EJ Smith
Verified- Eagles Beat Reporter, PHLY Sports
- Co-Host, PHLY Philadelphia Eagles Podcast
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Eagles beat reporter for @PHLY_Sports. Proud Temple alum and NABJ member. Norristown native and living-room guitarist. UTV. ✉️: EJ@AllPHLY.com
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Articles by EJ Smith
What we learned from Eagles-Cowboys: Forget 2021 comparisons, Howie Roseman should sell at the trade deadline Original
The dust has settled on the Eagles‘ 38-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and there’s plenty to glean from the latest in a string of ugly losses. Here are five thoughts and lessons learned from the primetime drubbing: After the game, the dwindling arguments that there’s still hope for this Eagles season mostly revolved around the last time the Eagles were 2-5 during Nick Sirianni’s first year in charge in 2021.
Eagles’ defense goes deafeningly silent during — and after — catastrophic collapse vs. Cowboys | The Early Bird
Eagles’ defense goes deafeningly silent during — and after — catastrophic collapse vs. Cowboys | The Early Bird Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The silence in the postgame locker room was deafening.
Eagles-Cowboys instant takeaways: After blowout loss to Dallas, the bottom has fallen out of this Eagles season Original
The bottom has fallen out of this Eagles season. Any residual hope that this year’s team could rebound from the relentless turbulence of the past month was dashed under the bright lights of Lincoln Financial Field midway through the fourth quarter of a 38-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. It’s their fifth straight loss and as clear a signal as one could require to know that major change awaits in the coming months.
Five Eagles thoughts: Jalen Hurts’ future, Tanner McKee’s present, and exploring a trade-deadline selling scenario Original
In my seven years covering the Eagles, there may not have been a more seismic seven-day stretch than the one I just spent away on paternity leave. Even zooming out, has there been a monthlong sequence of events this early in a season that compares to what the Eagles just endured since Lane Johnson’s retirement at the start of October?
Eagles trading Cam Jurgens fully accelerates a mid-season rebuild on the offensive line | Five Thoughts Original
Another day, another seismic shift along the Eagles offensive line. If you’d printed out my quick thoughts on Lane Johnson announcing his retirement on Tuesday evening, the ink probably wouldn’t have been fully dry by the time Howie Roseman elected to trade Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens for a trade package that includes a 2028 second-round pick. Here are five quick thoughts on the move, what it means for the 2026 Eagles and beyond, and what Roseman had to say about the decision. 1.
Eagles legend Lane Johnson retires: Five thoughts on the announcement Original
One of the greatest players in Eagles franchise history has called it a career. After 14 seasons, Lane Johnson announced his retirement on Tuesday, citing a need to focus on his mental health and his family. Here are five thoughts on Johnson’s exemplary career, his massive influence on the organization, and what the news means for the team in the short and long term: 1. Lane Johnson is the best player I’ve covered in my eight years reporting on this team.
What is the Eagles’ offensive identity? Not ‘good enough,’ says Nick Sirianni after loss to Rams | The Early Bird Original
Eagles fans flocked to the exits as Jalen Hurts commanded the huddle on the Eagles’ final drive. The offense faced third-and-17 with the game on the line, but the result felt like a foregone conclusion. The Eagles lost, 24-20, to the Los Angeles Rams and fell to 2-2.
Eagles-Rams: Instant takeaways from a stunning collapse from Nick Sirianni, Jalen Hurts Original
The Eagles snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at Lincoln Financial Field Sunday. Here are five instant takeaways from the Eagles’ 24-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams: Eagles fans flocked toward the exits before the Eagles offense even took the snap facing a third-and-17 at the end of the game. Can you blame them? This game was equal parts weird and predictable for the Eagles offense. The group went into halftime with just 100 total yards to show for the 20 points they managed.
Eagles notebook: Cooper DeJean’s usage, Nick Sirianni’s latest challenge, and studying second-half struggles
The sting of an embarrassing Monday night loss has mostly worn off at the Jefferson Health Complex, although some remnants of the 27-7 loss to the Chicago Bears could still be felt some in passing moments during news conferences with Nick Sirianni, Vic Fangio, and Jalen Hurts. Here are six thoughts and takeaways about the Eagles with their Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams quickly approaching on the short week: 1.
