4th & Monday: Are the defending champion Eagles already in trouble?

Are the defending champion Eagles in trouble?

Welcome back to your regularly scheduled "4th & Monday" newsletter. In this edition, you'll find:
- All the news you might have missed this week
- Info on USA TODAY Sports' new NFL Facebook group
- Fantasy football draft advice
- All the details from every preseason game over the weekend

While Nick Foles (right) has struggled this preseason, Carson Wentz's playing status remains an unknown.

Troubling signs for defending champs?

It seems premature to judge how well a team's season will go based on how it performs during the preseason. However, the Philadelphia Eagles' title defense has started under less-than-ideal circumstances.

Following a dismal 5-0 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, the Eagles are off to an 0-3 preseason start; no team that has gone 0-4 in the preseason has won the Super Bowl.

While the Week 1 playing status of quarterback Carson Wentz still is an unknown, backup Nick Foles - the Super Bowl LII MVP - has struggled. Injuries have hit the Eagles particularly hard during training camp.

Frustration seems to be mounting in Philly. Eagles coach Doug Pederson got testy with reporters Sunday when asked about Wentz's availability for the Sept. 6 season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, a projected Super Bowl favorite.

What you might have missed

- Tragedy struck on Sunday morning as three people were killed and others wounded during a Madden video game tournament in Jacksonville. Both the NFL and Jaguars released statements in the wake of the shooting.

- In far less important news, one of the Jaguars' deep threats suffered a gruesome knee injury, which could be a major setback for a team hoping to compete for a Super Bowl. Might it be time to call Dez Bryant?

- Eric Decker's Patriots career was short-lived after he announced his retirement on Sunday after signing with the team earlier this month. The move is just the latest in what's become a revolving door of wide receivers for the Patriots this offseason.

- Eight months later, the city of Buffalo hasn't forgotten Andy Dalton's heroics. Thanks to the Bengals' last-second score in last year's regular-season finale, the Bills ended a 17-season playoff drought. Bills fans let Dalton hear it ahead of their preseason game on Sunday.

- Many might unfairly define Marcus Williams' rookie season in New Orleans by his missed tackle that would've sent the Saints to the NFC Championship Game. But that would be an oversight. His teammates and coach think the world of him.

- Even though Andrew Luck is returning, hold off on those Colts Super Bowl bets. In the only preseason game that matters, the one that reveals the most about what a team might become, the Colts stunk, according to The Indianapolis Star's Gregg Doyel. What's more, they promptly traded their leading tackler to the Packers.

MORE: 32 things we learned during NFL preseason Week 3

Join our NFL Facebook group!

If you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our new Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Sign up now!

Preseason Week 3

Browns 5, Eagles 0: These are two teams that appear to be heading in opposite directions.

Giants 22, Jets 16: Evan Engram, one of the Giants' key offensive players, suffered a concussion in the win.

Broncos 29, Redskins 17: Adrian Peterson was impressive in his preseason debut for the Redskins.

Panthers 25, Patriots 14: Cam Newton escaped a serious injury scare.

Vikings 21, Seahawks 20: Kirk Cousins rebounded after struggling in the Vikings' preseason game vs. the Jaguars last week.

Lions 33, Buccaneers 30: The Lions might have won, but that doesn't hide the fact that the team has had an unimpressive preseason.

Raiders 13, Packers 6: There are growing concerns about offensive line depth in Green Bay.

Bears 27, Chiefs 20: The Chiefs' starters had a hard time stopping Bears backup QB Chase Daniel.

Rams 21, Texans 20: Three-time NFL defensive player of the year J.J. Watt experienced his first on-field action since breaking his leg last season.

Steelers 16, Titans 6: The Titans' first-team offensive was lifeless, and first-year coach Mike Vrabel expressed a need to get QB Marcus Mariota and WR Corey Davis on the same page.

Colts 23, 49ers 17: Even with Andrew Luck's return, this year's version of the Colts doesn't appear too promising.

Ravens 27, Dolphins 10: Rookie QB Lamar Jackson led three touchdown drives to lead Baltimore to the win.

Jaguars 17, Falcons 6: The worst aspect of the preseason reared its ugly head Saturday, when Jaguars WR Marqise Lee suffered a gruesome knee injury against the Falcons.

Saints 36, Chargers 7: New Orleans capped a successful visit to Southern California with a convincing preseason victory.

Bengals 26, Bills 13: Josh Allen was given his big opportunity to start, but thanks to horrible play all around him, he never really had a chance.

Cardinals 27, Cowboys 3: Arizona forced eight turnovers in an easy win against Dallas.

Fantasy football draft tips

It's fantasy football draft season! Our panel of experts has valuable advice as you prepare for fantasy football domination this season.

- Top 200 rankings: Here's how the best players stack up for the 2018 fantasy football season.

- Best spots in draft: There are a few slots where you'll have a greater advantage than others.

- Studs, duds and sleepers: Steve Gardner and Trysta Krick break down the players you need to focus on in your fantasy football draft.

- Assessing the rookies: We'll all be focused on Saquon Barkley of the Giants. But what other rookies should you keep an eye on?

- All-Risk Team: Players who could make or break your team this season.

- All-Value Team: Players who should outperform their draft slot this season.

- Rankings by position: Breaking down the top options at every position.

- Too high or too low? Here are 10 players being drafted too high or too low.

- RB sleepers: Here are five possible unheralded running backs to target in drafts.

- Trend advantage: Recognizing these trends will help you ace your fantasy football draft.

Want to keep this conversation going? Head to Facebook, and follow the USA TODAY Sports writers who put together this newsletter, Michael Singer and Jim Reineking.