As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for a pivotal home showdown with the struggling Cleveland Browns, the stakes have never been higher for head coach Nick Sirianni.
A devastating 33-16 loss to the Buccaneers in Week 4 forced the team to reflect during an early-season bye. They now return to work sitting at 2-2. They face a clear path forward with a clear goal: win and reestablish their dominance.
The Eagles are poised to strike
Despite it only being Week 6, this matchup is as close to a “must-win” as it gets for the Eagles. Their NFC East competitors all notched wins last weekend, intensifying the pressure.
With two key offensive players, A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith, back to full strength and Lane Johnson’s anticipated return, the Eagles are heading into the game healthier and more prepared than they’ve been in weeks.
The Browns’ woes are well-documented; their offense has sputtered, with Deshaun Watson struggling behind a shaky line, leaving Cleveland at the bottom of ESPN’s NFL power rankings. Ranked 30th overall, the Browns’ league-worst offense, averaging only 15.8 points per game, positions them as a favorable opponent for the Birds.
Should Nick Sirianni’s job be on the line?
Despite their modest record, the Eagles’ roster is Super Bowl-caliber on paper. Owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman have constructed a team with enough firepower on offense and resilience on defense to compete deep into January.
Still, accountability is key. Sirianni’s inconsistent decisions have raised questions about his ability to lead this roster to victory.
Eagles fans expect nothing short of a blowout this Sunday, given the team’s superior talent and preparation. If Sirianni can’t deliver, calls for a leadership change could become unavoidable.
How to ensure a statement win
For Philadelphia, it’s essential to take control on both sides of the ball. That means solid execution, a fierce pass rush, and capitalizing on Cleveland’s mistakes.
The Browns’ offensive struggles, especially Watson’s inconsistent performances and the team’s league-worst 3.8 yards per play, offer a clear path for the Eagles to dominate.
Philly’s defense will need to apply constant pressure and secure big plays, while Jalen Hurts and the offense will look to exploit Cleveland’s middling defense.
Beyond a win: Sirianni’s path forward
If the Eagles pull off a decisive victory, it may stave off further scrutiny of Sirianni’s role – at least temporarily. But with Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio as potential coaching alternatives, another letdown could prompt swift changes.
Philadelphia’s upcoming schedule offers a path to redemption, with games against the Giants, Bengals, and Jaguars. If the Eagles emerge victorious this Sunday, it could be the spark they need to set the season on the right track.
As the clock ticks down to Sunday’s game, the Eagles and Sirianni know this isn’t just about winning – it’s about proving they belong among the league’s elite. This Sunday could define their season and Sirianni’s future in Philly.
‘It’s Like A Horror Show Out There:’ Eagles’ Prepare For Myles Garrett
Maybe it was the Halloween spirit or his respect for the player. Either way Eagles star left tackle Jordan Mailata had an interesting description when talking about Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett this week.
“I don’t need to say anything. Turn the film on, you can see it. It’s like a horror show out there,” Mailata said of playing against the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Another more colorful description inside the building can be best described in a family-friendly environment by Jules Winnfield’s wallet in “Pulp Fiction.”
Mailata and Garrett got to know each other during joint practices in 2022 and 2023 , first in Berea, Ohio, and then at the NovaCare Complex. The two players got a chance to face each other during practices and then spent time discussing the game after.
“Yeah. He was impressive. That was a long day,” Mailata said of the 2023 joint practice in Philadelphia where Garrett essentially wrecked the session for the Eagles’ offense before sitting out Day 2.
It was productive though, because Garrett took the time to explain to Mailata what he looks for when attacking OTs around the league.
All-Pro Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson doesn’t have to worry about Garrett quite as much because the superstar generally stays on the right side. Garrett will occasionally flip around to give the offense so everyone has to be ready a different look.
“He’s like Julius Peppers size, but he has a Micah Parsons bottom, middle. Somebody who is 6-4, 280 and has the ability to bend like that, I haven’t really seen anybody who can do that at that size,” Johnson said. “That’s why he’s so special. Consistently makes plays in run game and pass game. They move him all over, over me over Jordan, over the guards. They do a good job moving him around.”
Johnson, like Mailata, has developed a personal relationship with Garrett.
“My high school coach freshman year was Bob Wager. Coach Wager coached him at Arlington Martin (High School),” Johnson said. “I got to meet him through there and some mutual friends. I knew him when he was at A&M. I’ve watched him from afar and know what kind of talent he is, but just mutual respect. When I see guys who have the ability to do some of the stuff he does, is why he is who he is.”
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