Turning the Corner in Philly: Eagles' Rise to the Top

The Philadelphia Eagles, founded in 1933 to replace the Frankford Yellow Jackets, have a storied history full of highs and lows. The team has competed in 30 playoff games, claimed 15 divisional titles (12 in the current NFC East), and made 4 appearances in pre-merger NFL Championship games, winning 3 (1948, 1949, and 1960). The Eagles have also played in 4 Super Bowls, finally breaking through with a win at the end of the 2017 season, securing their first NFL Championship in franchise history.

The team's legacy includes 13 former players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and one of the most enduring figures in franchise history is former head coach Andy Reid, who holds the record for most games coached (224) and one of the best winning percentages for a long-tenured coach in franchise history. But when it comes to the best winning percentage for a coach with more than one season under his belt, Nick Sirianni, the current head coach, is the top man with a 69.4%-win rate.

Sirianni’s tenure as head coach has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but his leadership, paired with the steady hand of general manager Howie Roseman, has put the Eagles back on track. Roseman, who was hired in 2000, was promoted to GM in 2010. After a brief period overseeing Football Operations in 2015 when Chip Kelly took over GM duties, Roseman regained full control in 2016, and since then his decisions have helped reshape the roster into a legitimate contender.

For years, the Eagles were known for being a team with either an explosive offense or a suffocating defense. But when it came to defense, the Philly crowd was all in. Philadelphia’s fans are notorious for their passionate, and often rowdy, support. In fact, back in 1998 the team installed a jail and courtroom under Veterans Stadium, with unruly fans getting arrested and tried right there on-site. While outsiders might view Philly fans as brash or belligerent, they are simply a reflection of a city that loves fiercely—especially when it comes to their Eagles.

Sirianni's tenure has been a rollercoaster ride. In his first season as head coach in 2021, Sirianni's Eagles posted a 9-8 record, failing to make a major splash, but they were an NFC Wild Card team. However, the following season, with a revamped roster, a 14-3 record, and a Super Bowl appearance, the Eagles became one of the league’s elite teams. Much of that success came from his strong coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, both of whom left after the 2022 Super Bowl loss to become head coaches elsewhere.

In response, the Eagles quickly pivoted, elevating quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson to offensive coordinator and bringing in Sean Desai as defensive coordinator. Sirianni returned to calling plays, but the absence of Steichen and Gannon was felt, as the team struggled through a rough second half of the 2023 season. Even the late addition of Matt Patricia could not help steady the ship.

But as 2024 kicked off, things changed in a big way. The Eagles’ front office went to work to ensure the team’s success by adding high-caliber coordinators and bolstering the roster. Kellen Moore was brought in as the new offensive coordinator, and defensive mastermind Vic Fangio took over the defense. These changes provided the stability Sirianni needed, and Philly’s fortunes began to turn.

The Eagles also made an unexpected splash in free agency, deviating from their usual pass-heavy approach. Historically, under owner Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles have favored a pass-first offense, but in 2024, they broke the mold by signing running back Saquon Barkley from the New York Giants, making a statement about their commitment to a more balanced offensive attack. Additionally, they brought back safety CJ Gardner-Johnson and made an unexpected acquisition of linebacker Zack Baun from the Saints—adding key pieces to the defense.

The 2024 NFL Draft brought more excitement. The Eagles had multiple needs to address, and with a deep draft class, many speculated they would select a cornerback with their first-round pick. At pick 22, they took Quinyon Mitchell, a physical cornerback from Toledo. Not stopping there, Howie Roseman selected another cornerback in round two—Cooper DeJean, a shutdown defender out of Iowa.

Many questioned whether two rookie cornerbacks could really make an impact, but so far in 2024, both rookies have proven to be game-changers. Since Week 6, Mitchell has allowed fewer than 30 receiving yards per game, and his 59.1% reception rate on targets is among the best for any rookie corner. His ability to limit yards after the catch has been a standout. DeJean, despite missing the early part of the season due to injury, has yet to lose a game as a starter, and he ranks as the #3 cornerback in the league according to Pro Football Focus, with a stunning 6.8 yards per reception allowed.

As of Week 11, the Eagles' defense ranks #1 in the NFL, allowing just 274.6 yards per game. Their pass defense is ranked #3, and their run defense sits at #7. Most impressively, they are holding opponents to just 18 points per game—among the best in the league.

With a strong mix of reliable veterans and promising young talent, the Eagles' defense is setting the tone. Under Fangio's leadership, the defense has been both aggressive and disciplined, ensuring that the offense has ample time to make their mark on the game. This season could very well be special for the Eagles, as they have the talent and the coaching to make a deep playoff run.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES... Go Birds!