Lane Johnson recently made a comment that’s worth reflecting on. It wasn’t groundbreaking or the most insightful observation in history, but it offered a glimpse into the Philadelphia Eagles’ current mindset. When asked to compare the locker room atmosphere to last postseason, Johnson quipped with a chuckle, “Well, we’re not on a six-game losing streak, or whatever it was.” While his response was humorous, it also carried a deeper truth about the Eagles’ transformation.
Johnson elaborated, acknowledging the team’s momentum. “Momentum is definitely on our side this year,” he said. “I feel like we’re coming together more than probably what we did last year. The team was kind of in disarray, in a state of that, heading into the playoffs.” That word—“disarray”—is not something you hear often in NFL locker rooms. Johnson’s comfort in using it speaks volumes about how far the Eagles have come in the last six months.
Fast forward to this postseason, and the Eagles are a picture of stability. Heading into Sunday’s NFC wild-card matchup against the Green Bay Packers, they’re the second seed and look far removed from the chaos following last season’s playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Back then, the team faced numerous challenges: anonymous reports about quarterback Jalen Hurts’ dissatisfaction, the owner’s delayed decision to retain the head coach, and the dismissal of both coordinators. It felt like a team on the brink of implosion.
Yet here they are, in the playoffs for the fourth straight season, winners of 14 games for the second time in three years. Nick Sirianni, with his .706 career regular-season winning percentage, ranks fifth all-time behind legends like John Madden and Vince Lombardi. Jalen Hurts has been a model leader, delivering efficient performances that the team needs: a career-high 68.7% completion rate and a 103.7 quarterback rating. The Eagles’ turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable.
This transformation raises a crucial question: Are we giving Nick Sirianni enough credit? NFL success is rarely an accident, and talent alone doesn’t explain winning 70% of regular-season games over four years. Sirianni’s ability to adapt and guide the team through significant changes in offensive and defensive leadership deserves recognition.
During training camp and the regular season, Sirianni often faced questions about his role. “What is it that you actually do here?” reporters would ask. Sirianni’s calm demeanor rarely faltered, and now, with those questions subsiding, he has every right to point to his record as an answer. “From the first year to now, he’s kind of the same guy,” said wide receiver DeVonta Smith. “He preaches the same thing, the same details, being together and things like that, and I think that’s why we’re elevating the way that we are.”
Indeed, the Eagles seem to have found their groove. But in the NFL, perception can change in a heartbeat. A 14-3 regular season means little if it ends in a wild-card loss. Andy Reid, a former Eagles coach, sustained his tenure because his regular-season success translated into deep playoff runs. Sirianni’s legacy, like all coaches, will ultimately be judged by postseason achievements.
This week’s game against the Packers seems unlikely to derail the Eagles. Green Bay’s quarterback Jordan Love struggles with consistency, often throwing off his back foot, and the team is missing key players like cornerback Jaire Alexander. A blowout victory for the Eagles feels more probable than a shocking upset.
Looking ahead, the road to the Super Bowl is filled with challenges. If the Eagles face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Los Angeles Rams in the next round, they’ll encounter tougher matchups than many expect. A clash with the Minnesota Vikings, on the other hand, could set the stage for another championship game appearance. It’s a stark contrast to the relatively easier paths the Eagles navigated in 2017 and 2022.
Sirianni’s future remains uncertain, not because of his current success but due to the volatile nature of NFL coaching. Just last year, Shane Steichen—highly regarded for his role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run—was seen as a rising star. Today, he’s on the hot seat in Indianapolis. Similarly, Doug Pederson faced doubts after the departure of Frank Reich despite delivering Philadelphia its first Super Bowl title in 2017. The league’s fast-moving dynamics spare no one, deservedly or not.
Regardless of what lies ahead, Sirianni deserves credit for the Eagles’ current state. The team is happy, healthy, and confident. They’ve come a long way from the disarray of last year, embodying a cohesion that’s palpable on and off the field. Sirianni has managed to keep the team grounded, maintaining a focus on fundamentals and unity.
For now, the Eagles are in a state of “array,” if such a term can be coined. They’ve found balance and purpose, with momentum firmly on their side. The future may be unpredictable, but this season is a testament to how quickly things can change in the NFL—and how leadership can make all the difference.
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