Nolan Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo are both on injured reserve with triceps injuries. Smith is due back, likely after the Week 9 bye week, but Okoronkwo’s season is over.

    Jalen Hurts again roasts Carson Wentz; A.J. Brown says ‘Just throw me the bleeping ball’

    A reunion with the Eagles became more of a possibility as the injuries mounted, and Graham is a low-cost addition who adds depth and leadership to the defense. They still might make a move for another pass rusher. The rush had a stronger performance Sunday, with Joshua Uche earning his first sack of the season, but the edge rushers have not consistently gotten to quarterbacks for impact plays.

    The Eagles had an open spot on the 53-man roster and do not have to make a corresponding move after adding Graham.

    It’s unclear how much ramp-up time Graham will need before he sees the field. The Eagles play Sunday at home vs. the New York Giants before hitting their bye week. They come out of the bye with a Nov. 10 Monday Night Football game in Green Bay.

    Graham admitted he played better than he even expected last year during what was supposed to be his farewell tour of sorts. But his regular season ended when he suffered a torn triceps in a Week 12 win over the Los Angeles Rams, against whom he picked up his fourth sack of the season. It was possible at the time that Graham’s NFL playing career ended on the SoFi Stadium field, but he made a remarkable comeback to play in Super Bowl LIX.

    Brandon Graham got his fourth sack of the season against the Rams in Week 12, but he also suffered a torn triceps that kept him out until the Super Bowl.

    Graham logged 13 snaps during the Eagles’ blowout win in New Orleans in February, but he also suffered a second torn triceps. His retirement life has featured his own podcast, Brandon Graham Unblocked, and public appearances.

    How impactful will he be on the field? That question doesn’t have a clear answer. The Eagles entered Sunday with just nine sacks, and only six teams had fewer. They got two more Sunday, one from an edge rusher, but lost another in the process. Graham might be more useful at the start against the run, helping to set the edge.

    But players in the Eagles’ locker room Sunday, hours after reports surfaced that Graham’s reunion with the Eagles was possible, spoke more about his off-field presence.

    Graham would bring “the juice, the energy, the vibe,” linebacker Zack Baun said. “He just lives his life with so much to give. Obviously his play as well. I thought last year, him retiring, he was at the point where he could still do a lot and still go out there and play and play well. But I think we miss his vibe in the locker room.”

    Edge rusher Patrick Johnson, who has been with the Eagles since 2021, with a brief stop with the Giants last season, said he’d seen the rumors on social media. If Graham was to return, Johnson said he’d be a welcomed presence to his position group.

    “He’s going to bring that spark that we need for sure and that leadership,” Johnson said.

    Should Brandon Graham return to the Eagles? Why it does — and doesn’t — make sense.

    Graham’s former locker stall was given to Za’Darius Smith, whose role with the Eagles was to include a veteran presence for a position group in transition. Smith was logging 26-plus snaps per game with the Eagles, and while the team probably won’t ask Graham to step into that kind of workload, at least not right away, they will ask him to step back into that stall and assume his typical off-field duties.

    “BG is BG, man,” said defensive tackle Moro Ojomo, who leads the Eagles with three sacks. “He’s just an amazing guy. I love to be around that guy.

    “Jeffrey Lurie said it last year, said it perfectly, that there are people that are energy takers and energy givers and BG is an energy giver, and I think we all feel that.”

    As social media and sports radio chatter ramped up last week about a potential return, Graham tiptoed around the topic on his podcast last Wednesday.

    “You’re always going to feel like you can do something,” he said. “You want people to grow, too, and right now it’s hard for some people. It’s hard, especially for the young guys.

    “They got some battles that they got to fight, but if they do it together, they’ll be in a good spot.”

    Now, he’ll be part of helping that happen.

    Staff writer Jeff McLane contributed to this story.

  • The U.S. launches a continent-wide bid for the 2031 women’s World Cup, and Philadelphia wants in

    The U.S. launches a continent-wide bid for the 2031 women’s World Cup, and Philadelphia wants in

    NEW YORK — After months of speculation and waiting, the United States’ big bid to organize the 2031 women’s World Cup across the continent became official on Monday.

