The Philadelphia Eagles are undergoing significant changes to their coaching responsibilities in preparation for Monday’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, as officially announced by the team. Matt Patricia will assume the role of calling defensive plays, while Sean Desai, the current defensive coordinator, will relocate to the coaches’ booth. Patricia, previously a senior defensive assistant, will now be positioned on the sideline during games.
Patricia, a former defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots and head coach for the Detroit Lions, joined the Eagles during the offseason after his second stint with the Patriots as a senior assistant and offensive line coach. Desai was appointed as the defensive coordinator in late February, succeeding Jonathan Gannon, who left for the head coaching position with the Arizona Cardinals after the Eagles’ Super Bowl LVII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Philadelphia’s defense has encountered challenges throughout the season, ranking last in opponent third-down percentage and 30th in red zone defense. The team has conceded 30 or more points in three consecutive games, marking their longest such streak since 2015.
When questioned earlier in the week about potential coaching changes, head coach Nick Sirianni initially expressed confidence in the existing coaching staff, emphasizing their 10-3 record and control of their playoff destiny. Sirianni affirmed his “total confidence” in Desai, stating that the Eagles hired him for the job with conviction.
Despite the team’s success, there is a palpable unease in the Philadelphia locker room. Following blowout losses to the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys, there has been noticeable finger-pointing among teammates, diverting focus from the collective good of the team. Some defensive players have reportedly expressed mounting frustration.
As the Eagles gear up for the crucial stretch run, starting with Monday night’s game in Seattle, veteran leaders are urging unity. Philadelphia’s closing schedule is considered the easiest in the NFL, with matchups against the New York Giants and a home game against the Cardinals following the Seattle game, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox emphasized the need for the team to identify true leaders and elite players, encouraging them to step up and address the challenges they currently face.
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