The Philadelphia Eagles’ collapse in the last stretch of the season may have been caused by head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts‘ reported lack of communication. According to ESPN’s Tim McManus and Jeremy Fowler, multiple sources said the relationship between Sirianni and Hurts was strained, with one calling it “fractured” and “unhealthy.”  Last season, the Eagles started 10-1. They then went on to finish losing five of their last six games, missing out on the NFC East championship. In the NFC Wild Card Round of the playoffs, they were similarly trashed 32–9 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Lack Of Respect 

Hurts’ “lack of respect for Sirianni’s X’s and O’s chops,”. One source says that may have contributed to their disagreements. Hurts reportedly wanted more control over the offense in 2023. Especially after Brian Johnson, who Hurts’ father played high school football with, was elevated to offensive coordinator. Rather after the team won the Super Bowl in 2022, Sirianni is said to have adopted a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality and has persisted in implementing his offensive concepts. 

Bridging The Gap 

The organization is allegedly optimistic now that Kellen Moore has been hired as the new offensive coordinator. There is hope that the former Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers O.C.  can “bridge the gap” between Sirianni and Hurts. The Eagles in 2022 were virtually unstoppable during the season. They finished 14-3 and dominated their way to the Super Bowl. Where the Kansas City Chiefs defeated them in a legendary game.

Hurts ran for 760 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games and completed 66.5 percent of his throws for 3,701 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He was second in the NFL MVP vote that season. In addition to rushing for 605 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. He started all 17 games and completed 65.4 percent of his passing attempts for 3,858 yards and 23 touchdowns. 

Biggest Difference 

Hurts threw 15 interceptions, surpassing his previous career high of nine in 2021. This was the biggest difference. Hurts “absolutely” tuned Sirianni out at times last season, according to a source who spoke with McManus and Fowler. This season, he must learn not to shut people out when irritated. 

The Eagles are among the NFL’s most talented teams on paper, especially with the addition of pass-rusher Bryce Huff and standout running back Saquon Barkley in free agency. The Eagles may have the pieces to go on another deep run if Jalen Hurts, Nick Sirianni, and the others can get back in sync as they did in 2022. Talent alone was unable to keep the team from collapsing last season.

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