PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Reporting for duty: The Eagles are returning to South Philadelphia for training camp.
The Birds and their diehard fans have high expectations coming off a Super Bowl LVII appearance, where they came up just short of winning it all.
Players are scheduled to report to the NovaCare Complex on Tuesday, and their first practice is set for Wednesday. Only one practice is open to the public: Sunday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field.
94WIP will be broadcasting on-site throughout Eagles camp. Here is this week's schedule:
-94WIP Morning Show: Wed, 7/26 (6-10am)
-94WIP Midday Show: Wed. 7/26 and Fri, 7/28 (10am-2pm)
For a third straight season, Jalen Hurts is entering training camp as the starting quarterback. But after a Pro Bowl season, a strong Super Bowl performance and a five-year contract extension worth $255 million, expectations are much higher for the 24-year-old.
Many other core players are also back, including star wide receiver A.J. Brown.
“I had to tone it down these last two weeks to focus on conditioning and tell myself that it’s a long camp. It’s a long season,” Brown said. “And I’m prepared and not trying to over-prepare. Not trying to do so much right before camp.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited to do it again.”
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Key additions were made to the team as well, including first-round draft picks Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith.
Head coach Nick Sirianni, entering his third season, will have different coordinators by his side. Brian Johnson, who was the quarterbacks coach, will lead the offense after Shane Steichen left to lead the Indianapolis Colts. Sean Desai will fill the role of defensive coordinator after Jonathan Gannon was named the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
The first preseason game is in Baltimore on Aug. 12. Two preseason home games — against the Cleveland Browns and Colts — will follow on Aug. 17 and 24, respectively.
Then, the Eagles kick off one of the most difficult regular-season schedules in the league in New England on Sept. 10.
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Philadelphia is looking to avoid a so-called Super Bowl hangover — teams that lose the big game often stumble the following season. Only three teams in NFL history have won the Super Bowl after losing the previous one. The last team to do so was the New England Patriots after falling to the Eagles in 2018.