NFC East Notes: Eagles, Giants, Redskins

Eagles

The Eagles offense has been broken for a variety of reasons so far this season. On Sunday against the Seahawks, Philadelphia’s starting receivers were Jordan Matthews and second-round rookie JJ Arcega-Whiteside. However, Eagles QB Carson Wentz, who had two interceptions and fumbled twice, said the responsibility for uplifting the offense falls on him despite whatever injuries the team might be dealing with.

“I have to be better,” Wentz said via NBC Sports’ Reuben Frank. “I have to lead the team better. I have to protect the football better. We can’t put it on the ground the way we did. It starts with me. I’m frustrated. I know everyone is frustrated with this loss offensively. I’ve got to be better. . . . The defense played great again, and we let them down.”

• According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Eagles G Brandon Brooks left Sunday’s game against the Seahawks in the first half after a reoccurrence of the anxiety issues that he’s battled on and off for his career. 
• Brooks confirmed that on his Twitter account, saying his usual pre-game vomiting and nausea didn’t go away after the game started. 
• Eagles HC Doug Pederson said Wentz just has a bruise on his throwing hand and is not expected to miss any time. (Tom Pelissero)
• Eagles OT Lane Johnson said he expects to be cleared from the concussion protocol on Tuesday. (McLane)
• Eagles RB Jordan Howard still hasn’t regained strength in his shoulder following his stinger and remains day-to-day. (Jimmy Kempski)

Giants

After suffering his second concussion of the season, Giants WR Sterling Shepard had many of his teammates urging him to take it slow and be cautious with his return to the field. Research has shown each concussion leaves a person more susceptible to concussions in the future. That’s caused many to make the decision to walk away from the game of football, but Shepard was comfortable enough with the risk to keep playing. 

“It was all good things from the doctor,” Shepard said via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. “I don’t want to go into specifics, but long-term stuff is out of the picture. That’s what I wanted to hear ultimately.”

Shepard’s decision came in spite of a scary situation. Following his second concussion, Shepard had worked through the NFL’s concussion protocol and was cleared to play three weeks ago. Out of the blue, however, his symptoms returned the weekend of the game. Shepard went back into the protocol and saw multiple specialists before being cleared again.  

“With concussions, that’s the type of stuff that happens,” Shepard said. “You just never know when symptoms could come back. Anything could trigger it. That’s just the way it goes. I just want to get back to playing football.”

• The Giants announced WR Golden Tate has been placed in the concussion protocol. (Twitter)
• Giants HC Pat Shurmur was unhappy with the missed field goals from K Aldrick Rosas, though he wouldn’t say if the team would work out other options this week: “It’s unacceptable to miss the kicks that we did.” (Paul Schwartz)

Redskins

• Per NBC Sports’ JP Finlay, Redskins interim HC Bill Callahan said the team benched OT Donald Penn for the start of Sunday’s game against the Lions due to unspecified disciplinary reasons.