The Philadelphia Eagles have sputtered into the playoffs. After starting the season 10-1, the team lost five of its last six games to finish the year 11-6. Things got bad for Philadelphia, and Eagles head coach Nick Siranni needed to change one of his most visible habits, according to ESPN.
Sirianni, who has become highly visible for his outspoken sideline antics since taking over as Eagles head coach in 2021, had to tone things down. After he was seen aggressively yelling at players including linebacker Haason Reddick and wide receiver DeVonta Smith against the New York Giants on Christmas Day, he realized he “had to do a better job.”
“There were moments in that game … where I felt like I was too tense on the sideline, and I need to be better about that,” Sirianni told ESPN. “I have to do a better job. If I’m going to ask the players to do a better job themselves, then I have to do a better job myself.”
Since then, the Eagles have lost their last two games, with both losses coming against losing teams, the Arizona Cardinals and Giants. However, Siranni’s sideline composure has improved, according to offensive lineman Jordan Mailata.
“He’s not as animated on game days,” Mailata told ESPN. “We notice that he toned down a lot. I think that just shows the leadership of our head honcho, knowing it could be detrimental to the team. That’s great awareness by Coach, and that’s why we love him.”
Despite the losing streak and needed changes by Sirianni, Philadelphia is still one of the few teams remaining in the NFL playoffs. With a Wild Card game against the NFC South-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Eagles are three-point favorites according to most sports books.