Eagles Head Coach Addresses Play-Calling Decisions and Hurts' Performance in Post-Game Press Conference
ICARO Media Group
In a post-game press conference following the Philadelphia Eagles' narrow one-point loss to the Atlanta Falcons, head coach Nick Sirianni provided insights into some of their play-calling decisions and shared his thoughts on quarterback Jalen Hurts' outstanding performance. Despite the disappointment of the loss, Sirianni emphasized that both coaches and players were accountable and that it was a collective effort that led to the final outcome.
When questioned about specific play-call decisions, Sirianni clarified that the timeout called on the second-to-last drive had nothing to do with Fred Johnson but was part of a strategic plan. Regarding the decision to pass on 3rd-and-3, the head coach acknowledged that they had seen an opportunity to exploit the Falcons' defensive strategy but admitted that it did not work out as planned. He further explained his reasoning behind opting for a field goal on the subsequent 4th-and-3 play, highlighting the desire to secure a six-point lead with limited time on the clock. However, he acknowledged that the decision did not yield the desired outcome.
As the discussion shifted to the topic of play-calling responsibilities, Sirianni firmly stated that offensive coordinator Kellen Moore made the calls. He asserted his role as the head coach and dismissed any notion that would suggest otherwise.
When questioned about the absence of A.J. Brown, Sirianni acknowledged that losing a key player late in the game week posed challenges, but he emphasized the necessity of adjusting the game plan accordingly. He praised the offense for moving the ball effectively but highlighted their struggles in the red zone and the need to address them going forward.
Addressing the defense's lack of quarterback pressures, Sirianni affirmed that they would review the game film to identify areas for improvement. He stressed the importance of earning the right to rush the quarterback by effectively defending the passing game. Sirianni emphasized the need for tackling, defeating blocks, and penetrating the line of scrimmage, while also acknowledging the responsibility of the coaching staff to put their players in the best possible position to succeed.
Regarding missed tackles, Sirianni appreciated the effort shown by the players but acknowledged the importance of being in the right position as a team to compensate for any potential missed tackles.
Turning the focus back to Jalen Hurts' performance, Sirianni commended the quarterback for his impressive display, noting that several of his big runs came from scrambles. He acknowledged that an interception is always regrettable, but recognized Hurts' overall contribution to the team's success. However, Sirianni highlighted the team's struggles in the red zone as a significant concern.
Sirianni also discussed the issue of illegal downfield penalties, attributing some of them to players moving too fast while acknowledging that coaching decisions can also contribute to such infractions. He acknowledged the difficulty of following the rules, particularly in situations involving bubble screens.
In conclusion, Sirianni expressed the inevitability of second-guessing certain play calls that did not result in points but underlined the importance of learning from every experience. He promised a thorough evaluation of their decisions and strategies by reviewing the game tape.