The Philadelphia Eagles' head coach, Nick Sirianni, addressed reporters after their 26-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in their final preseason game. While acknowledging that the team did not meet their own standards, Sirianni expressed appreciation for the contribution of their entire 91-man roster ahead of the upcoming final cuts.

Sirianni reflected on the preseason, noting that it was a productive camp where players worked hard to improve. He emphasized the importance of the collective effort of all 91 players, rather than just the 53 who will make the final roster. The coach acknowledged that tough decisions lie ahead but commended the commitment shown by the entire team during training camp.

Regarding the recent trade for wide receiver Jahan Dotson, Sirianni expressed his excitement to work with him. He believes that Dotson's addition will enhance an already deep wide receiver room, ultimately making the team stronger.

When addressing their performance against the Vikings, Sirianni admitted that they fell short of their own standard. He attributed their lackluster showing to missed tackles, fumbles, penalties, and dropped passes that ultimately cost them points. The coach emphasized the importance of playing with good fundamentals, regardless of the talent or level of play.

Explaining his decision not to play the starters in the preseason, Sirianni stated that the team prioritized practice and added full-speed scrimmages to provide the necessary game-like reps. While acknowledging that his choice will face scrutiny, he stated that they had enough preparation through open practices, joint practice sessions, and inter-squad scrimmages leading up to the regular season.

Sirianni admitted that he still needs to evaluate the rookies' performance after reviewing the game tape. However, he noted positive plays along with areas that need improvement. He highlighted the speed and physicality displayed by the rookies while acknowledging mistakes that can be rectified through further development.

On the topic of James Bradberry, who transitioned from cornerback to safety, Sirianni expressed comfort with his role but did not provide a direct answer regarding the player's future with the team. He praised Bradberry's contributions, noting his versatility and positive impact as a teammate.

The head coach also acknowledged the intense competition in the linebacker position and expressed excitement regarding the depth of talent in the room. He acknowledged the difficult decisions that lie ahead during roster cuts but assured that thorough evaluations have been made.

Finally, Sirianni mentioned rookie wide receiver Ainias Smith, highlighting the process of development and stating that not everyone experiences an immediate impact. Despite a slow start, Sirianni praised Smith's recent performance and encouraged him to continue to progress.

As the preseason concludes, the Philadelphia Eagles' coaching staff, led by Nick Sirianni, remains focused on refining the team's strengths and addressing areas for improvement. Their efforts throughout training camp and preseason games have laid the foundation for the challenges that lie ahead in the upcoming regular season.