D’ANDRE SWIFT
After the Eagles’ late-season swoon, Nick Sirianni could decide to hand the ball to Swift early and often in an attempt to re-establish the run-heavy approach that propelled the team to a fast start in 2023. The electric back flashes big-play potential with the ball in his hands on inside and outside runs, but the Eagles must commit to giving him 20-plus touches in order to maximize his potential. Given the pressure on the reigning NFC champions to avoid a one-and-done appearance, Sirianni could increasingly rely on Swift and the ground game to reverse the team’s fortunes in the playoffs.
NFL playoffs betting advice: Eagles vs. Buccaneers pick and props
Originally, the Eagles opened as 2.5-point favorites, and now it is up to the key number of three, with the combined total set at 44.5. The betting public still does not think the Buccaneers are any good. In Las Vegas and offshore, 65-percent of the action is on the Eagles. When you take a deeper look at these teams this season, Baker Mayfield has better numbers than Jalen Hurts. He has been the better quarterback all year.
Avonte Maddox Acts as Eagles’ Safety Net in Emergency Plan Against Bucs
Symone Stanley joins Raichele Privette to discuss who is responsible for how the Eagles ended their season and preview the Eagles Wildcard matchup against the Bucs on Monday night.
Is Bill Belichick headed to the Eagles? Mike Florio hints at potential change for Nick Sirianni.
Lane Johnson: ‘Get this running game going’. The hope, All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson says, is that the pressure of the playoffs pushes the Eagles into their best football of the season. The locker room has a slew of players who have been here before and who understand what it means.
NFL wild-card round playoff game picks, schedule, guide – ESPN
Stat to know: Hurts has struggled with ball security against the blitz this season, throwing five touchdown passes with eight interceptions. Those eight turnovers were the most by any quarterback when blitzed this season. This weekend, Hurts will face a Tampa Bay defense that blitzed at the third-highest rate during the regular season.
Eagles’ aim on defense this week? Simplify and play fast – NBCSP
Earlier this week, Eagles de facto defensive coordinator Matt Patricia talked about wanting to give his players a chance to play fast and aggressive. You know how you do that? You simplify things on defense. And, according to some players, there has been a concerted effort from the Eagles’ coaching staff this week to simplify things as the team prepares to face the Buccaneers in the wild card round on Monday night.
