UPDATE: Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has acknowledged the need for improvement in his team’s offensive strategy following a narrow victory over the Buffalo Bills, where the Eagles held the league’s fourth-ranked scoring offense to just 12 points. Despite this defensive success, the Eagles’ offense faltered after halftime, failing to score and completing no passes in the second half.
In a post-game interview, Sirianni admitted, “I have to help. I put it on myself,” emphasizing his responsibility to support offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. The Eagles dominated the first half with 174 yards of offense but managed only 16 yards in the second half, as quarterback Jalen Hurts went 0-for-7 on passing attempts.
The offense struggled significantly, finishing just 3-of-13 on third downs and possessing the ball for a mere 8 minutes and 45 seconds in the final two quarters. Running back Saquon Barkley reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “We kind of went back to the consistent theme of playing really well one half and not well the other half.”
Sirianni insisted that the team did not ease off the gas, stating, “Being up 13-0 at half is not — I mean, you’d rather be up 13-0 than be down, obviously — but by no means are we ever saying, ‘Hey, that’s good. Take your foot off the pedal.’” He emphasized the need for improvement in efficiency on first and second downs, which contributed to their struggles in third down situations.
The Eagles have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but consistency remains elusive. They have not managed to play a complete game, often relying on their defense to bail them out. The Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos was a stark reminder of these inconsistencies, as the Eagles squandered a two-touchdown lead in the fourth quarter.
Looking ahead, the Eagles face a crucial decision as they approach the final week of the regular season. With the NFC’s No. 3 seed secured, Sirianni must decide whether to rest his starters or push for the No. 2 seed ahead of the Sunday showdown against Washington at 4:25 p.m.. “We will end up doing what we think is the best for the team,” Sirianni confirmed, indicating that the choice will be made after thorough consideration.
In addition to the game strategy discussions, the Eagles made headlines off the field as they waived veteran long snapper Charley Hughlett following his return from injury. Kicker Jake Elliott managed a solid performance, going 2-for-2 on field goals during the Buffalo game. Punter Braden Mann also had an impressive outing, averaging 55.4 yards on seven punts.
As the Eagles prepare for their final game, fans will be watching closely for updates on the team’s strategy and roster decisions. The pressure is on for Sirianni and his staff to deliver a more cohesive offensive performance as they gear up for the playoffs.