    The U.S. launched its effort with Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica, with one eye on the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams and another on giving women’s soccer in the Concacaf region a big boost.

    “We’re proud to lead this bid, and we chose to do it together with our Concacaf partners because this moment is bigger than any one country,” U.S. Soccer Federation president Cindy Cone said at a news conference with officials from the three other countries and a number of former star players.

    More than 30 U.S. cities have expressed interest in getting involved, including Philadelphia. The city was a host the last time the women’s World Cup was in the U.S., in 2003, and will host the men’s tournament for the first time next year.

    Mia Hamm (left) led the United States’ win over Nigeria at Lincoln Financial Field in the 2003 women’s World Cup.

    “We are excited for the possibility to host the women’s World Cup and learning the bid process, and we’re definitely interested to learn more,” PHL Sports deputy executive director Brea Stanko told The Inquirer. “We hosted the women’s World Cup in 2003 — it’s grown exponentially. It was a great event for us, and we’re excited to see what we could bring here.”

    The World Cup would come a year after Philadelphia’s WNBA team launches, continuing the growth of women’s sports in the city.

    The 2031 Women’s World Cup is heading to the U.S., and Jill Ellis hopes it comes to Philadelphia

    “You can see the growth of the sport, as we heard tonight,” said Maria Grasso, chiefs sales officer for the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “I think that’s truly exciting for us. We have a tremendous relationship with FIFA, as well as U.S. Soccer, which just gives us all the reasons we [are] really excited about this, like the rest of this room.”

    The official bid book is due in November, and this bid is expected to be the only one worldwide. While it’s not official yet, it’s likely just a formality. And though the due date is a month from now, the host cities don’t have to be officially set when the bid book goes in.

    U.S. Soccer Federation CEO JT Batson in January.

    Cone and U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said the selection process won’t happen until after next year’s men’s tournament is done, given how much work is going into that. (For comparison, North America’s 2026 men’s bid won a vote in 2018, and cities were picked in 2022.)

    “As the only bidders for the FIFA 2031 women’s World Cup, I admit I like our chances,” Cone said with a laugh. “When we are officially selected, we’ll work with FIFA to deliver the biggest, most impactful women’s sporting event in history.”

    USWNT star Tierna Davidson visits Kensington to inspire a new generation of young soccer players

    FIFA’s vote is expected next April at the global governing body’s congress in Vancouver, the host city of the 2015 women’s World Cup final and one of the many hosts of next year’s men’s tournament.

    “Our confederation’s commitment to women’s football has never been stronger, and hosting the FIFA women’s World Cup [in] 2031 will build on this momentum,” Concacaf president and FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said in a statement. He was unable to attend in person.

    U.S. Soccer president Cindy Cone

    Cone said when she pitched the multi-country idea to Montagliani, “he didn’t hesitate for a second. He jumped in immediately, offered his full support, and has been one of the strongest advocates for our vision from day one.”

    It will be the third time the U.S. hosts the tournament, after the groundbreaking 1999 edition and the on-short-notice 2003 edition. Mexico hosted a world championship for women’s national teams in 1971 before FIFA officially launched a women’s World Cup 20 years later, and the country will become a three-time men’s World Cup host next year — 1970, 1986, and 2026.

    What to know about the USWNT squad that will play at Subaru Park this week

    Costa Rica and Jamaica, meanwhile, will host a senior-level FIFA tournament for the first time.

    “One of our goals of an inclusive 2031 women’s World Cup was [to be] an instigator for investment, obviously in our countries, but also across the region and ultimately the world,” Batson said. “And for Jamaica and Costa Rica to show the world that they can host a Women’s World Cup and obviously field great teams, that is a great motivator to programs and countries all across the world.”

    Mexico hosted an unofficial women’s soccer world championship in 1971. In modern times, FIFA has officially recognized the event’s significance in growing the sport.

    The proposed venues in the other countries aren’t official yet, nor is how many games each country will get. Mexico will have choices to make, with Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City set to be host cities next year. Monterrey in particular has become a hotbed for the women’s game in recent years.

