The Philadelphia Eagles’ hopes of repeating as NFC champions came to a disappointing end with a blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round. Now, as they enter the offseason, there are several pressing concerns that the team must address. Here are the five most important questions facing the Eagles:
1. Will the Eagles consider firing head coach Nick Sirianni?
Despite leading the team to the Super Bowl just a year ago, there have been rumblings about the future of head coach Nick Sirianni. The Eagles have a history of making coaching changes quickly, as they did with former head coach Doug Pederson after he won the Super Bowl. While it’s unlikely that Sirianni will be let go, there could be some changes to his coaching staff to improve the team’s performance.
2. Is this the end of an era for Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox, and Brandon Graham?
The Eagles have relied on veterans Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox, and Brandon Graham for many years. However, all three players are getting older, and their future with the team is uncertain. Kelce, in particular, is considering retirement as he becomes a free agent. It may be time for the Eagles to start transitioning to a younger roster and find replacements for these key players.
3. How will Jalen Hurts recover from his injuries?
Quarterback Jalen Hurts battled through injuries throughout the season, including a shoulder injury and a finger injury on his throwing hand. Despite playing through the pain, Hurts’ performance was affected, both as a passer and a runner. The Eagles will need Hurts to heal and regain his form in the offseason to lead the team effectively in the future.
4. What will the Eagles do with their nine draft picks?
The Eagles have a total of nine draft picks, including the 22nd overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. With several areas of need, including the secondary and offensive line, the team will have to make wise choices with their draft selections. Improving the defense, particularly at cornerback and safety, should be a priority for the Eagles.
5. Can the Eagles address their wide receiver depth?
DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown have shown promise as the Eagles’ top wide receivers, but the team lacks depth at the position. Adding a versatile field-stretcher and bolstering the receiving corps will be crucial for the Eagles’ offensive success. With their draft picks and potentially in free agency, the team should look to provide Hurts with more weapons in the passing game.
In conclusion, the Philadelphia Eagles face several important decisions and challenges as they enter the offseason. From evaluating the coaching staff to addressing key positions and injuries, the team will need to make strategic moves to improve their chances of success in the future. Only time will tell how the Eagles will navigate these concerns and bounce back from their playoff loss.