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Articles by Brian Baldinger
THE EAGLES, LIKE MOST TEAMS, ARE STILL IN THE PRESEASON STAGE
Brian Baldinger - On the Eagles I have been saying for the past five years that September is the new August. Meaning that the games played in September is what preseason used to be for. As for the Eagles, no meaningful starters played in any preseason games. It was especially glaring this year because no one knew, NO ONE, knew how bad Landon Dickerson's lingering knee issues were until they watched him struggle in every area in the season opener against Washington.
EAGLES' LANE JOHNSON IS OPEN TO CHANGE
Brian Baldinger -On the Eagles. It was the Thursday night before Super Bowl LX in San Francisco and I was at a casual party down on the wharf by the bay. In attendance that night were many members of the Eagles including Lane Johnson. The week prior the Birds made a major shift in their coaching staff to hire Sean Mannion as the new offensive coordinator to replace much maligned Kevin Patullo.
LANE JOHNSON'S RETURN WAS NEVER REALLY IN DOUBT
Brian Baldinger - On the Eagles On January 16, 2013 Chip Kelly left the University of Oregon to become the head football coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. He quickly put together a very competent staff, highlighted by the hiring of Jeff Stoutland to be his offensive line coach. Fast forward a little more than three months and with the fourth pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Eagles selected offensive tackle Lane Johnson from the University of Oklahoma. His resume seemed a little thin.
THE 'TUSH PUSH' NEEDS TO STAY, AND HERE'S WHY
The Tush Push has garnered national attention for 2 years. Should it stay or should it go? I like it and I think it should stay. I understand that it has been increasingly difficult to officiate and I am not entirely sure why. I asked the director of officiating at a league meeting a few summers back about how they view the play and when they should blow the whistle. He simply stated that when forward momentum stops they were instructed to blow the whistle and stop the play.
Cómo Bo nix de Broncos, Sean Payton, puede mantenerse por delante de las defensas de la NFL
La forma en que algunos en los círculos de la NFL lo describen, puede imaginar un laboratorio oscuro en algún lugar donde los entrenadores defensivos se han reunido para soñar con sus ideas más diabólicas. El video de la temporada de novato de Bo Nix se reproduce en un bucle interminable, hasta que, por fin, alguien rompe el código. Así, por supuesto, no es en realidad cómo se preparan los coordinadores defensivos para los quarterbacks que tienen un éxito temprano en sus carreras. “Escucho mucho.
LANDON DICKERSON WAS BORN TO BE AN EAGLE
I made it out to the NovaCare facility last week for the second day of scrimmages against the Cleveland Browns. It was your basic summer heat under sunny clear skies for a 2 1/2 hour practice routine. Afterwards I made my way to visit with a variety of players and coaches. Browns QB, Joe Flacco from nearby Audubon, NJ, was there with his wife and five kids. Jim Schwartz, the defensive architect of the Birds first super bowl team was kibbutzing with coaches from the Eagles.
SAQUON LOOKS READY FOR ANOTHER RUN AT GREATNESS
Saquon Barkley signed with the Eagles on March 13, 2024. At the time of the signing I said, "Saquon has never played behind an offensive line like the Philadelphia Eagles. He will get runways like he has never seen before. As a result he should have his most prosperous season ever." And indeed, he did. In 20 starts he set every franchise record there was, including 436 carries for a whopping 2504 yards in 20 starts and a Super Bowl Victory. He also had 46 receptions for another 320 yards.
THIS EAGLES TEAM IS POISED FOR GREATNESS
Before this post season started I firmly stated that the Eagles would breeze through the post season 4-0. I simply thought that they were the best team over the past 4 months in the NFL. No glaring weaknesses and so much player development on both sides of the ball. What I have recognized, and what all great teams can do is they can beat you in so many different ways. They can run it better than anyone.
SAQUON BARKLEY'S STAR POWER HAS BEEN CONTAGIOUS
Saquon is a Star After a 2023 complete collapse over the last two months by the Eagles, some roster building needed to take place. Quickly certain position coaches and both offensive and defensive coordinators were replaced. New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore wanted to have a strong running game at its core principle.
