The Philadelphia Eagles find themselves at a crossroads in the 2024 season, holding a 2-2 record and dealing with concerns on both offense and defense. While quarterback Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni maintain a positive outlook in the locker room, it’s clear that the team is struggling to replicate the success they found earlier in the 2023 season.
In light of this, questions are being raised about whether the team’s current approach can help them regain their form.
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When asked about the dynamic between himself and Sirianni, Hurts mentioned, “We have our moments.” Sirianni echoed this sentiment, which means that he would never publicly blame Hurts for mistakes, even when they occur. The mutual support between the quarterback and coach reflects a strong bond, but this camaraderie hasn’t been enough to shield the Eagles from mounting criticism, particularly following their recent 33-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
One of the most vocal critics of the Eagles' performance has been former
NFL quarterback turned analyst, Dan Orlovsky. During a recent episode of NFL on ESPN on October 1, 2024, Orlovsky made it clear that he wasn’t impressed with the coaching, stating, “This is a poorly coached football team.” He backed this claim by analyzing key moments from the Eagles’ defeat against the Buccaneers, highlighting questionable decisions that contributed to their loss.
For instance, Orlovsky pointed out that without top receivers like AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, the Eagles still opted to throw the ball on seven of their first nine plays, which quickly put them in a 21-0 deficit. He also criticized Hurts for misreading the field on a familiar play, suggesting either poor coaching or a lack of execution on Hurts' part. These issues, according to Orlovsky, stem from a combination of mismanagement and miscommunication, which are hindering the team’s overall success.
Adding to the frustration, the Eagles’ game planning has appeared disjointed. Orlovsky emphasized the sluggish pace of certain plays, which allowed opposing defenses to easily adjust. “It’s either he’s [Hurts] doing it and has been coached improperly or he’s not taking the coaching,” Orlovsky commented, underlining his concerns about the team’s preparedness and execution. As the Eagles head into their bye week, the challenges they face are evident. Injuries to key players like AJ Brown and Devonta Smith have weakened the offense, while defensive lapses have contributed to slow starts, with the team yet to score in the first quarter all season. The loss to the Buccaneers further underscored their struggles, as they failed to gain a yard for over a quarter, trailing 24-0 before managing to cross midfield.
Despite these setbacks, the team is trying to stay focused on improvement. Hurts has embraced a “So, what now?” mentality, emphasizing the need to move forward and figure out the team’s identity. As they look to return healthier and more cohesive after their bye week, both Hurts and Sirianni will need to lead the Eagles through these challenges, aiming to regain their rhythm and salvage their season.
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