Philadelphia Eagles: Proof that Sirianni can fix Wentz or develop Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles fans should take note of Sirianni’s work with Cassel.

After a few college gigs, Sirianni was an offensive coach for the Kansas City Chiefs for a number of years. One of the most notable roles he took during his tenure there was the assistant quarterbacks coaching position in 2010. Matt Cassel was the quarterback that season. Sirianni was 28 years old.

Cassel, while with the New England Patriots, filled in for Tom Brady in 2008 and went 10-5 as the starter. With Josh McDaniels as his offensive coordinator and Randy Moss and Wes Welker as his top two receivers, he enjoyed a lot of individual success that year as well, a 63.4 completion percentage, 3,696 passing yards, and 21 touchdowns versus only 11 interceptions.

There weren’t many impressive victories over elite teams, but that earned Cassel a shot in Kansas City the following season. He crafted a 4-11 record while tossing 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. That sounds familiar. Carson Wentz was 3-8-1 with 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 2020.

In the season Sirianni was an assistant quarterbacks coach, Cassel was selected to the only Pro Bowl of his career, and for good reason. He went 10-5 as a starter with 3,116 passing yards, 27 touchdowns (good for eighth in the NFL that year), and seven interceptions while finishing eighth in the league with a 93.0 passer rating. It’s also worth noting that he only took 26 sacks in 15 games that year.

Kansas City wasn’t exactly loaded with talent in the years that Sirianni was there. Outside of Dwayne Bowe, who was a massive part of the offense, none of the other Chiefs receivers eclipsed 200 receiving yards that season. Sirianni has to be given some credit for Cassel’s elevated play, and here’s the thing. Other quarterbacks had success under Sirianni as well.