⚾ Not going anywhere | Sports Daily Newsletter

One less thing for the Phillies to worry about in February is who will lead the team out of the clubhouse for the 2027 season.

On Wednesday, the ballclub removed the interim tag from manager Don Mattingly, who led the team to a 79-55 record and a trip to the National League wild-card series after taking over for Rob Thomson.

We won’t rehash how that turned out, nor entertain the idea that Mattingly earned the position, only after former Red Sox manager Alex Cora made it crystal clear he doesn’t intend to return to the dugout anytime soon. But what comes next is now the question, one that:

Rain is once again in the forecast, with temperatures not expected to break out of the 60s. Don’t forget that umbrella.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Imagine being a second-year player and sharing a floor with three MVPs and four All-Stars, and you’re the guy they’re listening to?

As he enters his sophomore season as an NBA professional, VJ Edgecombe has become more of the voice around the squad and one the team says they rely on. Why? Well, that’s what Inquirer writer Chris Hine explores as Edgecombe’s presence has become one the Sixers have begun to rely on.

🏒 Sharing: The Flyers will induct legends Simon Gagné and Bob Kelly into its Hall of Fame.

💰 Reading: The Philly-based sports gambler who just pled guilty to infractions that affected the NBA, NCAA, and even the Chinese basketball league.

⚽ Watching: What soccer fans who attended Tuesday’s U.S.-Spain match felt about Philly not having a women’s professional soccer team.

🚘 Wondering: Do you want to buy this LeBron James-inspired Mercedes? It’s for the kids.

While you may not want to relive the last few Eagles games, we have to for your edification.

With Sean Mannion’s offense sputtering in recent weeks, Vic Fangio’s defense seems to be rounding into form. These are not my words but those of Inquirer writer Devin Jackson, who took a look at the film to see why the unit is still one of the top groups in all of football.

Eight games without a win is one of the roughest starts any team can have. The Flyers are mired in a season-opening losing streak that is maddening. However, there are some bright spots that shows the team can dig themselves out of the hole they’re in.

One of those bright spots was the performance of Trevor Zegras, who had a breakout game in Tuesday’s shootout loss to the Seattle Kraken.

“This is the best I’ve seen Trevor play [this season],” said Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet. “This is what we need from Trevor, this type of game where he wanted the puck. He wanted to be in situations. He was in the corners digging, taking a hit to make a play. That’s what he has to do.”

Inquirer writer Jackie Spiegel examines other takeaways and how they might help the Flyers flip the script.

The Union entered the halftime break trailing 1-0 to Chicago, but a red card to former Union centerback Jack Elliott was the turning point.

Milon Iloski equalized the score early in the second half, and Bruno Damiani struck twice in the Union’s 3-1 win over the Fire that extended their unbeaten streak to 14 games.

Oct. 15, 1933: The Eagles were born, playing their first NFL game ever. However, it’s apparent that the training wheels weren’t quite off, as that team would come up short of the New York Giants, 56-0.

CATYEB THOHNN

This Delco native and former NFL tight end (should be your biggest hint) is watching his son perform as the quarterback for this Big Ten team. Think you know? Take a guess and click here to see if you’re correct.

We asked: Do the Eagles still have a chance this season?

In the [2023-24] Super Bowl year, they were 2-2, and everyone was screaming after the Falcons loss. They put their heads down, figured it out, and we know what happened. Same thing this year: Just relax and let them figure it out. — Carl H.

Am I the only person who thinks Sirianni got it right? Look what happened two weeks earlier when the Cowboys kicked it out of the end zone. The only way the Eagles get beat is if the return man runs the ball back to exactly the spot that he did. Five yards shorter, it’s too long for a field goal. Five yards further, the clock runs out. What are the odds?? If you want to get rid of Sirianni, find something else.— Tom L.

Right now the Eagles are kind of like the Road Runner hanging from the edge of a cliff with Wily Coyote about to kick him off, but there is always hope. Injuries and a depleted offensive line are definitely hurting, but we saw how tough these guys can get when there is little hope. As everyone knows now, that was a coaching loss and not a players’ loss. Many tough games to come, but I am hopeful that they will pull it together and win the East. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Lochlahn March, Marcus Hayes, Lexie Linderman, Chris Hine, Jackie Spiegel, Jonathan Tannenwald, Devin Jackson, Chris Palmer, Ariel Simpson, Gabriela Carroll, and Mike Livingston.

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.

Go forth and be knowledgeable about Philly sports at the water cooler today, everyone. I’ll be back tomorrow to close out your week. — Kerith