Despite recent offensive struggles, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni remains steadfast in his support for offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, dismissing any potential changes to the team’s play-calling duties.
Sirianni Stands Firm: No Changes to Eagles’ Play-Calling
In the wake of the Eagles’ 24-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12, where the offense stalled on their final seven drives, Sirianni defended Patullo’s play-calling. ‘Yesterday, I felt Kevin did a good job of calling it. Obviously, he’s going to want plays back,’ Sirianni stated. The head coach dismissed any notion of stripping Patullo of his play-calling responsibilities, emphasizing that the team is focused on finding collective solutions rather than assigning blame. ‘We’re never into assigning blame. It’s just looking for answers. I think what sometimes can happen is, ‘It’s just that!’ Well, it’s not just that. It’s every piece of the puzzle — coaching, playing, execution, scheme. Everything. We’ve got to be better in all those aspects,’ Sirianni explained.
Offensive Woes: Digging Deeper into the Numbers
The Eagles’ offensive struggles this season have been evident in various statistical categories. Despite returning 10 of 11 starters from last year’s Super Bowl roster and Patullo’s familiarity with quarterback Jalen Hurts since 2021, the offense has been inefficient, ranking 17th in EPA/drive at 4059.0 total yards, a measure of efficiency and success rate. They rank 24th in the NFL in yards per game, 17th in points per game with 321.0 total points scored, 21st in rushing with 1459.0 yards, 23rd in passing with 2600.0 yards, 27th in third-down conversions at 60 of 179 attempts, and a dismal 32nd in three-and-punt rate with 68 punts for 3425.0 yards. However, they have excelled in taking care of the ball with only 11 fumbles and 4 interceptions, and scoring in the red zone with 26 touchdowns on 34 attempts, suggesting that their issues may be more related to sustaining drives and moving the chains consistently.
Patullo’s Position: A Coaching Conundrum
Sirianni’s unwavering support for Patullo is noteworthy, considering the head coach’s willingness to make in-season changes in the past. In December 2023, he stripped defensive coordinator Sean Desai of play-calling duties, and at the end of that season, he fired offensive coordinator Brian Johnson. However, Sirianni is not considering a change at this point, emphasizing the need for collective improvement across all aspects of the offense. ‘As coaches, we’re always looking for answers,’ Sirianni said, suggesting that the team is exploring various avenues to address the offensive struggles that have seen them rank just 17th in EPA/drive despite racking up 827 total plays.
Continuity Conundrum: Familiar Faces, Unfamiliar Struggles
The Eagles’ offensive woes are particularly perplexing given the continuity they were expected to benefit from this season. With 10 of 11 starters returning from last year’s Super Bowl roster, and Patullo having worked with Hurts since 2021, the offense was anticipated to hit the ground running. However, the opposite has been true, with the unit struggling to find its rhythm and consistency despite racking up 238 first downs, 261 completions on 405 attempts, and controlling the clock for 25,541 seconds of time of possession. This unexpected underperformance has only added to the scrutiny surrounding Patullo’s play-calling and the team’s overall offensive approach.
The Waiting Game: Will Sirianni’s Patience Pay Off?
Sirianni’s decision to maintain the status quo with Patullo’s play-calling duties is a calculated risk. While it demonstrates his faith in his coaching staff and the team’s ability to work through their struggles, it also raises questions about whether a change in approach or personnel might be necessary if the offensive woes persist. As the Eagles navigate the remainder of the season, all eyes will be on Sirianni and Patullo to see if their patience and commitment to continuity will ultimately pay dividends or if more drastic measures will be required to reignite the offense that has mustered just 112 points in the second quarter and 60 points in both the third and fourth quarters. The team’s success or failure in addressing these issues could very well shape the trajectory of their season and Sirianni’s tenure as head coach.
