Nick Sirianni Blasts Veteran for Blowing Pick-Six Opportunity in Crucial Preseason Moment with Bengals
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Philadelphia, PA – August , 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles may have left Lincoln Financial Field with a preseason victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, but the night wasn’t without a sting — and head coach Nick Sirianni made sure one player felt it.
The Eagles’ defense surrendered 27 points, and in Sirianni’s eyes, one play perfectly summed up the missed opportunities. Midway through the second half, with the game still within reach for Cincinnati, Bengals quarterback telegraphed a sideline throw that had “pick-six” written all over it.
Eli Ricks, playing his 25th defensive snap of the night, read the play like a book. The crowd rose, sensing the momentum-shifting moment. All that stood between Ricks and the end zone was open turf. But instead of cradling the ball and taking it to the house, the pass slipped right through his fingers — a golden opportunity gone in an instant.
Sirianni didn’t sugarcoat his frustration.
“Twenty-five snaps on defense and the game in your hands — and you flat-out drop it? That’s a gift-wrapped touchdown you just threw in the trash. Around here, if you choke in the biggest moments, you won’t be here long,” he told reporters postgame.
For Ricks, the margin for error is razor-thin. He’s battling Quinyon Mitchell, Kelee Ringo, Adoree Jackson, and newly acquired Jakorian Bennett for what could be the final cornerback spots on the roster. In the NFL preseason, every snap is currency, and a single game-changing play can tip the scales. Just as easily, one costly mistake can sink a player’s chances.
Ricks still has two preseason games to redeem himself — including a crucial August 16 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Whether he turns this missed pick into a rallying point or lets it define his summer could determine if he’s wearing midnight green when Week 1 arrives.
Sirianni’s bottom line was clear:
If you get your shot, you finish the play. If you don’t, someone else will.
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