BRAZIL AND THE EAGLES DELIVER A WIN AND PROMISE FOR A GREAT SEASON
SÃO PAULO, Brazil: The Eagles started the 2024 season taking the longest flight that the team has ever taken to a continent that has never seen a football game live and played on a "pitch" that isn't really suited for world class athletes to play a brutal sport on. It is 11 hours in the air from Philadelphia to São Paulo, Brazil. It is an impossible city to maneuver in of over 22 million people and it was on a Friday night under the lights of Corinthian Arena.
Jets rookie Olu Fashanu gets praised by NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger
Not only is Olu Fashanu adjusting to life in the NFL, but the New York Jets rookie is also learning a new position. There is some promise here, so says NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger. Fashanu, a first-round pick of the Jets, was a standout left tackle at Penn State and a multi-year All-Big Ten selection. On Saturday night, Fashanu played right tackle for the Jets in their preseason win at the Carolina Panthers.
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger is impressed with one play from Jets edge Will McDonald
Will McDonald didn’t get a lot of run on Saturday night, but one standout play from the New York Jets defensive end led to rave reviews by an NFL Network analyst. With Haason Reddick currently holding out in search of a new contract, McDonald has been getting praise during training camp. Baldinger, who spent 12 years in the NFL as an offensive lineman, really liked what he saw from McDonald during one play on Saturday night.
Taliese Fuaga receives special recognition after first preseason game with Saints
Taliese Fuaga has officially started his career as the left tackle for the New Orleans Saints, and things are off to a great start after one preseason game. By Jaleel Grandberry | 11:00 AM CDT In the 2024 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints used the 14th-overall pick to select Taliese Fuaga. A right tackle at Oregon State, the Saints selected him with the plan to immediately start him at left tackle— one of the most challenging and important positions in football.
FANGIO’S DEFENSE NEEDS TO REBOUND FROM 2023 DEBACLE
The 2023 season started with a roar. A 10-1 roar and the echoes of a Super Bowl Revenge. It finished with a whimper. The Eagles produced a 1-6 monumental collapse that rivaled any poor finish in Eagles history. Lots of reasons for their collapse that ended unceremoniously in Tampa in a playoff whipping by the Bucs The questions that followed that ugly defeat, moments after the sudden death loss have travelled and were heard for seven straight months. Like a stench that would never go away.
WITH SAQUON BARKLEY & KELLEN MOORE ON BOARD, EAGLES FANS SHOULD HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS
Saquon Barkley burst onto the NFL scene in 2018 unlike most. He came in as the No. 2 pick by the NY Giants and in four months became one the league's biggest stars. He led the entire league that year amassing more than 2000 yards in his 16 starts. The Eagles were coming off a Super Bowl win and had few weaknesses.
JASON KELCE: ONE OF A KIND PLAYER WHO WILL NEVER BE REPLACED
Brian Baldinger - On the Eagles For the first time since 2010 the Philadelphia Eagles will approach the off season and the 2024 season without Jason Kelce as the starting center. Since his first start in 2011 in the Edward Jones Dome on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River against the St. Louis Rams, the Eagles will start the season with a center not named Kelce. He had 193 starts, most ever by an Eagle.
TOUGHER PRACTICES, MORE DISCIPLINE ARE NEEDED FOR THE EAGLES TO GET BACK TO THE TOP
Brian Baldinger - On the Eagles The 2023 season mercifully ended on Monday night, January 15th in Tampa. The Eagles were thoroughly thrashed 32-9 in the contest and it felt worse than that. It was the least competitive game of Super Wildcard Weekend. They were shut out in the second half and never felt like they were serious about threatening. The defense gave up three more TD passes which brought their 18 game total to 38 on the season.
THE PATH TO THE SUPER BOWL GOES THROUGH THE DEFENSE
Former Haddon Heights and Temple star edge rusher Haason Reddick is the key Brian Baldinger - On the Eagles One year ago the Eagles were 8-1; exactly like they are right now. They were the best team in the NFC then and they are the best team right now. They were the best team in the NFL a year ago with 30 minutes remaining in the Super Bowl. As many players have told me, they let it slip away.
