The Philadelphia Eagles, once the defending NFC champs with a stellar 10-1 record at the start of the season, find themselves in a bit of a slump. After losing three consecutive games, questions arise about their ability to make a deep playoff run. SB Nation's Brandon Lee Gowton of Bleeding Green Nation shares insights into what went wrong for the Eagles and the challenges they face heading into their Christmas Day matchup against the New York Giants.

The Eagles' recent struggles can be partially attributed to a challenging schedule. Facing tough opponents like the San Francisco 49ers, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Buffalo Bills in a six-game gauntlet proved to be a formidable task. While a perfect 6-0 record was never a realistic expectation, a 4-2 outcome seemed reasonable. However, the Eagles' offense has been disappointing, failing to meet the high expectations set for them this season.

Offensive coordinator Brian Johnson has received a significant amount of criticism, but Gowton believes that the blame should be shared among Johnson, head coach Nick Sirianni, and quarterback Jalen Hurts. The team's play design, play-calling, and execution have all been lacking, especially evident in their recent loss against the Seattle Seahawks. The offense fell short, managing only 17 points against a Seahawks defense that had been struggling and injured.

Gowton highlights the missed opportunity for the Eagles to regain their footing against the Seahawks, as they had a chance to secure a win in the final minutes of the game but failed to convert. The team's performance in crucial moments has been inconsistent, reflecting a lack of a cohesive and efficient approach.

The Eagles' recent coaching change on defense, replacing Sean Desai with Matt Patricia, also sparks discussions on the impact of losing both coordinators. While some argue that the departures of offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon have affected the team's performance, Gowton suggests that their absence is not the sole reason for the Eagles' struggles. Play design and other issues on both sides of the ball need to be addressed as well.

Looking ahead to their upcoming game against the Giants, Gowton identifies the Eagles' need for a stronger pass rush. Dexter Lawrence of the Giants is a player Gowton believes could make a significant impact, bolstering the Eagles' defensive line. With concerns over injuries to the Eagles' offensive line, Lawrence's presence could provide a much-needed boost.

Despite the Eagles being 10.5-point favorites in the betting world, their recent losses have caused the line to shift, now favoring the Eagles by 13.5 points. However, Gowton emphasizes that the Eagles must not be complacent. The Giants may have a path to an upset, with the Eagles' struggles against lesser opponents throughout the season and the Giants' consistent ranking at the bottom of the league in DVOA and point differential.

As the Eagles aim to bounce back and regain their winning form, their upcoming clash against the Giants becomes a crucial turning point. The team's performance in this game will likely impact the overall perception of their playoff potential. While a victory against weaker opponents does not guarantee success against stronger teams in the postseason, it will be encouraging to see the Eagles play a more competent and functional brand of football.

Ultimately, the road to redemption for the Philadelphia Eagles begins with their matchup against the New York Giants on Christmas Day. The team must rise above their recent struggles, address their offensive and defensive deficiencies, and regain their winning mentality if they hope to make a meaningful playoff run.

(Note: The article is solely based on the provided information and does not incorporate any new information or analysis beyond what is provided in the text.)