Despite a 48-point outburst against the Saints, I don’t think the Buccaneers are as good as the Falcons.

I’d take Matt Ryan over Ryan Fitzpatrick any day. Same goes with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman over Peyton Barber and Jacquizz Rodgers and both of Atlanta’s two top wide receivers. With that being said, it will still be a tough game for the Birds. Especially since it’ll be in the low 90s and humid with the chance of rain on Sunday.

Tampa doesn’t have the best personnel, but that doesn’t mean they’re not able to put up 48 points against a potential NFC champion like New Orleans. It was something that Malcolm Jenkins called “eye-opening.”

“They did put up 48 points. After watching them, it was definitely eye-opening. They didn’t [score 48] by accident. They made plays. The last time we played them a few years ago, we went into that game thinking that this team takes a lot of shots downfield. It’s easy to see that storyline remains the same. They’re attacking the deep end of the field.

“They have guys making plays on the ball. Their quarterback isn’t afraid to sling it around. We look back at our game against Atlanta, one of the things we want to improve on are those chunk plays. It’s definitely going to be an opportunity to right some of those mistakes. And I’m sure they watched the same Eagles everyone else has, so they’re going to have a plan [for dealing with the Eagles’ pass rush]. Pressure like that makes it a lot easier for us to have success on defense.

“I can’t imagine they won’t prepare for us up front.”

It might be a little tougher for the Eagles if Shelton Gibson and Darren Sproles don’t play. The two special teams returners didn’t practice yesterday, which could mean Nelson Agholor and Corey Clement could take over kick and punt return duties, respectively.

As for the Bucs, they didn’t have starting corner Brent Grimes or rookie defensive tackle Vita Vea practicing yesterday. DeSean Jackson and Jason Pierre-Paul were limited participants. They’ll also have some inside intel, thanks to former Eagles Vinny Curry and Beau Allen.

It will be an interesting test for the Eagles, especially with a long break. But they better be prepared for another possible magical performance from Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Elsewhere, plenty of former Eagles were announced as nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2019.

The Roundup:

The Phillies return to action tonight against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park for a weekend series. First pitch is at 7:05 PM on NBC Sports Philadelphia with Zach Eflin taking the mound.

With 17 games left to play, the team is 7 1/2 behind Atlanta for first in the NL East. That’s the same deficit they faced in 2007, when they did win the division. Only difference is both teams are going in opposite directions.

And with this August/September collapse, do Phillies fans want Gabe Kapler out already?

After Wednesday night’s rookie game win over the Islanders, training camp officially kicks off for the Flyers today in Voorhees. The first preseason game is this Sunday against the Islanders on Long Island.

With Andrew MacDonald sidelined for some time, Christian Folin will have the opportunity for a spot as a regular defenseman early on.

“I think I made some really good progress last year, and I showed that I can play in this league and I can play big minutes in this league against top guys on other teams,” Folin, a Sweden native, said after arriving early and taking part in an informal scrimmage with his new teammates Wednesday. “I want to keep building on that and have a good season.”

Added Folin: “I look forward to playing on the East Coast. I haven’t played out here and I heard it’s a little different and I think it’s going to be a challenge. I just heard it’s a little more offensive – not to say guys gamble more, but guys take off a little quicker and there might be a little more skill on the East Coast.”

Despite questions about a new contract, Wayne Simmonds continues to give back to his community.

The Snow the Goalie gang gets you ready for the new season in a brand new episode.

In other sports news, the San Jose Sharks acquired stud defenseman Erik Karlsson (and another player) from the Ottawa Senators for Chris Tierney, three prospects, and draft picks.

Mychal Kendricks has a job again:

The Dallas Stars re-signed Tyler Seguin to a big extension. But the announcement on Twitter was the greatest thing I’ve ever seen.

Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin meet again for the second time on Saturday.

Sean McVay has an insane memory.

Ric Flair got married…again…for the fifth time. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

In the news, Hurricane Florence has made landfall.

Gas explosions north of Boston killed one person and destroyed nearly 40 homes.

Paul Manafort is close to a plea deal.