The Early Bird: Nick Sirianni’s fourth-down balk, Eagles defensive woes underscore a ‘true team loss’ to Bears Original
CHICAGO — Nick Sirianni stood at the postgame podium and acknowledged the call he’d like to have back. The Eagles 27-7 loss to the Chicago Bears was full of emotion on the sideline from Sirianni, Jalen Hurts, and several other Eagles players and coaches. By the time Sirianni unpacked three hours’ worth of decisions after the final whistle, the heat of battle had cooled enough for him to concede he’d like to have another stab at one of the main turning points of the evening.
Bears 27, Eagles 7: Five instant thoughts from the loss Original
CHICAGO — The Eagles put in an embarrassing performance against the Chicago Bears on primetime for their first loss of the season. Here are five instant takeaways from the the 27-7 loss at Soldier Field: There was plenty of talk about the drubbing the Bears gave the Eagles defense on Black Friday in the lead-up to this game and the potential for this rematch to serve as a meaningful measuring stick for this year’s group. It turned out to be a harsh rubric.
Eagles notebook: Zach Ertz ’embraces’ mentorship role with Eli Stowers; Jake Elliott weighs in on Harry Kane’s NFL pursuits Original
The Eagles head to Chicago trying to start the regular season 3-0 for a third time in the Nick Sirianni era. Before the Monday Night Football matchup between Jalen Hurts and Case Keenum’s Chicago Bears, here are a few things I learned in the locker room in the lead-up to the game: My first observation entering the locker room this week was Zach Ertz’s new spot in th Eagles locker room.
One thing we’ve learned about the Eagles at every position group through two weeks: Offense edition
The Eagles hit the practice field in preparation for their primetime matchup against the Chicago Bears for the first time Thursday afternoon. With the first Monday night game of the season pushing everything a day behind, let’s look through one thing we’ve learned about each position group: Couch it however you’d like. It’s only been two weeks. The Eagles have faced what most expect to be bad defenses. The way the offense has operated is very likely unsustainable.
Given the chance to mask Eagles’ offensive woes, Jalen Hurts ‘didn’t flinch’ in clutch time vs. the Titans Original
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The intro to Chief Keef’s “Love Sosa” blared through the speakers in the Eagles‘ locker room at Nissan Stadium as Jalen Hurts’ teammates took some creative liberties replacing the rapper’s name with their franchise quarterback’s. For those unfamiliar, the song begins with an impassioned monologue delivered about anyone bold enough to challenge Chief Keef’s — eh, let’s say credentials — in a colorful way.
Eagles-Titans takeaways: Jalen Hurts ‘plays quarterback’ in game’s decisive moments Original
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Eagles escaped the sweltering Tennessee heat with an ugly win. Here are my instant takeaways from the surprisingly tight game in Music City: After a week harping on the importance of staying on schedule, Sean Mannion’s second stab at calling plays as Eagles offensive coordinator certainly seemed to align with that philosophy.
Eagles locker room notebook: A behind-the-scenes look at the player development side Original
The Eagles are headed to the sweltering heat of Nashville a day early with the prospect of a triple-digit kickoff looming on the horizon. Here are five notes from the Eagles locker room before their early departure: 1. If it is Drew Kendall replacing Landon Dickerson against the Titans, he is far from the first Eagles youngster to step into a role that was a season or more in the making.
Five thoughts on the Eagles offense: What the numbers say about Jalen Hurts vs. zone coverage, Makai Lemon’s usage Original
After a summer full of speculation about what the Eagles offense would look like, the first game’s worth of all-22 and tracking data feel like the gift that will keep on giving. At least until next Monday morning. Here are five things I spent far too long reviewing and thinking about while scrolling through TruMedia and rewatching the film of Sunday’s 24-22 win over the Washington Commanders: 1. Jalen Hurts vs.