    Costa Rica and Jamaica will presumably use their national stadiums: the former’s 42,000-seat modern venue in San José, and the latter’s historic 35,000-seat venue in Kingston.

    The USWNT has not just a new era of players, but a new era of leaders

    “To realize that there’s a chance that globally, people can experience this on this great of a scale, and for the U.S. to recognize the beauty of that, and to be in partnership with us, it means so much,” said former Jamaican national team player Cheyna Matthews, who played in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups and for seven years in the NWSL.

    “I just think about the impact that this is going to have for young girls in Jamaica,” Matthews continued. “I think even young boys who aspire to be part of the Reggae Boyz [Jamaica’s men’s team], I think that this just provides an opportunity for them to see it. Because some can’t travel, some have never left Kingston. … I think that it will obviously inspire, but it’ll continue to have that dividend later on.”

  • Union will host a playoff pep rally at City Hall on Thursday afternoon

    Union will host a playoff pep rally at City Hall on Thursday afternoon

    The Union clinched the second Supporters’ Shield in club history on Oct. 4 and finished the regular season with the best record in Major League Soccer. Now they’re getting ready to celebrate that accomplishment ahead of the playoffs with a pep rally at the City Hall Courtyard on Thursday.

    The pep rally, which is open to the public, will take place between noon and 2 p.m., featuring interactive games, photo opportunities, surprise guest appearances, and an appearance from Phang, the Union’s mascot.

    The Union’s first-round match is set as MLS releases playoff schedule

    The Union finished with 66 points and a 20-8-6 record, setting a club mark for wins in a season. The first time the Union clinched the Supporters’ Shield was in 2020.

    The Union will open the MLS Cup playoffs at Subaru Park on Sunday against the winner of Wednesday’s wild-card match between the Chicago Fire and Orlando City SC. As the top seeds, the Union will have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

  • Sixers’ sights set on season opener against Celtics. And they could have reinforcements.

    Sixers’ sights set on season opener against Celtics. And they could have reinforcements.

    For the 76ers, Monday was all about preparation for their season opener against the Boston Celtics.

    Joel Embiid had a towel wrapped around his waist and his blue practice jersey was drenched in sweat as media members entered the gym. Both courts were occupied by players who stuck around for post-practice shooting drills.

    Every player on the roster practiced, with Jared McCain, who remains sidelined after surgery on his right thumb, being the only exception.

    VJ Edgecombe outpacing Sixers expectations — and bringing his lofty goals into view

    “Listen, we’re at the stage now where we’re doing game prep,” coach Nick Nurse said of Wednesday’s contest at TD Garden. “So everybody was involved in all of what we were doing today.

    “So we were just getting ready for Boston, cleaning up some stuff, and one more of those quickies tomorrow before we hit the road and then it’ll be game time.”

    The Sixers are eager to erase memories of last season’s 24-58 record. It marked their first losing campaign since they finished 28-54 in 2016-17. They also want to see how their new fast-paced, free-flowing offense fares in an actual NBA game.

    Coach Nick Nurse and the Sixers are eager to erase memories of last season’s 24-58 record.

    “Listen, like I said this the other day, I think we’re digging ourselves out of a pretty big hole,” Nurse said of last season. “I think that we’ve made a lot of progress, and we’ve worked hard, but you’ve got to go play the games now for real. And then you’re going to really learn about your team and what progress you made, and much of the hard work has paid off, and can it get results.

    “I mean, I think it feels good right now, the changes we’ve made. … I think it’s a tremendous test for this group Wednesday to go on the road and play a team that’s got a bunch of guys playing together for forever. I know they have changes too, but they still have a core group that’s been together forever and we’re looking forward to the test.”

    Can Nick Nurse work his magic to overcome the Sixers’ injuries and lack of on-court chemistry?

    While the Celtics do return several role players, the team will have a different look from the last two seasons. And a lot of the changes are a result of Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury. With Tatum out, the 2024 NBA champions made drastic roster moves and underwent a semi-rebuild to get under the second luxury-tax apron.

