Eagles Fans Demand ‘Fire Kevin!’ as Sirianni Stands by Patullo
PHILADELPHIA — In the aftermath of a disappointing 24-15 loss to the Chicago Bears, fans of the Philadelphia Eagles are intensifying calls to “Fire Kevin!” in reference to offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Despite the mounting pressure, head coach Nick Sirianni has reaffirmed his support for Patullo. He stated, “We’re not changing the play caller, but we will evaluate everything.”
Fan Discontent and Offensive Struggles
The Eagles’ performance on the field has prompted a wave of discontent among fans. During the game, chants for Patullo’s removal echoed throughout the stadium as the offense struggled, recording twice as many three-and-outs as touchdowns. Sirianni recognized the frustrations from the fanbase, stating, “If I thought it was one thing, then you make those changes.” However, he insists that the issues with the team’s offensive performance are multifaceted.
- The Eagles were limited to just two first downs in the first half.
- They ranked 28th in offensive success rate, marking the worst performance in two decades.
- Despite returning 10 of 11 starters, the Eagles struggled to find any momentum offensively.
Comparative Performance on Sunday
In stark contrast to the Bears, the Eagles displayed a lack of creativity and execution. The Bears not only outperformed the Eagles with 16 first downs compared to just two but also held a steady offensive rhythm. At one point, it had been 78 minutes since the Eagles last scored a touchdown, extending from their previous matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Breaking Down Key Plays and Decisions
Quarterback Jalen Hurts faced criticism following a game where he turned the ball over twice. He completed 19 of 34 passes for 230 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Significantly, most of his production came when the Eagles were already trailing. “I can’t turn the ball over,” said Hurts, acknowledging the impact of his mistakes.
A pivotal moment occurred in the fourth quarter when a fumble during a third-and-1 situation proved crucial. Hurts’ execution on the notorious ‘Tush Push’ resulted in a turnover that shifted the momentum and cost the Eagles a chance to take the lead.
Concerns About the Running Game
Running back Saquon Barkley also experienced a quiet day with only 13 carries for 56 yards. The Eagles struggled to establish a running game, despite favorable conditions and a Bears defense missing key players. Barkley indicated that the team must find a way to enhance their offensive identity moving forward.
The Road Ahead for the Eagles
The Eagles are staring down a tough challenge with their next game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The offense needs to improve, especially as they have scored an average of just 20.8 points per game, the lowest among teams with a winning record. The urgency for change grows as El-Balad continues to chronicle fans’ reactions and the team’s performance.
In conclusion, while the calls to “Fire Kevin!” may resonate loudly among the fans, the problem of offensive inefficiency lies deeper. With the season winding down, the Eagles must address their play-calling and overall strategy if they hope to regain their competitive edge before entering the playoffs.
