The third preseason game is always forgettable, and most members of the Eagles organization (and the fans) probably want to forget about Thursday night’s matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. However, even preseason games can yield some fun and worthwhile press conference quotes, so let’s take a quick look:

Nick Sirianni, on showing Kelee Ringo’s national championship pick-six in a team meeting:

“I saw some of our Alabama guys kind of look to the back as Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter and Nolan [Smith] and Nakobe [Dean] were all barking, supporting their Dawgs. I thought that was an interesting one.”

The Philadelphia Dawgs (or Georgia Eagles, depending on your preference) continue to go strong. Howie Roseman’s recent obsession with drafting SEC players could make for an interesting lighthearted rivalry in the locker room, though. Between the Eagles’ recent Bama draft picks and UDFAs (DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, Josh Jobe, and Eli Ricks) and the vaunted Philly Dawgs (Davis, Carter, Smith, Dean, Ringo, and D’Andre Swift), there’s potential for a fun dynamic to develop as the season goes on.

Nick Sirianni, on that challenge flag and coaching against former offensive coordinator Shane Steichen:

“Yeah, I was excited for him to be on the opposite sideline. I was a little anxious to throw that red flag. I should have let the replay assist help me out, but I knew what Shane was doing. I knew what he was doing. He was going on the ball to try and run it quick. We had some eye contact and a fun back and forth on that play.”

Sirianni’s quick challenge flag throw and his following point to the ground made for a bit of levity in a game that otherwise dragged. The moment is made all the better by Sirianni’s confirmation that his attitude toward the Colts’ sideline was pointed at Steichen specifically.


Shane Steichen, on being back in Philadelphia:

“You know, there’s some great memories here. I mean I was here for two years obviously and not a ton of time, but the memories we created in those two years were pretty special… It takes a village of grinders and that’s what it was here with those guys, and I couldn’t be more thankful for everyone involved the last two years here.”

Speaking of Steichen, he was quick to acknowledge his the warm reception. Steichen worked with Sirianni for two years to produce extremely prolific Eagles offenses, including 2021’s vaunted rushing attack and 2022’s all-around excellence. He was a valued member of last year’s NFC Champion team.

Anthony Richardson, on his wing flap end zone celebration:

“I was thinking about it before the game. Sometimes when you get into the end zone, you just freeze up and don’t know what to do. So I was contemplating what I was going to do if I scored or if somebody else scored. So I ran down there and I was just flapping my arms and having fun. I hope nobody took it the wrong way. I was just balling, having fun out there, and enjoying it.”

Unfortunately, it might be a bit too late for Richardson’s well-wishes. A good number of Eagles fans took exception to the rookie quarterback flexing on the third-string defense (which held him to 6 for 17 for 78 yards in a full half of play). Additionally, even though Sirianni and Steichen are on good terms, the Eagles and Colts may not have gone into the game with the same goodwill, considering Tuesday’s all-out practice brawl. Maybe Richardson’s celebration was subconsciously fueled by the fight?

Regardless, the two teams aren’t scheduled to play each other in a meaningful, regular-season scenario until the 2026 season, so whatever lingering ill will the Eagles and Colts may be harboring for each other will likely fade away by then.

The main takeaway: the preseason is officially over, and now it’s finally time to get ready for the real deal.

Kinkead: Grace is interning with us for the Fall semester. Be nice to her, you rascals, and go Birds.