    Over the summer the Celtics traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers and Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. They also didn’t re-sign Al Horford, who accepted a two-year deal with the Golden State Warriors.

    Boston isn’t void of talent, though.

    Celtics’ Jayson Tatum (0) suffered an Achilles tendon injury that altered the team’s direction.

    It received standout shooting guard Anfernee Simons from Portland in exchange for Holiday. And the Celtics’ roster changes haven’t altered their style of play.

    “They’re going to play a lot of guys that can shoot the ball,” Nurse said. “They’re going to try to get you in mismatches, and they’re just really good at playing one-on-one and scoring. And if they don’t score, they find the open man. And that’s usually a three-ball.

    “So it’s the same. Some of the names have changed and the pieces have moved a little bit, for sure. But they’re playing, doing some similar things.”

  • Rick Tocchet’s seeking ‘awareness’ from Flyers blueliner Egor Zamula

    Rick Tocchet’s seeking ‘awareness’ from Flyers blueliner Egor Zamula

    For now, Rick Tocchet is thinking the bottom pairing for the Flyers will be a rotation.

    After sitting for two games, with Adam Ginning slotting in, Egor Zamula will suit up for the second consecutive game Monday when the Flyers host the Seattle Kraken, who are 3-0-2 this season (7 p.m., NBCSP). The 25-year-old defenseman is expected to be paired again with Noah Juulsen.

    “I think he’s settled a little bit. … I think for him, I think it’s just keeping it simple,” Juulsen said. “You know, when you’re playing against third, fourth lines, it’s not always about being fancy and getting points and things like that. It’s more just doing your role every night and having success with that.”

    Zamula played 11 minutes, 14 seconds Saturday in the Flyers’ 2-1 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild. Tocchet thought Zamula played a “fairly clean” game. The pairing did not give up a goal while on the ice for three shot attempts for and 11 against at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick.

    Flyers defenseman Egor Zamula played a “fairly clean” game Saturday vs. the Wild, according to head coach Rick Tocchet.

    “I’m up and down, but I think last game, I played with Juuls pretty well,” Zamula said. “But same time, it’s just [the] start … and I know I need to be ready to play every game in the regular season, because every point is important for us. So I mean, I try to do my best on the practice [ice] to help myself in the games.”

    The long-standing criticism, dating back to former coach John Tortorella, has been Zamula’s pace of play. Tocchet also wants to see Zamula move the puck more quickly.

    “I call it awareness,” Tocchet said. “You’re looking where to go instead of catch it, skate, and then have awareness. And I think if he can get that in his game … [because] for him, five feet is a big difference.

    Here’s why Matvei Michkov found himself on the bench late in the Flyers’ latest victory

    “Like, skate five feet to open up options, because when you first get it, the options aren’t usually open — there’s a stick in your lane, there’s a player in your lane — but once you escape, the other team has to react off you and that means somebody should be open.”

    Before the Flyers’ season started, general manager Danny Brière said of Zamula, “He’s going to be in a battle to stay in the lineup, probably for most of the year, unless he steps up his game and plays the way he’s capable of.”

    Daily Faceoff reported recently that the Calgary Flames are looking for a left-shot young defenseman with size and have interest in the 6-foot-3, 200-pound defenseman, who played junior hockey for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League.

    On Monday, Tocchet said he has seen Zamula work on things lately and put in a string of good practices. Sunday, after practice wrapped up, the blueliner worked on catching pucks at the blue line with assistant coach Todd Reirden, who is in charge of the defense, and then after doing it a few times, taking three quick steps.

    “I think [it] will be better,” Zamula said of his pace of play. When asked how he is working on it, he said, “Just reps, skate a lot, work on conditioning, pretty much. That’s it.”

    Flyers goaltender Dan Vladař is 2-1-0 with a .934 save percentage in three starts heading into Monday night.

    Staying with Vladař

    Heading into Game 6 of the season, there’s been a slight shift in the goalie rotation as Dan Vladař will start his second straight game.

