Shaq Leonard, an All-Pro linebacker, has been fired up since joining the Philadelphia Eagles.
Leonard, a three-time First-Team All-Pro, was released by the Indianapolis Colts on November 21 before signing with the Eagles. The Eagles’ chances of earning a Super Bowl ring influenced Leonard’s decision to sign with them after being released by the Colts in the middle of a season in which his position was drastically reduced.
Following the Eagles’ Christmas Day victory over the New York Giants, Leonard took aim at his former team.
“The Colts wrote me off,” Leonard said, according to Josh Tolentino of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “Talked down on my name. I’m here to prove it, prove I can still play, prove I can still make plays.”
The Colts did not request Leonard’s dismissal, but he did make multiple comments challenging his reduced playing time.
Leonard had a team-high seven tackles and his first sack since the 2020 season against the Giants, probably his best performance in an Eagles uniform.
“To get a sack for the first time in three seasons feels amazing,” Leonard told reporters. “I’m starting to get my groove a little bit. I’m kind of getting comfortable. Understanding the techniques, responsibilities, and being able to play without thinking.”
Eagles’ win ‘Special’ For Shaq Leonard
Leonard arrived at the Eagles on December 4, following disappointing losses to the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks.
Consequently, Monday’s game marked Leonard’s inaugural experience of victory in front of the fervent Philadelphia fanbase at Lincoln Financial Field while adorned in an Eagles uniform.
Expressing his elation, Leonard remarked, as reported by Tim McManus of ESPN, “It feels amazing. It’s my first one, my first one as an Eagle. No matter how we got it, I’m happy. I get to go home and spend this Christmas with my girls happy, rather than being upset.”
Since joining the Eagles, Leonard has contributed with 13 total tackles and secured one sack. His veteran presence could potentially play a pivotal role in the remaining two games and throughout Philadelphia’s postseason journey.
Nick Sirianni Not Satisfied With Eagles’ Victory
The Eagles have experienced the challenge of securing victories in the NFL, as evident from their recent performance.
The triumph over the Giants on Monday put an end to a three-game losing streak, which seems to have acted as a wake-up call for the reigning conference champions.
Following the game, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged that his team still has significant work ahead to regain their previous form. “Clearly,” Sirianni conveyed to reporters, “there are things we need to address, but it’s great to have positive energy by getting back on the winning track. It’s always more gratifying to make corrections after a win rather than a loss, no doubt about that.”
“We needed to break out of the rut we were in, and sometimes, simply securing a win helps achieve that,” Sirianni added. “I saw a lot of positives out there today.”
Sirianni’s concern about breaking the recent slump resonates with star wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who expressed similar sentiments. “Eleven wins? We’re not playing up to par right now. Offensively, we’re falling short of our expectations. I’m not content. Sure, we’ve secured 11 wins, but I’m not pleased. We need to elevate our performance for what I envision, what everyone else here envisions, and for the team we aspire to become. We’re far from reaching that level, so no, I’m not satisfied.”
With two remaining games against the Arizona Cardinals and Giants to conclude the regular season, the Eagles have additional opportunities to refine their game and aim for improvement.
