The Philadelphia Eagles notably did not change their play-caller despite the public heat on offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.
But with the offense really struggling, there was an adjustment to the team’s preparation ahead of playing the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night.
And it involved Nick Sirianni being “more involved in the offensive preparations,” according to a report from ESPN’s Tim McManus.
Sirianni has been more vocal in offensive meetings and has been presenting material alongside offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, sources said. According to one source, he has been addressing the group for longer than usual at the top of the meetings before ceding to Patullo, who continues to run them.
Additional reporting on this topic has also come to light.
This from the Inquirer’s Jeff McLane:
Heard the same as Tim McManus from various Eagles sources:
HC Nick Sirianni got more involved in the offense this week coming off the mini bye. OC Kevin Patullo still ran offensive meetings and will retain play calling, but Sirianni was more present and heard from on that side of the ball.
Game planning process was essentially the same, with Sirianni and Patullo leading the way. Hope is that dipping a little deeper into the playbook and sprinkling in a little more variety will help. Sirianni and Jalen Hurts also had long conversations, as the QB alluded to, about doing more of what he does best.
All of the above shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the state of the offense. But something to keep in mind as the Eagles head into the final stretch, starting with Monday night’s game vs. the Chargers.
And this from NFL insider Jay Glazer:
“Yeah, [Sirianni] was more involved this week, at least in the team meetings. But I think there’s also trying to be more of a collective idea. I know some players came to him and Kevin Patullo with some play ideas, actually. So, I think they said ‘Hey, let’s try and come together and fix our offensive woes.’
Perhaps not great that the players feel like they have to come up with plays for the coaching staff. But maybe the advice will help.
Some thoughts on the reporting of Sirianni being more involved:
- Sirianni taking more ownership in the offense could be viewed as a good thing for the Eagles in that either 1) his guidance will be effective and help to fix things or 2) it will become more clear that he lacks answers and isn’t the right person to fix it.
- Since Sirianni arrived in 2021, the Eagles’ offense has always been at its worst when he’s been more involved. He gave up play-calling in 2021 and things got better. He meddled with Brian Johnson in 2023 and he was forced to hire Kellen Moore for 2024. Now his right-hand man is the offensive coordinator and it’s been the worst offense of the Sirianni era. I’m skeptical that him stepping in more is going to fix everything.
- The Eagles seem pretty reluctant to demote or fire Patullo (which you could take to believe as 1) they’re wrong for sticking with him or 2) he’s truly not THE problem) but clearly believe some kind of change is needed. Trying something is better than trying nothing.
- I do believe fans are actually much more upset at play design than play-calling this season, though the latter term is often used as a catch-all when expressing dissatisfaction with the offense. Not to say that Patullo’s sequencing has never been a problem. But I’m not convinced he alone is drawing up the play sheet and making calls from that.
What say you? Do you like the idea of Sirianni being more involved?