Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny as Eagles Struggle

The Philadelphia Eagles coaching staff is facing mounting scrutiny after a disappointing performance against the Chicago Bears, where they lost 24-15 on Black Friday. The Eagles' offense has been underwhelming, averaging only 22.5 points per game this season, which is significantly lower than the 27.2 points they averaged last year, according to the Harrisburg Patriot-News.

This decline has sparked discussions about whether the team's offensive philosophy is out of touch, as their current output is reminiscent of the struggles that led to Doug Pederson's firing in 2020. Coach Nick Sirianni has expressed his commitment to finding solutions, stating that he and his staff would regroup to address the issues, but critics are questioning the effectiveness of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo's play-calling.

The Eagles' execution of the 'tush push' play, once a reliable short-yardage tactic, has also faltered; Hurts himself noted that it has become tougher to run effectively. In a critical moment against the Bears, the Eagles attempted the play on third-and-one, only for Hurts to fumble the ball, leading to a turnover that shifted momentum to Chicago.

This failure has led to calls from fans for a change in offensive strategy, with some suggesting that the team should abandon the 'tush push' altogether. Furthermore, the Eagles' overall offensive performance has been lackluster, with only four third-down conversions and numerous three-and-outs during the game against the Bears, highlighting issues with rhythm and creativity in their approach.

The team’s recent output has drawn comparisons to the disastrous end of the 2023 season, where they fell apart despite a strong start. Players like Saquon Barkley acknowledged that the offense has not met standards and emphasized the need for unity to repair the situation.

Sirianni has defended his coaching staff amid criticisms, insisting that the problems are not solely on them but also involve the players' execution. However, the pressure is mounting for the coaching staff to correct the course as the Eagles look to reclaim their previous form.

With the team still in contention for the NFC East, upcoming games will be crucial for determining whether they can turn their season around and silence the doubters.