PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles were soaring high last season, boasting a remarkable 10-1 record while securing the No. 1 seed, home-field advantage in the playoffs, and eyeing a Super Bowl victory. However, the trajectory for coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts took an unexpected turn, spiraling into one of the franchise’s most notable collapses — a familiar theme in Philadelphia sports lore.
Initially sitting at 10-1, the Eagles faced a devastating 23-point defeat against San Francisco during an NFC Championship rematch, followed by a crushing 20-point loss to Dallas the following week. The team struggled significantly after that, finishing the regular season with a disappointing 1-5 record before being eliminated in the wild-card round by Tampa Bay.
Despite achieving three playoff appearances and a Super Bowl run in just three seasons, Sirianni found himself under pressure as changes loomed. There was a demand for adjustments in coaching staff, strategies, the drafting process, and the internal dynamics of the team. Learning from the harsh lessons of the previous year, the Eagles regrouped, finishing this season with a remarkable 14 wins, followed by three playoff wins.
Team owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman opted to retain Sirianni, leading to critical adjustments that have propelled the team to its current success, now just one victory away from another Super Bowl appearance. “That’s part of the journey,” Sirianni noted, reflecting on the challenges faced over the past year. “The way last year ended definitely shaped us.”
Looking ahead, the Eagles are determined to capture just their second Super Bowl title. “That’s pretty exciting,” Sirianni added, expressing his focus on the championship.
The relationship between Hurts and Sirianni has evolved positively this season. Sirianni highlighted that when Hurts jokingly mentioned feeling freed from the offense’s constraints after the NFC title match, he was simply enjoying the moment. Hurts, who tallied six wins while throwing for fewer than 200 yards passing at times, finally put together a standout performance in the NFC championship game against Washington.
A significant point of discussion during the training camp was whether the prior year’s tension between Hurts and Sirianni would resurface. Following the playoff exit last season, Hurts had provided a restrained endorsement of his coach, later clarifying that his subdued response was due to surprise at the questions regarding Sirianni’s future. “We have shared a lot of ups and downs, and that’s the essence of our relationship,” Sirianni said recently. Hurts has consistently vocalized his support for Sirianni this season, marking them as the first coach-quarterback duo in franchise history to reach two Super Bowls together.
Meanwhile, there were substantial changes to the coaching staff, particularly following last year’s struggles. The appointment of former Lions coach Matt Patricia as the defensive play-caller significantly undermined defensive coordinator Sean Desai’s role, leading to their departures during the offseason along with offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, whose tenure lasted just one year. Under the new leadership, with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio at the helm, the Eagles saw a considerable turnaround.
Moore has emerged among the top coaching candidates in the league, while Fangio has guided the defense, making it the league’s best. With a record of allowing only 10, 22, and 23 points in recent games and managing to accumulate 10 turnovers during the postseason, Fangio’s influence has been profound. “It’s about what Vic brings to the table and how he motivates the players,” Sirianni commented, giving credit to Fangio’s leadership.
With Saquon Barkley joining the Eagles, the team looks much revitalized. Barkley, one of the greatest free-agent signings in Philadelphia history, rushed for over 2,000 yards this season, rekindling images of the legendary duo of Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens. As the Eagles prepare for the Chiefs, Barkley’s performance will be vital; fans anticipate it will propel the team toward a victorious path, making them a formidable contender in the upcoming match.
In summary, the Eagles have undergone a dramatic transformation over the last year, overcoming substantial adversity and rebuilding into serious championship contenders. The foundation of their recent success lies in strong leadership, team cohesion, and the star talent brought in this season, all of which sets the stage for an exciting Super Bowl prospect.
