Leonard Shines in Eagles Win, Proves Critics Wrong

Leonard Shines in Eagles Win, Proves Critics Wrong

All-Pro quarterback Shaq Leonard has no shortage of motivation after signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. Leonard, a three-time first-team All-Pro selection, was released by the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 21 before signing with the Eagles. Philadelphia’s chance to earn a Super Bowl berth played a role in Leonard signing with the Eagles after the Colts released him midseason, dramatically reducing his role.

After the Eagles beat the New York Giants on Christmas Day, Leonard took aim at his former team. “The Colts got me out,” Leonard said, according to Josh Tolentino of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I talked about my name. I’m here to prove it, to prove that I can still play, to prove that I can still play.

” Leonard did not request his release from the Colts, but made several comments questioning his reduced playing time. Against the Giants, Leonard had a team-high seven tackles and his first sack since the 2020 season, arguably his best performance in an Eagles uniform.

“Getting a sack for the first time in three seasons feels incredible,” Leonard told reporters. “I’m starting to get into my groove a little bit. I feel a little comfortable. I understand the technique, the responsibility and the ability to think.”

Eagles’ win ‘Special’ For Shaq Leonard

Leonard’s Eagles arrival on December 4th followed disappointing losses to the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks. So Monday’s game was Leonard’s first taste of winning at Lincoln Financial Field and in an Eagles uniform in front of a passionate Philadelphia crowd.

“It feels amazing,” Leonard said of ESPN’s Tim McManus. “This is my first, first eagle. Regardless of how we got there, I’m happy. I can go home and spend this Christmas with my girls happy, not upset.” Since signing with the Eagles, Leonard has totaled 13 tackles with one sack and could prove to be a key veteran in the final two games and Philadelphia’s postseason run.

Nick Sirianni Not Satisfied With Eagles’ Victory

 

As the Eagles discovered over the past month, it’s hard to win in the NFL. Monday’s win over the Giants snapped a three-game losing streak that appears to have been a wake-up call for the reigning conference champions. After the game, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni admitted that his team still has a lot of work to do to get back into shape. “Obviously,” Sirianni told reporters.

“Some things need cleaning, but good energy to redo things. It’s always a better feeling to fix the tape after a win than a loss, that’s for sure. “We had to get out of the hut we were in and sometimes that just happens with a win and I thought there was a lot of good today.” Sirianni’s concern about surviving the recent funk mirrors similar sentiments shared by star wide receiver DeVonta Smith.

“Eleven wins?” Smith told reporters after Monday’s game. – We are not playing good football now. Offensively, we’re not where we want to be. I’m not happy. Yes, we have 11 wins. I am not satisfied. It has to be better for what I want to do, what everyone else here wants to do, what we want to be. We’re not close to that, so I’m not happy.” The Eagles have two more chances to get it right against the Arizona Cardinals and the Giants to close out the regular season.