Anticipation vs. expectation | Sports Daily Newsletter

It’s almost that time, Philly. NFL training camp is here.

Starting on Tuesday, the Eagles will report to Jefferson Health Training Complex, with several looming questions awaiting them: How will the offense look under Sean Mannion? Will they be able to replace the production of A.J. Brown? What can we expect the defense to look like after the departure of key players?

Those won’t be answered right away and might not be revealed until Week 1 or even Week 2 of the season. However, there’s still much anticipation heading into training camp — this is the Birds we’re talking about.

There’s also a level of expectation for a team that took a step back in 2025, following an early playoff exit. Nick Sirianni is aware of this. But football is all about adaptation.

Switching to the team on the other side of Pattison Ave., it looks like the Phillies should follow a similar mindset after losing two of three to the Dodgers. Throughout those three games, they couldn’t escape baserunning blunders, defensive miscues, and a bullpen implosion.

Change is needed. If that doesn’t happen, there’s a question to raise of whether this team will make the postseason. Perhaps the trade deadline will help address their biggest needs?

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

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As Alex McFarlane warmed up for his major league debut on Wednesday, the 25-year-old didn’t realize where the Dodgers were in their order.

“It turned out to be that lefty,” as in four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani. Any left-handed batter would be a challenging first at-bat for the rookie righty, but the two-way Dodgers superstar, with a .940 OPS against right-handers, was a different beast.

⚾ Cherishing: The friendship of two longtime baseball coaches who spent decades in the Catholic League.

👕 Learning: St. Joseph’s became the first college in Pennsylvania to publicly announce a jersey patch sponsor for the upcoming year.

👏 Applauding: North Philly’s Kahleah Copper is heading to the WNBA All-Star Game as a replacement selection.

🤔 Wondering: Why Jaylen Brown was spotted in the Dominican Republic playing baseball?

Keyshawn James-Newby was a 2026 seventh-round pick who is considered undersized for an edge rusher at 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds. However, he makes up for it with speed and bend.

His path to making the roster is a difficult one considering the state of the depth chart ahead of him. But he’s doing all he can to make a lasting impression and become the NFL’s next seventh-round success story.

Neil Pierre, the Union’s prized centerback prospect, played 34 minutes as a second-half substitute in the club’s 3-1 win over Red Bull New York on Wednesday night, and showed he’s ready for the big leagues.

It was only his second game with the first team, but he looked like a pro. So what’s next for Pierre and the Union? Well, besides welcoming Seattle to Subaru Park on Saturday (7:30 p.m., Apple TV), Inquirer writer Jonathan Tannenwald takes a look.

Delco’s Andrew McMeekin is a faceoff man who recently won a national championship with Princeton. After going undrafted in the Premier Lacrosse League, McMeekin has been making a name for himself with the Boston Cannons.

He ranks third in the league in faceoff percentage and scored his first professional goal on July 11. The Episcopal Academy graduate says his success comes from being a student of the game first and faceoff specialist second.

The Flyers’ schedule came out last week, and I did not scan it immediately for games against the Penguins and Rangers and Capitals. My eyes fell on two dates: Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 3. A pair of matchups against the Flyers’ newest and most hated rivals: the … Anaheim Ducks?

We asked: Do you think Jalen Hurts is a Top 10 NFL quarterback? Among your responses:

Hurts is a solid quarterback with solid, if not flashy, skills in all categories. The Eagles are built to be consistent, and he has led with a consistent presence despite a total lack of consistency at the offensive coordinator position. He fits perfectly with a solid running game around him. — Dale O.

Yes, I do. Tough times last season, but the guy was again playing with a new coach and system, with a disgruntled me-me-me receiver and an aging and much-injured offensive line that was no longer able to spring Saquon loose multiple times per game to take the pressure off of him. One ranking had him way, way down the list and another had him as a tier two QB along with Mahones and others. Last season, the coaches grossly underused DeVonta Smith, one of the surest targets in the NFL. Jalen has performed admirably in two Super Bowls and can do it again. — Everett S.

Jalen Hurts is a top 10 quarterback. The others mentioned have either not been to the Super Bowl or haven’t finished high in the playoffs. While I agree that all teams need to have an array of talent, Jalen Hurts has the right attitude and doesn’t let the media or fans get in his head. Plus, he has talent! Trust me, he will use this slight to kick ass in the 2026-27 season. Go Birds! — Joanne H.

No. Despite winning a Super Bowl MVP, that award could have easily been given to the defense! Jalen doesn’t have a history of leading the team from behind in the 4th quarter. He has been reluctant to throw down the middle, settling for low-risk slants. Clearly not in the Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Matt Stafford conversation. — Bob C.

Please. Dak Prescott? Over the hill. Caleb Williams? Promise but no proof. Same with Drake Maye. I really wish I knew why Jalen does not get the respect he deserves. The proof is in his record. Whoever drew up this list is way off the mark. — Cathy J.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Mike Sielski, Jonathan Tannenwald, Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, Lauren Jones, Lochlahn March, David Murphy, Conor Smith, Mia Messina, and Maria McIlwain.

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.

Thanks for closing out the week with me. Have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be back in your inbox on Monday. — Bella