It’s truly amazing to think about how different the vibes in Philadelphia are right now compared to this time last year.
The Eagles will start their defense of their NFC crown this evening when they take on Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers down in Tampa Bay.
Most teams would be thrilled to enter the postseason with an 11-6 record – However, it’s been clear all season long that something is just off with the Birds.
You have to think that ownership is regretting giving Jalen Hurts such a massive contract this soon. After all, he only put together one great season prior to inking the (at the time) record-breaking deal.
Hurts has been playing hurt (pun intended) for the majority of the season. However, there’s no denying that he’s taken a massive step back in his development.
Having said that, his effort, commitment and work-ethic can never be questioned … The same can’t be said for others on the once tight-knit team.
The vast majority of the frustration and animosity among the Eagles fan base is being solely pointed at head coach Nick Sirianni – which is incredible to think about, since he was considered the King of Philadelphia just a few short months ago.
There are rumblings that if the Eagles lose to the Bucs tonight, Sirianni may actually be fired … What an unbelievable fall from grace that would be.
Heightening the chances of such a scenario is the fact that Bill Belichick is available and up for grabs … It’s no secret that Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie shares a very friendly relationship with the legendary Belichick.
FOX Sports personality Nick Wright speculated about the possibility of Lurie swapping Sirianni for Belichick…
“If they lose to Tampa and they fire him, isn’t that the perfect spot for Belichick? All that talent on defense. The offensive skill position guys are already there. It’s like, the offense is in place. The defense has all this blue-chip talent up front, and Belichick has been getting the most out of secondary players and linebackers for 20 years,” Wright said.
“Cold weather, northeastern city with a blue-chip franchise, chance to break Shula’s record, chance to get to the Super Bowl. That to me is a hand in glove fit,” he added.
"A hand in glove fit"
—@getnickwright to @ColinCowherd on Bill Belichick and the Eagles pic.twitter.com/yHr7aBnTwo
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) January 11, 2024
“There are two coaches on the market that if I were Jeffrey Lurie I’d far rather have than Nick Sirianni – Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel – that would instantly make the Eagles better,” Wright continued.
It’s nearly impossible to argue with that point…
"There are now 2 coaches on the market that if I were Jeffrey Lurie I'd far rather have than Nick Sirianni — Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel — that would instantly make the Eagles better."
— @getnickwright if Sirianni is coaching for his job: pic.twitter.com/nj3D3vVHXi
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) January 12, 2024
“Not only would Belichick have a lot of talent to work with on the defensive line, he wouldn’t have to worry about drafting wide receivers. The Eagles have two excellent weapons at that position in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith,” Wright said.
Speaking of Brown – he may be a massive headache, but he’s also a massive talent … The Eagles will be without him tonight in Tampa, which only increases the chances they stumble.
"Philadelphia is not impulsive, they just have high standards"
—@ColinCowherd doesn't rule out Bill Belichick coaching the Eagles pic.twitter.com/sLkgA0JJHa
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) January 12, 2024
Having said all of this, most people, myself included, believe the Eagles will find a way to win tonight.
Beating a banged-up Bucs team may not be enough to get Sirianni off the hot-seat however.
If Philly gets embarrassed by the San Francisco 49ers next week, which is entirely possible, that could be the final nail for Sirianni as well.
“I want Bill Belichick to be the head coach of the Eagles next season.” 🤯
—@PaulHembo pic.twitter.com/RujrrSnYx6
— ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio) January 8, 2024
What do you think will end up happening?
Assuming they don’t make it back to the Super Bowl, should the Eagles fire Sirianni and hire Belichick?
Or do you think Vrabel would be an even better choice???