The Eagles and Dolphins are a little over 27 hours away from a Sunday night showdown on NBC that could be a Super Bowl LVIII preview.
Julio Jones was elevated from the practice squad, and we’ll make his debut.
The game features two MVP candidates at quarterbacks, two wide receivers on a projection of 1,900+ yards receiving, and game-changing speed on both sides of the football.
Miami enters the contest averaging 37 points per game, and they’ll be headlined by All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill, who is having an outstanding season – he leads the NFL with 42 receptions, 814 yards, and six touchdowns.
With kickoff fast approaching, here’s what Miami is saying ahead of Sunday night.
Christian Wilkins
The Dolphins defensive tackle was asked about playing in such an electric ath
“I’m really excited about this one. You hear so much about the Philly fans, the atmosphere, all that good stuff. It’s going to be an exciting game and things like that, so I’m excited about this one. They are a really good team. They do a lot of really good things. This is kind of what you want. It’s going to be great football weather, football atmosphere, just all that good stuff kind of building up until Sunday night. I’m looking forward to it.”
Isaiah Wynn
Wynn was asked about the Eagles defensive front.
“Fast, physical, they’re big.” (Deep, too?) – “Yeah, they are. They got ‘em.”
David Long
Long was asked about facing the Eagles in front of a raucous crowd.
“I can’t wait. I can’t wait for them either. (laughter) I played there one time with Tennessee. I didn’t get to finish the game, but it’s a good atmosphere. I can’t wait.”
Braxton Berrios
Berrios was asked about potentially defeating the defending NFC champs in their home stadium.
“Yeah, absolutely. They’re a great team, and I think you said it, it’s one of 17. There are no moral victories. They all count the same wins and losses each game. Honestly, the week after that is going to be the same regardless if it’s one way or another. So obviously you go in there wanting to win. And we’re going to learn a lot from it either way and move on to the next game.”
Mike McDaniel
The Dolphins head coach was asked about the success of Philadelphia’s tush push.
“Well, no, and it’s kind of like their play. I think what makes them so successful is a commitment to leverage and detail on something that a lot of people don’t detail. Shoot, they leaned into it before it was successful, detailing it up and then it has success. I’m a huge fan of things that are within the rules of football that you can’t stop. That’s to their credit. The semantics, whether it should or shouldn’t be, I just more respect and regard what goes into that. There’s a lot of people that would love to convert 80-some percent of third or fourth-and-1s. I would love that. And they have a situation where their players have leaned into it and if you don’t like the play, you should try to stop it. A lot of people have and it’s a really hard thing to stop, which means they’re really owning the finer details of the play.”
Tua Tagovailoa
The Dolphins quarterback was asked about a potential Super Bowl preview.
“Yeah, I think in competition mode, it’s one of those things where I know where he’s at with his play, he knows where I’m at with my play. We’ll probably see each other before the game to wish each other luck, but at the end of the day, we’re both trying to help our teams win. And I know that he’s doing all that he can to help his offense be successful against our defense and I’m doing the exact same, trying to work hard to do the exact same to their defense. I got a lot of respect for Jalen. He’s been a great competitor since I got there to Alabama. He’s been a special player since I’ve been there, and he’s been a special player throughout his entire college career. So I know it’ll be a good game and I don’t think of it as a Super Bowl preview or anything like that. I just think that this is another team that we’re preparing for and in order for us to get to where we want to go to, we’ve got to play this game.”
Tua Tagovailoa
The Dolphins quarterback was asked about the Eagles domimant defensive front.
“I mean, their front seven. The front seven is tough. A really good front seven. And then with their back end a little banged up, when they do have all their guys, they’re a really, really good team. A lot of a lot of communication on that back end and they play really good and really sound defense.”
Raheem Mostert:
The talented running back and former Eagle was asked about Philadelphia’s defensive front.
“Man, their defense is stout, especially up front. They’ve got a plethora of guys on the d-line that they can just rotate any time and make unbelievable plays. I know ‘BG,’ Brandon Graham, he’s one of my guys, and I know that he’s going to be amped up and ready to go. He’s probably going to talk a little trash, because I know how he is. (laughter) But it’s going to be fun. I can’t wait. They’re a good defense, especially with the linebackers and the backend too. They’re all complementary. They play good ball.”
Jaylen Waddle
Waddle on how often he talks to his former Teammate.
“Oh yeah, like every day, honestly. When they have a game I can watch and we’re not playing, I’ll tune in, tap in, and he is doing his stuff. Pretty often.”
Tyreek Hill on his excitement for Sunday's matchup
Tyreek Hill was asked about the showdown in Philadelphia.
“I love it. This is what football is all about. Going against a real good opponent, Sunday Night Football, no better stage. I feel like our guys are ready with the way we practiced today.”
(What do you expect that environment to be like over there with the Philly fans?) –
“I’ve played in Philly. I mean obviously the fans are going to be fans, regardless of who you play against. Some good, some nasty. I feel like playing this game, that’s what you have to expect sometimes, and that’s what I’m ready for.”
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Vic Fangio
The Dolphins defensive coordinator was asked about Jalen Hurts and had high praise.
“He has no weaknesses. So that’s a strength. I’ve always like him. I told (Executive Vice President of the Philadelphia Eagles) Howie (Roseman) back in ’21 he had his quarterback. Very strong. Obviously, his running ability is tops. Gives them an extra guy in the run game, makes it hard to defend. Excellent scrambler. Great leader. It’s hard to find fault with him.”
