On Football examines major NFL storylines each week. For more insights on football, continue reading.

___

Nick Sirianni stands out as the top coach in Philadelphia Eagles’ history, boasting the highest winning percentage. His coaching success could potentially have been highlighted with a Super Bowl title had Jalen Hurts not fumbled for a touchdown. However, the antics Sirianni displays from the sidelines have taken center stage, overshadowing his accomplishments with the team.

After fans yelled for his dismissal during a narrow 20-16 win over Cleveland, Sirianni responded by playfully gesturing to them as the game wound down. He cupped his hands around his ear, mockingly inviting them to express their thoughts. Despite the win, which brought the Eagles’ season record to 3-2, critics continued to vocalize their discontent. Both national and local media labeled him a “clown” and insisted that he “grow up.” It seems no matter what Sirianni does, he faces criticism.

Since taking the helm in 2021, Sirianni has dealt with negative commentary. His debut press conference faced backlash for his nervous demeanor. After an initial 2-5 start that season, he used a flower metaphor to emphasize growth, drawing further ridicule and calls for his firing. Following a loss that left their record at 3-6, a fan even hurled a bouquet of flowers at him. Nonetheless, the Eagles rallied to finish the season 6-2 and secured a playoff spot.

The following season saw them achieve an impressive 14-3 record, leading to an NFC championship victory before a heartbreaking 38-35 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Although Hurts had an outstanding performance, highlighted by three rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown, his fumble that was returned for a score proved costly. A promising 10-1 start to the next season quickly deteriorated, culminating in a six-game loss streak, including a glaring defeat in the playoffs against the Buccaneers. This prompted doubts about Sirianni’s position.

Recently, he offloaded offensive duties to new coordinator Kellen Moore and brought in Vic Fangio as the third defensive coordinator in three years. In his multifaceted role as CEO of the team, Sirianni managed to guide the Eagles to a 2-2 record as they headed into their bye week. During a period of self-reflection, players encouraged him to embrace his authentic coaching style.

Sirianni returned to his energetic approach, the same intensity that endeared him to the fanbase during the Super Bowl run. Veteran defensive end Brandon Graham commented on Sirianni’s positive energy and how critical it is, saying, “We want people to be themselves. Coach has been taking a bunch of heat… It’s all about letting them know what they bring to the table.”

Hurts, often seen as having a shaky relationship with the coach, also supported him, emphasizing that he believes in Sirianni’s unique approach and leadership. “I encouraged him to be himself, and so that’s who he is,” Hurts noted, highlighting the importance of trust and teamwork.

Sirianni did apologize for his behavior on the sidelines after facing criticism. “I’m sorry and disappointed at how my energy was directed at the end of the game,” he explained, admitting he should maintain focus on coaching and motivating his players. His winning percentage sits impressively at .661 (37-19), ranking as the 15th best in NFL history and third among current coaches, trailing only Jim Harbaugh and Matt LaFleur. Although his team has shown inconsistencies this year, with 12 games remaining ahead of them, the upcoming schedule looks manageable and the NFC East remains competitive.

Jason Kelce, a former Eagles All-Pro center, praised Sirianni’s passion during a Monday Night Football appearance. “He loves his guys, he loves his team,” he said, acknowledging that the coach understands the misstep during the game and recognizes the need for better composure. “This is a guy that knows that his energy is going to feed the football team.”

In the realm of standout rookies, it’s evident that Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels are proving to be the franchise quarterbacks their respective teams anticipated when they were selected first and second overall in the draft. Williams, playing for the Chicago Bears, has improved steadily, contributing to three consecutive victories and maintaining a passer rating over 106.6 for three straight games. He has become the first rookie quarterback chosen first overall to win four of his initial six career starts in the common draft era.

Daniels, leading the Washington Commanders, similarly propelled his team to four straight wins before experiencing a setback against Baltimore. He boasts a passer rating of 107.1, completing an impressive 75.3% of his throws.

The season has already seen 12 teams achieve winning streaks of three games or more in just the first six weeks. The undefeated Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings have each won five straight, while the Baltimore Ravens turned their 0-2 start into four consecutive victories. Meanwhile, the Commanders’ four-game winning streak was recently halted.

___