Eagles’ collapse is a repeat of recent history, which means total shakeup is possible, and perhaps logical

The Eagles are close enough to their last Super Bowl appearance that they can still recall the confetti grazing their helmets and shoulder pads. But the sting of a sour end to the latest season is sharper than ever. And so are the deeper-seated concerns behind the collapse. The young star quarterback has taken a step back. The aging roster is suddenly and sorely in need of replenishing. And, perhaps most of all, the once-revered head coach is without both clear answers and job security.

These are the 2023 Eagles. They are also the 2020 Eagles. Welcome to the cycle of dreams and dysfunction in Philadelphia.

Some may question the magnitude of the current Eagles collapse; this was an 11-6 team, after all, not the 4-11-1 squad that preceded Doug Pederson’s exit, or the 4-12 one that sent future Hall of Famer Andy Reid packing back in 2012. As recently as Thanksgiving, Nick Sirianni’s Birds looked poised to become the contemporary rendition of the Reid-era team, contending for at least conference titles year in and year out. But to those wondering why the sirens are blaring, we say: Have your two eyes watched this team since Thanksgiving? It’s one thing to go 1-6 to close the year. It’s another to do it in gutless, uninspired fashion.

Eagles fans aren’t wrong to re-embrace their trademark ire. In fact, they should be commended for caring so much — for seeing the stink before many outsiders could. Patience is rarely afforded in today’s world, the NFL included. Had the Eagles rushed to replace an unproven Jalen Hurts prior to 2022, for example, they wouldn’t have enjoyed his seismic breakout under center. There’s also something to be said for appreciating what you have rather than always seeking greener pastures. Countless organizations would kill to simply become playoff-relevant, let alone make the postseason in three straight years.

But when fans see what’s possible — when they see the…

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Author : Cody Benjamin

Publish date : 2024-01-17 16:12:39

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