Eagles place Landon Dickerson on injured reserve, three thoughts on the move Original
The Eagles placed starting left guard Landon Dickerson on injured reserve Monday according to a league source, sidelining the 27-year-old one day after an ugly individual performance in the team’s 24-22 win over the Washington Commanders. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane was first to report the news.
The Early Bird: Four verticals & Jalen Hurts’ old tricks helped get Eagles over the line in season-opener vs. Commanders
Jalen Hurts let out a chuckle and a smile while he contemplated what he would say, and perhaps more tellingly, what he wouldn’t. The Eagles quarterback was asked about his first touchdown pass of the new season and the fact that it looked eerily similar to the final play of the season before.
Eagles 24, Commanders 22: Five instant thoughts from the season-opening win
The Eagles beat the Washington Commanders, 24-22, to move to 1-0 on the season and 6-0 in season openers during the Jalen Hurts-Nick Sirianni era. Here are five instant thoughts at the buzzer from the win: The pivot point in this game was delivered by Jalen Hurts, creating with his legs out of the structure of the offense.
Eagles 24, Commanders 22: Five instant thoughts from the season-opening win
The Eagles beat the Washington Commanders, 24-22, to move to 1-0 on the season and 6-0 in season openers during the Jalen Hurts-Nick Sirianni era. Here are five instant thoughts at the buzzer from the win: The pivot point in this game was delivered by Jalen Hurts, creating with his legs out of the structure of the offense.
Eagles notebook: Everything we know about Sean Mannion’s run game going into Week 1 Original
The first time Sean Mannion stood in front of the Eagles offensive players, the new coordinator delivered a clear message about where the group needed to begin. “He got up there and said, ‘Our foundation is outside zone,” Eagles right tackle Jordan Mailata said Friday.
‘It’s his time:’ DeVonta Smith enters 2026 primed to prove the Eagles — and himself — right as the new WR1
When DeVonta Smith returned from his honeymoon this summer, the members of The Breakfast Club were burning with curiosity. The trainers and players with whom Smith trains in the offseason earned that nickname because of Smith’s insistence on the early-morning lifting sessions that have become ritual over the last six years. To them, the idea of Smith on vacation was bizarre. Did he even know how to relax?
‘It’s his time:’ DeVonta Smith enters 2026 primed to prove the Eagles — and himself — right as the new WR1
When DeVonta Smith returned from his honeymoon this summer, the members of The Breakfast Club were burning with curiosity. The trainers and players with whom Smith trains in the offseason earned that nickname because of Smith’s insistence on the early-morning lifting sessions that have become ritual over the last six years. To them, the idea of Smith on vacation was bizarre. Did he even know how to relax?
Eagles 53-man roster reaction: A Zach Ertz reunion is on the table going into Week 1 after quiet cut-down day
The Eagles‘ initial 53-man roster was made official Sunday evening. It was an uncharacteristically quiet day for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, who will speak with reporters on Monday, but he’s often quick to remind fans and reporters alike that roster building does not end on cut-down day. With that in mind, here are five thoughts on the initial roster, what moves may still happen in the coming days, and which players overcame the most to make the cut: 1.
Eagles 53-man roster predictions: A final guess of what happens at quarterback, with Eli Stowers, Uar Bernard, and Joshua Weru
After training camp’s final practice gave way to the Eagles preseason finale on Friday night, the final hurdle into the regular season comes on cut-down day Sunday evening. Here’s my best guess at the roster Eagles general manager Howie Roseman will settle on by the 6 p.m. deadline.
Eagles lose to the Cincinnati Bengals: From the peculiar QB2 competition to Makai Lemon’s debut, five takeaways
The Eagles finished the preseason with a third loss in as many weeks.
Eagles 53-man roster 2.0: Where things stand for Willie Lampkin, Joshua Weru a week ahead of cut-down day Original
With cut-down day less than a week away, the Eagles‘ 53-man roster is starting to come into better focus. Here’s my second iteration predicting which players will be on the initial roster and who will miss the cut: No movement at the quarterback spot since I did this exercise 10 days ago. Since then, Andy Dalton has turned in two shaky preseason performances.
