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Birdfeed: Vol. 24.9; The People Have Spoken

No, I’m not talking about Donald Trump winning the 2024 Presidential Election. I’m talking about everyone… and I mean EVERY. SINGLE. Eagles fan being fed up with Nick Sirianni’s nonsense.

I attended that glorious catastrophe Sunday afternoon in the Cradle of Liberty. I’ve been to plenty of Eagles games in my lifetime. I’ve never been to one with such a bizarre fan vibe. There were so many great plays from the Eagles; the Hurdle,  Saquon Barkley’s TD run on 3rd and 19, the Jahan Dotson catch, some classic Jalen Hurts runs, interceptions, sacks, the DeVonta Smith grab to name a few. The crowd had so much to cheer, and they did, but the vitriol in the crowd was evident, too. With every dumb decision, the crowd would groan in unison, like when that annoying friend starts on the same tirade every time you hang out. (I imagine this is how my friends and family feel about me and Big Noon.) And it wasn’t just a normal groan, it was anger, it was rage, it was hatred. It didn’t even matter if the decision was in any way defensible. If it was a Sirianni call, the crowd was out 100%. He has run out of grace in this city.

To have a coach completely lose the fanbase is not at all new, especially in Philadelphia. In my lifetime alone, Rick Kotite and Chip Kelly became so hated that fans were on the verge of rooting for the Eagles to lose just so they’d be gone (raising my hand). But those coaches were captaining a sinking ship. Sirianni’s Eagles are on a four game heater, the offense is among the NFL’s best over that stretch. The defense has also transformed into a top five unit since the bye week. It doesn’t matter, Sirianni is still public enemy number one and without an extended playoff showing, I don’t see how he outruns his own stupidity in the eyes of the fanbase.

Is it fair? Uhhh, I think so. When you continuously make stupid decisions and don’t entirely own them, a city like Philadelphia will abandon you real quick. Sirianni should be fired every time he sends the offense out for a two point try just to try to draw the opposing defense offsides. Seriously, what are you doing? When it’s 4th and inches and you roll your quarterback into the short side of the field despite having one of the best offensive lines and a running back with quads the size of fire hydrants, you are outthinking yourself. Football is not calculus. It’s force. Do not complicate it by trying to prove you’re some genius when 4th grade logic is all that is required. Don’t chase points with a lead. Don’t avoid field goals like they’re a political telemarketer. Just go up three scores and resist the urge to take advantage of a penalty. I know it’s what you’re supposed to 98% of the time, but not there. In so many instances, simple will get the job done, so keep it simple.

Walking out of Lincoln Financial Field after a victory it was clear what every Eagles fan believes. We believe the Eagles are good enough to contend in the NFC. We believe the Eagles are improving. We know for sure our coach is a fool and he’s going to cost us a crucial game. We know this because he’s shown us time and time again.

Other Thoughts:

The Eagles are rolling but there are some concerns that I can’t ignore.

  1. The AJ Brown injury is terrifying. The offense needs him to operate at or near full capacity. Hurts isn’t a good enough quarterback to dissect a defense, go through his progressions and find the open man. He needs receivers that win and win quickly. Brown is that guy.
  2. Hurts has played significantly better since the bye. However, he is still so late way too often. Brown had a touchdown on the first 4th down attempt. He was open at the hash and Hurts waited til he was within 15 feet of the sideline to throw the football. He’s also slow on the Barkley reads in the flat. He needs quicker eyes and better anticipation.
  3. Why does Brown have to disappear for the Eagles to target Smith? He and Dotson both proved they will make plays if given opportunities. Target your playmakers and let them work. Hopefully Dotson’s stellar reception will give Hurts more faith in his 3rd receiver.
  4. The Barkley dings are starting to add up. There were at least two drives when he carried once and then left to address an injury. It was his ankle once and his back after the Hurdle.
  5. Kenny Gainwell should start losing snaps to Will Shipley.
  6. The rookie corners have been awesome. The rookie wall is also a real thing. Are we going to see a dropoff from Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean around Week 14 or 15? All signs would indicate no, but it’s something to keep an eye on because the defense relies heavily on both of them.

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