Leading up to the Wild Card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, several sports writers have extensively analyzed the Philadelphia Eagles’ second-half decline. These reports, including a comprehensive piece by ESPN’s philadelphia eaglea, aim to shed light on the reasons behind the team’s struggles, with everyone involved seemingly attempting to present their perspective in case of a season-ending loss on Monday. McManus’ article particularly focuses on Coach Nick Sirianni’s challenges in halting the team’s decline, emphasizing a -59 point differential in the Eagles’ recent stretch of five losses in six games. Additionally, the narrative painted suggests that the three key figures in the offensive unit – Sirianni, offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, and quarterback Jalen Hurts – may not be fully aligned in their strategies.
During the Eagles’ recent struggles, Jalen Hurts expressed a desire for a shift in the offensive strategy, feeling that the focus on vertical routes overshadowed the importance of short-to-intermediate throws, especially over the middle where A.J. Brown has excelled. This sentiment, shared by others on the offensive side, highlighted concerns about a perceived emphasis on style over substance.
Offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, who rose from quarterbacks coach to his current position mid-season, faced criticism from Eagles fans for uncreative screen passes and an apparent reliance on quarterback draws. Despite this scrutiny, Johnson has drawn interest from teams with coaching vacancies, including the Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers, suggesting that he is still valued in the coaching landscape.
However, doubts arise about the extent to which Johnson has been able to shape the Eagles’ offense. Sources indicate that Johnson had to fit his coaching philosophy within the existing offensive structure dictated by head coach Nick Sirianni. Unlike established offensive minds like Kyle Shanahan or Sean McVay, Sirianni lacks a significant history as a top offensive strategist.
Sirianni’s limited play-calling experience, particularly during his time as the offensive coordinator for the Colts, raises questions about his role in the Eagles’ offensive struggles. While success under offensive coordinator Shane Steichen in 2021 was notable, Steichen’s departure to become the coach of the Indianapolis Colts left uncertainties about sustaining that success.
The Eagles’ situation since their 10-1 start appears unsustainable. The playoffs may either reignite the team’s performance, diverting attention from ongoing concerns, or lead to a critical offseason discussion about the futures of Sirianni and/or Johnson. Whether changes occur or the storyline continues, the outcome will likely shape the narrative for the Eagles moving forward.