Birds are sticking by Jenkins’ ‘team to beat’ declaration

PHILADELPHIA » Eagles veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins jogged his memory to recall what he’d said about that caused so much angst.

The Eagles, he told NBC 10, were the team to beat in the NFC East. That the statement was big news puzzled the team’s captain.

“When somebody asked me, who is the team to beat, who else would I say but, the Philadelphia Eagles?” Jenkins said. “Whether it’s the first game, second game, last game I’d probably say the same thing.”

The Eagles (1-1) are tied for the division lead with the Cowboys (1-1), both owning one division win.

Looking at the results of Week 2, it’s hard to argue with Jenkins. The Cowboys not only were blown out in Denver; they created drama when coach Jason Garrett criticized running back Zeke Elliott for failing to give chase on an interception return.

The Giants (0-2) have scored just 13 points in losses to the Cowboys and the Lions, neither of which have been accused of playoff defense. Meanwhile the Eagles were defeated, 27-20, by the Chiefs at noisy Arrowhead Stadium. A loss is a loss but …

“I’m confident in my teammates,” offensive tackle Lane Johnson said. “I’m confident in what we can do. There’s no need to press the panic button after losing by seven points to a pretty good team. Hey, any time you lose in this city — I mean it’s just how the culture is here. You look back at the game, Kansas City is a really good team. We didn’t play our best. We played there and kept it within a touchdown and had a chance to go tie it up at the end. We’re not far off.”

A win over the Giants Sunday and the Eagles would be the team to beat in the division. Not that they aren’t right now.

“I stand behind Malcolm Jenkins,” tight end Zach Ertz said. “He’s the leader of our football team. I put a lot of trust and faith in him. He was voted captain for a reason and we stand behind him 100 percent.”

*** Safeties Corey Graham, Rodney McLeod and Jaylen Watkins sat out another day of practice Thursday with strained hamstrings.

The Eagle have toyed with using linebacker/special teams standout Kamu Grugier-Hill at safety.

The Birds added safety Trae Elston, claimed off waivers from the Bills.

*** Giants quarterback Eli Manning is 4-12 with 32 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions in his last 16 starts against the Eagles.

Manning has lost five of his last six starts to the Birds, throwing nine TDs and eight interceptions.