Eagles lose to Patriots: Taking stock of Tanner McKee, Joshua Weru, and Chris Kuper Original
The Eagles offense looked much better in its second time out, but it wasn’t enough to leave Gillette Stadium with a preseason win (gasp!) Here are the players/people who either helped their stock or hurt it during the 24-21 loss: As I mulled over which of the Eagles developmental offensive linemen I should begin with on my stock report, the conversation from a few months ago surrounding the potential drop-off in development for those exact players because of Jeff Stoutland’s departure came to...
Eagles-Patriots joint practices Day 2: Jalen Hurts finishes strong, Jalyx Hunt turns heads Original
Subscribe Username or Email Address { document.getElementById('desktop-search-input')?.focus(); }); } " > Type at least 3 characters to search Upgrade Your Fandom Join the ultimate Philadelphia Eagles Community! Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws a pass during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Eagles second of two joint practices against the New England Patriots featured some skirmishes, standout plays, and statement drives.
Eagles-Patriots joint practice observations: Quinyon Mitchell and A.J. Brown take center stage Original
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Eagles‘ first practice against the New England Patriots is in the books. Here are our observations from all the action, including A.J. Brown vs.
Eagles Diehard Q&A: Is the training camp vibe different for the Birds in a post-A.J. Brown world? Original
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — On the eve of the Eagles‘ first joint practice against the Patriots, I took some questions in our Diehard Discord and on social media about the state of the Eagles to pass the time on the train up to New England.
Three Things from Eagles training camp: DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon take steps toward return ahead of Patriots joint practices Original
Before heading up the interstate for Foxboro, Massachusetts, the Eagles held a quick practice to knock off the rust for Day 12 of training camp. Here are three quick notes I took during the session: Makai Lemon, DeVonta Smith made encouraging steps toward returning from their respective hamstring injuries on Monday. Smith returned to practice in a limited capacity, working with the rest of the wideouts during individual drills and doing some rehab work with a trainer before the session began.
Eagles lose to Ravens: Taking stock of Markel Bell, Tanner McKee, and Willie Lampkin Original
BALTIMORE — The Eagles must have left the good stuff in Sean Mannion’s playbook in the building before their trip down I-95. Jokes aside, the team opened the preseason with a 24-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens with the offense struggling mightily to generate any momentum under the Eagles’ new offensive coordinator.
Eagles 53-man roster predictions: Where do things stand entering the first preseason game?
With 11 days of training camp behind us and the first preseason game of the summer set for Saturday, let’s take a look at who would make the 53-man roster before other teams get a look at some of the Eagles‘ unproven youngsters.
Eagles training camp diary: What makes Jalen Hurts’ best practice even more encouraging, plus a check-in on the rookies
An on-and-off torrential downpour sent the Eagles into their indoor facility for the fourth practice of training camp. Here’s the stuff out of my notebook that’s worth passing along, along with my thoughts on what it means for the team long-term: This was Jalen Hurts’ best practice of training camp, and may even have a case to be among his best over the last few years to my memory.
Eagles training camp diary: DeVonta Smith up for the battle vs. Quinyon Mitchell, stingy secondary Original
The Eagles‘ second practice featured a cameo from Brian Dawkins, an illuminating news conference from Vic Fangio, and my realization that Makai Lemon is partial to blue raspberry water ice from Rita’s.
Eagles training camp diary: The Sean Mannion era begins with a bang Original
The first Eagles training camp practice of the summer is in the books. Below, we’ll go through some of my biggest notes as a psuedo training-camp diary. For a comprehensive breakdown of everything that happened at practice, be sure to watch or listen to our Wednesday show, which detailed offensive line depth charts, a snap-by-snap breakdown of what Sean Mannion’s first day looked like, and plenty more. The first play of Eagles training camp was so on the nose it almost felt like fan service.
