Nick Sirianni Issues Fiery Challenge to Eagles as Preseason Opener Kicks Off Tonight - "PROVE YOU BELONG"

Philadelphia, PA – August 7, 2025 | Lincoln Financial Field

This is no warm-up.

On Thursday night, as the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Cincinnati Bengals in their preseason opener, Head Coach Nick Sirianni delivered a message sharp as a blade — aimed squarely at the young guns, the new faces, and those teetering on the edge of the 53-man roster.

“THIS ISN’T JUST A PRESEASON GAME — IT’S A TEST,” Sirianni told the team at NovaCare.
“EVERY SNAP MATTERS. THE FANS CAME TO FIND THE NEXT WARRIOR IN MIDNIGHT GREEN — DON’T LET THEM LEAVE EMPTY-HANDED. PROVE YOU BELONG.”

No one plays it safe

With stars like Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley expected to sit out, the spotlight turns to the players fighting for their NFL lives. Sirianni isn’t looking for safe plays — he wants fire.

Big-ticket signing Azeez Ojulari has disappointed in camp so far, while Josh Uche has turned heads with his burst and aggression. Unknown names like Ochaun Mathis, Patrick Johnson, and Antwaun Powell-Ryland now face a brutal truth: Thursday night could be their final shot to make an impression.

Sirianni won’t hesitate to pivot if they don’t deliver.

Position battles everywhere

On offense, the battle for TE3 is heating up between Kylen Granson, Harrison Bryant, and EJ Jenkins. At safety, Sydney Brown is currently in the driver’s seat, but rookie Andrew Mukuba could still make a late push — if his shoulder heals in time. If not, Brown has a chance to shut the door and force the Eagles to abandon plans of signing a veteran like Justin Simmons.

Meanwhile, at cornerback, it’s a crowded room. Kelee Ringo, Adoree Jackson, and recent trade acquisition Jakorian Bennett are all jockeying for reps opposite Quinyon Mitchell.

Even the third-string quarterback spot carries weight. Rookie Kyle McCord and dual-threat Dorian Thompson-Robinson are both on display, with DTR possibly being showcased for a trade. Sirianni has an eye on every snap, every throw.

This isn’t hope — it’s a mission

When Sirianni says,
“A CHANCE TO PROVE WHO’S READY FOR THE ROAD BACK TO THE SUPER BOWL,”
he means it. The Eagles aren’t chasing potential — they’re demanding proof. They want players who won’t fold under pressure. Who treat every down like it matters. Who understand that Super Bowl runs don’t begin in January — they begin right now.

The challenge has been issued.
Midnight Green isn’t for the ones who survive — it’s for the ones who rise.