🏈 Capturing the action | Sports Daily Newsletter

Helmet cams and virtual reality sets have transitioned from experimental to becoming more of a standard tool for NFL coaches. It certainly adds another layer of learning.

For the Eagles, with four quarterbacks trying to learn a new offense, those methods have become a valuable resource in camp.

The VR sets are used as visualization tools as the Eagles install Sean Mannion’s new scheme. It allows players to select any stadium, go through his play calls, break the huddle, and simulate a real play.

The extra piece of hardware on the QB’s helmets gives a first-person view of what each player is seeing on the field. Jalen Hurts says the cameras provide “insight and accountability in the huddle.”

We’ll see how effective those tools have been during the Eagles’ preseason opener Saturday in Baltimore. In the meantime, let’s check the stock market. After a week and a half of Eagles training camp, Olivia Reiner weighs the early risers and fallers.

And Lane Johnson announced that he is considering retiring following the 2026 season. The 36-year-old, who is entering his 14th NFL season, has been a mainstay of the Eagles offense for over a decade. His eventual successor will have hefty shoes to fill.

— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Jonathan Bowlan was a lower-profile addition to the Phillies bullpen in December from the Royals for lefty Matt Strahm. After setup man Brad Keller needed Tommy John elbow surgery that figures to sideline him well into next season, Bowlan stepped into his role.

And he’s been effective. He’s throwing his changeup about twice as often as last year, which makes his fastball appear harder. Bowlan’s fastball averaged 95.5 mph in 2025. This year, it’s up to a 97.2. Maybe the setup reliever job could be his to keep.

On Sunday, the Phillies managed to sneak out a 7-6 win over the Blue Jays, thanks to Derek Hill’s walkoff hit.

But it took 12 innings to get there. If you believe the odds, the Phillies remain in the driver’s seat for one of the six NL playoff spots up for grabs. If you believe your eyes, it won’t matter if they get to October, writes columnist David Murphy.

🔍 Analyzing: After the Eagles’ eighth practice, Jeff McLane filled us in on what he saw on Saturday, including Jihaad Campbell making several plays.

🤔 Wondering: Jhoan Duran’s walkout, the Phillies pitch clock, and the scoreboard are all sponsored. Why are these local companies investing in the ads?

🏌️ Preparing: The U.S. Amateur Championship is coming to Merion Golf Club in Ardmore this week. Here’s everything you need to know.

🏈 Learning: How Penn State will look this season under first-year coach Matt Campbell, who is making every player earn their Week 1 spot.

There’s a chance that LeBron James could live in New York while playing in Philly. More than 60 years ago, Wilt Chamberlain did it first, as he opted for luxury cars along with a heavy foot in his commute for games and practices.

Chamberlain lived in an apartment overlooking Central Park while playing in Philadelphia. He maintained a residence in his native Philly but spent most nights in New York and owned a popular club in Harlem. “He would do 90 to 100 [mph] all the way up the turnpike,” said Wilt’s close friend Tom Hoover.

And Tyrese Maxey hosted his third annual Friends & Family weekend. Here are some of the highlight moments from his events.

Maurice Scott has built a name for himself in rowing. The Northwest Philadelphia native has notched multiple Head of the Charles wins, made history as the first Black governor of the Potomac Boat Club, and is a Philadelphia city champion and a four-time national champion in the sport.

Now Scott, 32, is making a push to compete in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. And as he embarks on this journey, he’s inspiring other inner-city kids.

Korey Francis is one of the state’s top recruits in the class of 2027, and he’s helped transform the Bonner-Prendergast boys’ basketball program. He was named Catholic League MVP last season, after leading Bonner-Prendie to a PCL semifinal appearance and its first PIAA 5A state championship in program history.

He has more than 19 college scholarship offers, but Francis is more focused on guiding the school to its first Catholic League title since 1988.

The trade for Jaylen Brown and LeBron James’s decision to sign here has given the Sixers more than just two outstanding players. They now have two players who have shown they can handle and thrive in big-time moments. That experience goes a long way in tempering premature expectations, writes columnist Mike Sielski.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Matt Breen, Mike Sielski, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Jeff McLane, Scott Lauber, Ryan Novozinsky, Erin McCarthy, Lauren Jones, Ariel Simpson, and Lexie Linderman.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

As always, thanks for getting your week started with me. I’ll catch back up with you in Tuesday’s newsletter. — Bella