EAGLES, HURTS SEEM WELL-EQUIPPED TO IGNORE SUPER BOWL HANGOVER
Brian Baldinger 3 min read Brian Baldinger - On the Eagles. Super Bowl 57 wasn’t 48 hours old and a prominent starter texted me to say, 'Baldy, we that slip away." And the Eagles did just that. They went into the locker room up 24-14 and in complete control of the game. Patrick Mahomes had tweaked his ankle. It appeared that during the extended halftime show that the Birds were going to take home the Super Bowl Trophy for the second time in five years.
DICKERSON AND MAILATA CONTINUE TO PROVE O-LINE BROTHERHOOD IS FOR REAL
Brian Baldinger 4 min read Brian Baldinger - On the Eagles The best left side of an offensive line in the NFL is the Eagles; 700-plus pounds of Landon Dickerson and Jordan Mailata. I had a chance to catch up with both of them at the June 1st OTA after practice for the veterans had finished. They reminded me to go re-watch the playoff victories v the Giants and the 49ers. I have done as they asked and I will address that.
HOW CAN JALEN HURTS IMPROVE? STAY OUT OF HARM'S WAY FOR STARTERS
4 min read Brian Baldinger - On the Eagles As we approach NFL free agency after the annual combine, it tells the NFL world that we are very much into the off-season. That is, unless you are Jalen Hurts and any member of the Eagles organization. In that case you haven’t had a month yet to unwind from a devastating defeat at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs after going into the locker room at halftime winning 24-14.
2021 NFL playoff predictions: Who will win hotly contested AFC North, NFC West?
With the 2021 NFL season just around the corner, our analysts predicts the playoff field: Participating analysts: Brian Baldinger, Judy Battista, Jeremy Bergman, Ali Bhanpuri, Tom Blair, Gil Brandt, David Carr, Brooke Cersosimo, Jeffri Chadiha, Gennaro Filice, Chase Goodbread, Marcas Grant, DeAngelo Hall, Dan Hanzus, Maurice Jones-Drew, Shaun O'Hara, Dan Parr, Kevin Patra, Scott Pioli, Adam Rank, Chad Reuter, Gregg Rosenthal, Marc Ross, Adam Schein, Marc Sessler, Nick Shook, Matt Smith, Joe...
Top 10 players of the 2017 draft class entering the 2021 NFL season
NFL Network's "Top 100 Players of 2021" continues Sunday, Aug. 22. Players ranked 40-11 will be revealed Sunday over the course of three hours -- with each one-hour episode unveiling a new set of 10 honorees -- beginning at 4 p.m. ET. Six players from the 2017 NFL Draft class make an appearance in the list, which is voted on by the players themselves, between Nos. 20 and 11.
Jets' Mekhi Becton among eight players in the trenches poised for Year 2 breakout in 2021
In this week-long series, NFL Network analysts examine the notable Year 2 players at different position groups who are poised for a breakout campaign in 2021. Today, Brian Baldinger spotlights eight players in the trenches. Offense Mekhi Becton New York Jets · OT Becton's combination of size (6-foot-7, 364 pounds), power and movement is rare. There's no doubt about that.
01/14 Brian Baldinger
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Reggie White headlines Brian Baldinger's top NFL teammates
Analysts and fans put tons of effort into evaluating the careers of professional football players, making lists and writing thinkpieces and comparing achievements -- but no outside observer can ever hope to match the intimate knowledge shared by those who actually spent time on an NFL field together. In this series, former players who work for NFL Network will name the five best players they each individually played with in their careers.
Cowboys' offensive issues a simple fix; Improving 49ers' defense
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How to improve Steelers' run game; Pack's use of Jimmy Graham
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How to improve Bills' deep passing woes; Texans' struggling D
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How Pats can improve passing attack; Giants' O-line struggles
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How 49ers can limit Lamar Jackson; what's slowing Aaron Jones?
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
Solutions for sputtering Eagles' offense, Cowboys' run defense
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How Texans can stop Ravens; have Eagles found their identity?
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How Browns can get OBJ going; where is Seahawks' pass rush?
