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In the event that the Philadelphia Eagles join the growing opinion of both National and local media outlets and decide and go in a completely different direction at the end of this season—turning over the roster and purging themselves of large contracts at that same time — it might just feel like the task will be as achievable since back in 2021. But those changes in the organization leading to a quick Eagles turnaround and subsequent playoff appearance — are most unlikely have an impact quite as fast in 2026 in all probability.
The Philadelphia Eagles and Doug Pederson — just three years removed from the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory — had ended the season 4–11–1. Making things even worse — they had benched rookie QB Jalen Hurts in the second half of a meaningless game — instead opting for Nate Sudfeld to finish out the season against the Washington Commanders. The Eagles loss knocked the New York Giants from playoff contention — a move that gave a veil of impropriety going into the offseason. After a series of winter meetings — the last of which with Pederson visiting Lurie in Florida — led to his dismissal as Philadelphia’s Head Coach.
What ensued was a whirlwind of events. The Eagles hired the youthful Nick Sirianni to coach the Eagles. An entirely new coaching staff also joined, Jalen Hurts was named the starting quarterback — and Carson Wentz was traded to Indianapolis from whence Nick Sirianni came. The result was an 9–8 record and an appearance in the NFC Playoffs after only one down year and hiatus.
But 2021 had several things going for it that 2026 does not.
The Eagles already had a franchise quarterback in the building besides Wentz when they traded him. Jalen Hurts had been in the Novacare Complex for a year prior. If Hurts does not return as QB1 next season — the Eagles would undoubtedly need to find another franchise quarterback.
And whether or not you think that Nick Sirianni has done a good job here recently — he’s only one of two Eagles coaches to ever win a Super Bowl and the only one to go to two. If Lurie blames him for the Sean Mannion offensive debacle despite the injuries — it won’t be easy to find a coach of that pedigree again — espectially to have one turn the franchise around that quickly.
Since the 1940s —almost every time that the Eagles have been contending for a Championship — they’ve had a top defense. By January of 2021 — the Eagles were ranked 19th in the NFL in total defense and 3rd in sacks. By the end of Sirianni’s first season — the defense was ranked 10th in the NFL. The current Eagles defense (now ranked 27th in the NFL) would need a serious turnaround over the next year for a defense including a line that has already invested $328 million on contract extensions.
And perhaps most importantly — when both Nick Sirianni and Doug Pederson advanced to the Super Bowl in their respective second seasons — they had impactful, well established, good offensive and defensive lines. As explained on WIP Radio on Monday by former Eagles linebacker and Analyst Seth Joyner — Sirianni inherited significant talent on the offensive line and an improving defensive line. And Doug Pederson also was able to recover the same when he took over from Chip Kelly — contributing to the Super Bowl LII Eagles victory over New England.
The 4–11–1 Eagles that were beaten in Landover, Maryland by the Washington Commanders in 2021 still had a strong nucleus of a team that would bounce back quickly the very next season under Sirianni — and already had a rookie who would become it’s franchise quarterback. Could it be that easy to turn this team around in less than 24 months?
Absolutely. Just don’t bet on it.
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Categorized:Eagles More PHL News Unique Columns