    “I think now you’re in the situations where you start chunking some games together,” Tocchet said. ”It could happen for [Sam Ersson], too. So just we feel tonight, Vladdy deserves the net.”

    “I’m not sure if [there’s anything] to read into it,” Tocchet added.

    Flyers-Wild takeaways: Goalie Dan Vladař showed he may be more than just a backup by saving 15 of 16 shots in the overtime victory.

    The Czech goalie made 15 saves on 16 shots against the Wild. Through three starts, he has a 2-1-0 record with a 1.65 goals-against average and a .934 save percentage.

    Breakaways

    Forwards Nikita Grebenkin and Jett Luchanko will slot back in while Nic Delsauriers and Rodrigo Ābols will be healthy scratches.

  • Eagles lucky they weren’t facing ‘a major league quarterback,’ Jalen Hurts balled out, and what else they’re saying

    Eagles lucky they weren’t facing ‘a major league quarterback,’ Jalen Hurts balled out, and what else they’re saying

    The Eagles got back in the win column Sunday, snapping a two-game losing skid with a 28-22 victory over Carson Wentz and the Vikings in Minnesota.

    After six weeks of inconsistency and discord on offense, the Eagles’ passing game finally showed what it’s capable of — but the rushing attack remained stagnant. Here’s what national media had to say about the win and what it means moving forward …

    A ‘definite step in the right direction’ but …

    While one former defensive end, Brandon Graham, mulls a comeback from retirement, another, Chris Long, is still hesitant about the Birds despite the win, even as an improved offense had to leg it out against backup quarterback Wentz.

    “This is a definite step in the right direction when it comes to the big-play ability of the offense,” Long said. “You’d love to see them play with more rhythm. I’m not sitting up here hating on a win on the road, but I would like to see a little bit more consistency. If you play like that against a major league quarterback, it might not go that way.”

    Wentz finished with 313 passing yards, a pair of interceptions, and another 28 yards on the ground.

    Despite the too-close-for-comfort win, the offensive line was “fantastic” and Jalen Hurts was “perfect,” so it was still a big improvement over the Birds’ two previous losses, Long said.

    Eagles still can’t run the ball, but Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and A.J. Brown made sure it didn’t matter
    Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw three touchdowns in Sunday’s win over the Vikings.

    A reminder from Hurts

    After an offseason full of discourse about where Hurts ranked among the best NFL quarterbacks and the offense’s inconsistency to start the year, Sunday was a reminder of Hurts’ passing ability.

    Hurts put up a perfect passer rating in Minnesota, throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns and competing 19 of 23 pass attempts.

    “This is a sign not just for the fans, or the people that hate on us, but really for our coaching staff,” LeSean McCoy said. “I think he has to remind you that he can throw the ball. … Jalen Hurts has a really good deep ball, and when you threaten the defense that you’ll throw the deep ball, that’s what happens. Why would we have a guy like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, if we’re not going to use him?

    “Jalen Hurts can play the quarterback position. It was time that we finally get to see him really play it.”

    Eagles’ Jalen Hurts again roasts Carson Wentz; A.J. Brown says ‘Just throw me the bleeping ball’ | Marcus Hayes

    Put ‘their foot on the gas’

    The Birds were aggressive with the deep ball, even on fourth down, taking advantage of their elite receivers and finding explosive plays that eluded them before Sunday.

    “The Eagles are so talented that it kind of makes them conservative,” former quarterback Alex Smith said Monday on ESPN’s Get Up. “That’s been the biggest complaint in the passing game and running game by the entire NFL world. Here we are, at Minnesota, against a Brian Flores defense, which is as exotic and aggressive as it gets, and you have to match that aggressiveness. … This team needs to play with their foot on the gas.”