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How Panthers, two other NFL teams can be better in Week 8
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How Cowboys, two other NFL teams can be better in Week 7
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How Panthers, two other NFL teams can be better in Week 6
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How three NFL teams can be better in Week 5 and beyond
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How three NFL teams can be better in Week 4 and beyond
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How Steelers, three other NFL teams can be better in Week 3
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How four NFL teams can be better heading into Week 2
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
How three NFL teams can be better heading into Week 1
Every NFL franchise strives for perfection. Front offices and coaching staffs attempt to build well-oiled machines, with all 53 players on the roster firing on all cylinders. But in the ultimate team sport, with moving parts across three different game phases (offense, defense and special teams), there are inevitably imperfections. And if these defects aren't properly tended to, they can snowball and bring down the entire operation.
An inside look at Gil Brandt's direct impact on my NFL career, life
The first weekend in August means one thing in the NFL -- Hall of Fame weekend. It's an event I look forward to every year. During my pro football career, I took the field with many Hall of Fame players, played for some Hall of Fame coaches, and built relationships with others throughout my time in the league. This year is different. This year is personal. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019 includes the man who is most central to my entry into the NFL -- and my media career that ensued.
Week 7: Patriots at Bears Game Preview
[Disclaimer: The following game preview is being written under the assumption that Khalil Mack will play Sunday. It is also being written under the assumption that he’ll be limited, to a degree, by his ankle injury.] I always like the Chicago Bears… …and I just like this game, hence yesterday’s flamboyant column. This should be the most intense, feverish crowd at Soldier Field in five plus years.
Super Bowl Guide: Foles ready to perform on super stage
In the Philadelphia Eagles draft of 2012, they selected Fletcher Cox with the first pick. They had two selections in the second round and took Mychal Kendricks and Vinny Curry. Do you see where this is going? In the third round, they selected out of the University of Arizona, a quarterback named Nick Foles. I never forgot what they said about Foles in the thumbnail of information after the selection: “We know how Andy Reid loves drafting QBs, so this isn’t a shock pick.
Baldinger: Underdog Eagles, led by unlikely Foles, gonna fly now
In the Philadelphia Eagles draft of 2012, they selected Fletcher Cox with the first pick. They had two selections in the second round and took Mychal Kendricks and Vinny Curry. Do you see where this is going? In the third round, they selected out of the University of Arizona, a quarterback named Nick Foles. I never forgot what they said about Foles in the thumbnail of information after the selec- tion: “We know how Andy Reid loves drafting QBs, so this isn’t a shock pick.
On The Eagles: Eagles fans have great expectations for a Carson Wentz leap
Pip is the lead character in perhaps Charles Dickens’ most famous novel, “Great Expectations.” It tells the story of an orphan and his growth and personal development. Dickens was torn about how to complete the novel so he wrote more than one ending. Carson Wentz is the lead character in the latest chapter of Eagles football, an organization that has gone 56 years without winning a championship.
Eagles Preview: Fans have great expectations for Wentz
Pip is the lead character in perhaps Charles Dickens’ most famous novel, Great Expectations. It tells the story of an orphan and his growth and personal development. Dickens was torn about how to complete the novel so he wrote more than one ending. Carson Wentz is the lead character in the latest chapter of Eagles football, an organization that has gone 56 years without winning a championship. Wentz is far from an orphan.
Football Stories " SCHWARTZ BRINGS TOUGHNESS TO EAGLES DEFENSE
Exactly two preseason games have been played thus far by the 2016 Philadelphia Eagles. The star of those two meaningless exhibition games has been the defense. The stat line says so…BOLDLY! 1 TD has been surrendered while they have scored 1 TD themselves. Accumulating 5 sacks 2 forced fumbles and intercepting 6 passes. All with little or no blitzing. The star of that defense is new coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Al Bundy was almost a Steeler
Young NFL.com readers will hear the name Ed O’Neill and think of Jay from the current TV hit “Modern Family.” Slightly older fans will immediately think of Al Bundy from “Married… With Children.” And even older fans will remember Ed O’Neill as a rookie with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Well, maybe not. Even the most die-hard Steelers fan probably has no idea that O’Neill, once a defensive end at Youngstown State University, was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Steelers in the summer of 1969.
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