Eagles training camp preview: Reacting to Jalen Carter’s extension, previewing top position battles Original
We made it. After months of roster building and speculation, Eagles football is well and truly on the horizon with the first practice of training camp set for Wednesday morning. And on that horizon, it shouldn’t be forgotten just how much is at stake this season; the Eagles have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL and at least some reason for optimism that they can continue the trend of following up a Super-Bowl hungover season with a deep postseason run the next year.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni: DeVonta Smith is ‘capable of doing even more’ Original
Nick Sirianni sat down with reporters at the end of OTAs to discuss the state of the team heading into training camp.
Eagles Roster Pyramid: Ranking the Eagles’ entire 2026 roster, from elite players to training-camp wildcards Original
Now that the majority of Howie Roseman’s offseason maneuvering has been completed, it’s a good time to take stock of where the Eagles roster stands going into the 2026 season. Below, we’ll rank each member on the expanded roster, 1 through 92, and place each into the types of tiers that NFL front offices (and our friend Fran Duffy) use to categorize players across the league. These are top-5 players at their position who are still realistically in their prime years.
Eagles spring practice lessons: Five things we learned about Sean Mannion, the Eagles offense during mandatory minicamp Original
An ice cream truck beckoned in the parking lot adjacent to the Eagles practice fields Wednesday afternoon, essentially representing the first opportunity for 91 players and their visiting families to celebrate the end of spring workouts and the beginning of summer break. Cam Jurgens had barely gotten through a third of his chocolate sundae by the time he stepped up to the podium (more on him later,) but there will be plenty of time for dessert nonetheless.
Eagles trade A.J. Brown to the Patriots: Five instant thoughts on Howie Roseman’s blockbuster deal
Less than an hour ago Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) looks on prior to an NFC Wild Card Round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Open comments +Close - Don't like ads? Don't like ads?
Eagles full schedule release: Predicting how Jalen Hurts and Co. will navigate a loaded October slate and high-stakes holidays Original
Less than an hour ago Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Eagles‘ official schedule opens with a some favorable matchups, features early trips to Chicago and London and eventually gives way to a series of high-stakes division games as the holiday season begins. In total, the Eagles have five primetime games and at least a few more in standalone slots as well.
Five thoughts on the Eagles’ 2026 NFL draft class after Uar Bernard, Cole Payton headline Howie Roseman’s Day 3 haul
Less than an hour ago Eagles general manager Howie Roseman speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Open comments +Close - Don't like ads? Don't like ads?
Eagles NFL Draft Day 2 takeaways: Howie Roseman trades for Jonathan Greenard, drafts Eli Stowers and Markel Bell Original
Less than an hour ago Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) makes a catch as he warms up before playing against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. Howie Roseman took the podium midway through the third round of the NFL Draft and acknowledged the confluence of decisions that hastened his arrival to the “end” of the Eagles‘ night about an hour earlier than expected. “An eventful day and night.” Indeed it was.
Eagles Day 2 Mock Draft: Predicting more offensive firepower added, a potential trade over the next two rounds
Less than an hour ago Nov 15, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Oscar Delp (4) runs the ball in the first half agains the Texas Longhorns at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Open comments +Close - Don't like ads? Don't like ads?
Eagles take USC wide receiver Makai Lemon in the first round of NFL Draft: Five thoughts on the pick Original
The Eagles moved up three spots in the NFL Draft to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick in the first round. The trade with the Dallas Cowboys cost the team two fourth-round picks (No. 114 and 137) to go from No. 23 to 20 while also netting them a 2027 seventh-round pick. Here are five takeaways from the surprise move: 1. The Eagles are betting big that Lemon can be the catalyst for a new nucleus of offensive talent.
Eagles 7-round mock draft: Predicting a first-round trade for Howie Roseman to add offensive firepower in NFL Draft
Less than an hour ago Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq celebrates with fans as the Oregon Ducks face the Penn State Nittany Lions on Sept. 27, 2025, at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Open comments +Close - Don't like ads? Don't like ads?
Three takeaways from Eagles’ Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni’s pre-draft news conference
Less than an hour ago Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Open comments +Close - Don't like ads? Don't like ads?
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