The Philadelphia Eagles were featured in last year’s NFL Kickoff Game as the reigning Super Bowl LIX champions in a win over the Dallas Cowboys.
They were not featured in this year’s NFL Kickoff Game as the reigning Super Bowl LX champions in a win over the New England Patriots.
But there were two injury developments from Wednesday night that are relevant to the Eagles.
1) A.J. Brown is hurt
The former Eagles wide receiver logged three receptions for 26 yards (plus he drew a defensive pass interference penalty on a bad Drake Maye underthrow that should’ve been a touchdown) against the Seahawks before suffering an ankle injury that ruled him out of the game.
The severity of Brown’s injury is currently unclear. His missed time is of interest to the Eagles not only because he used to play for the team … but because, via the Brown trade, Philly owns the most favorable of two 2027 fifth-round picks from either the Pats or the Chicago Bears.
If Brown has to miss time and the Patriots struggle further, the Eagles could benefit in the form of improved draft pick compensation.
2) The Seahawks might need a quarterback?!
Sam Darnold went down with a hip injury early in this game. His backup, Drew Lock, came in and went 16/22 for 187 yards (8.5 average), one touchdown, zero interceptions, and a 113.3 passer rating. Lock also ran for 13 yards.
Maybe the Seahawks just ride with Lock if Darnold has to miss a lot of time. But what if they want to add a more proven quarterback — even if just for backup purposes — instead of having the second-year Jalen Milroe serve as QB2?
Do you think the Eagles could interest them in a lightly used Andy Dalton or Tanner McKee?! I have my doubts that Seattle is clamoring for one of those two. And it’s not like the Eagles were the only team to keep four quarterbacks; there’s other potential options for Seattle, if they even want to explore the trade market.
But, hey, something to keep an eye on.
Bonus Eagles connections: Josh Jobe (while covering Mack Hollins!) sealed the Seahawks’ win with a game-ending interception. It would’ve been better for the Eagles if Seattle lost … but it’s hard to be too torn up about a Pats loss.
