NFL Gameday Guide: Jags and Eagles land in London

The Jacksonville Jaguars will travel to London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the second NFL International Series matchup of the season, with kickoff slated for 2 p.m. on Sky Sports. The game marks the Jaguars’ 15th and 16th regular‑season appearances in England since 2013 and contributes to the league’s 44th and 45th games staged in the United Kingdom. Jacksonville punter Logan Cooke will set an NFL record by playing his tenth international game, surpassing former Jags offensive lineman Tyler Shatley, while the team arrives with a 3‑1 record, leading the AFC South after statement victories over the New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals. Their opponent, the Eagles, come into the contest amid a spate of injuries and roster changes, including doubts over running back Saquon Barkley’s availability after a hamstring issue, the loss of wideout DeVonta Smith to a similar ailment, and the recent retirement of offensive tackle Lane Johnson.

The Eagles’ situation is further complicated by a series of off‑field and on‑field setbacks that have left the Philadelphia offense near the bottom of several statistical categories: fourth‑fewest total yards per game, second‑fewest passing yards, 26th in scoring and 29th in expected points added per play. The team’s depth chart has been reshaped by the trade of center Cam Jurgens to Baltimore, missed practices from wide receiver Hollywood Brown, edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and linebacker Jihaad Campbell, and a recent overhaul of the offensive coaching staff that saw Sean Mannion replace Kevin Patullo as coordinator. These challenges have intensified scrutiny of quarterback Jalen Hurts, whose performance is debated amid concerns about a lack of a reliable outside receiving threat following AJ Brown’s departure, and a ground game that has struggled to generate consistent production.

Despite Philadelphia’s turmoil, Jacksonville appears poised to capitalize on its recent momentum and the emergence of key players. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, now viewed as a legitimate MVP candidate, leads a Jaguars squad that has embraced a disciplined, coach‑driven identity under first‑year head coach Liam Coen. The team’s defensive versatility is highlighted by the evolving role of Travis Hunter, who, after a promising defensive showing against the Bengals—allowing just four catches for 30 yards in 71 snaps—may solidify his place as a premier defensive back while still being used occasionally as a receiver. The Eagles, meanwhile, have opted for a rapid travel schedule, arriving only 36 hours before kickoff, a strategy reminiscent of Sean McVay’s successful approach in a previous London game. The outcome of this transatlantic showdown will not only influence the Jaguars’ push for AFC South dominance but also serve as a litmus test for the Eagles’ ability to rebound from a bruising injury list and re‑establish offensive cohesion in the midst of a challenging season.

⚡ Effects Interpreter