  • Eagles open as heavy favorites vs. Giants despite recent blowout loss to New York; updated Super Bowl, MVP odds

    Eagles open as heavy favorites vs. Giants despite recent blowout loss to New York; updated Super Bowl, MVP odds

    The Eagles clawed their way back into the win column with a 28-22 victory over the Carson Wentz-led Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

    The Birds continued to struggle in the running game as Saquon Barkley finished the day with 18 carries for 44 yards. But that didn’t seem to matter as Jalen Hurts sparked the offense, throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns to earn a perfect passer rating. Meanwhile, it was a bend-don’t-break defense for the Birds, who allowed the Vikings to get into the red zone six times, holding them to five field goals and just one touchdown, including twice when touchdowns were negated either by replay review or a Minnesota penalty.

    So while the Eagles (5-2) came away with a win, it was another close one.

    Now, for the second time in less than three weeks, they will face off against the New York Giants, this time in a Sunday afternoon Week 8 matchup at Lincoln Financial Field. From the Birds’ chances of picking up a win before hitting their bye week to updates on the Super Bowl and year-end awards, here are the latest FanDuel and DraftKings odds for this game and beyond …

    Eagles vs. Giants odds

    The Birds were coming off their first loss of the season to the Denver Broncos when they faced the Giants in Week 6 at MetLife Stadium on short rest, resulting in a 34-17 loss on Thursday Night Football.

    The Giants posted their highest offensive output to that point under rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, with the Eagles defense missing Jalen Carter and, for most of the night, Quinyon Mitchell. Now, not only do they have two of their best defenders back, but they’ll also have a full week to prepare.

    Eagles still can’t run the ball, but Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and A.J. Brown made sure it didn’t matter

    While the Eagles are coming off a win that saw Jalen Hurts earn a perfect passer rating and his two star receivers turn in fantastic performances, the Giants are coming off an embarrassing 33-32 loss to the Broncos after blowing a 19-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

    Ahead of the Week 8 matchup at the Linc, sportsbooks are favoring Philly, which opens as a touchdown favorite.

    FanDuel

    • Spread: Giants +7 (-112); Eagles -7 (-108)
    • Money line: Giants (+290); Eagles (-360)
    • Total: Over 43.5 (-105); Under 43.5 (-115)

    DraftKings

    • Spread: Giants +7 (-110); Eagles -7 (-110)
    • Money line: Giants (+280); Eagles (-335)
    • Total: Over 44.5 (-105); Under 44.5 (-115)
    The Eagles beat the Cowboys in their season opener and remain in first place in the NFC East.

    NFC East odds update

    Coming off a victory in Minnesota, the Eagles are still the favorites to win the NFC East.

    Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys’ odds of winning the division have continued to increase. They jumped over the Commanders at FanDuel after defeating Washington, 44-22, on Sunday. The Giants remain at the bottom of the list with +4000 odds after their loss to the Broncos.

    In the standings, the Eagles are two wins ahead of the Cowboys (3-3-1) and the Commanders (3-4).

    FanDuel

    DraftKings

    Jalen Hurts has never been better in saving the Eagles against the Vikings | Mike Sielski

    NFC odds update

    At FanDuel, the Eagles trail the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions as the favorites to win the conference. At DraftKings, the Eagles also fell behind the Los Angeles Rams.

    FanDuel

    DraftKings

    The Kansas City Chiefs are the favorites to win the Super Bowl after their 31-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

    Super Bowl odds

    After Week 7, the Eagles remain among the top five Super Bowl favorites at FanDuel. However, at DraftKings, the Birds have fallen out of the top five, landing behind the Rams and surging Indianapolis Colts.

    FanDuel

    DraftKings

    Eagles’ Jalen Hurts again roasts Carson Wentz; A.J. Brown says, ‘Just throw me the bleeping ball’ | Marcus Hayes

    MVP odds

    Jalen Hurts’ MVP odds have slightly improved after his perfect performance in the Eagles’ win over the Vikings. Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Baker Mayfield continue to battle for the top three spots at both sportsbooks.

    FanDuel

    DraftKings

    Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor recorded three more touchdowns on Sunday.

    Offensive player of the year

    After another subpar statistical performance in Week 7, Saquon Barkley continues to fall out of the race for offensive player of the year. At this point, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is the clear favorite to win the award.

    FanDuel

    DraftKings

    Jalyx Hunt’s pick-six and timely sacks help Eagles defense deliver in win over Vikings