Common Eagles questions we shouldn't have to keep asking

The Philadelphia Eagles made us a promise. Nonverbally, of course. Last year's collapse was inexcusable and wouldn't happen again. Okay, you're right. That promise technically wasn't made... But, we can argue it was implied, right?

We assumed the leadership structure was as ticked as we are about how last season ended. It's been months, and that collapse still stings.

The 2023-24 season was about closing the deal, about getting back to the Super Bowl and finishing the story. That didn't happen, and despite a retooling job in the offseason, this year's Eagles don't look much better than the team we saw implode down the stretch run in December and January.

Philly, did, however, go to work. They added pieces during free agency and the NFL Draft to upgrade an underperforming roster. Locker-room cancers were given their discharges. Vic Fangio and Kellen Moore were hired, so why do we keep asking the same doggone questions?

Why does this passing attack ignore the middle of the football field?

Much has been made of Jalen Hurts' unwillingness to utilize the middle of the field in the passing game. As Fran Duffy indicates, he ranks 32nd among qualifying QBs in throwing to that area.

As Duffy also indicates, he's seen some success when throwing there. What's strange, however, is Kellen Moore seems to employ a similar theory.

Jalen Hurts missed on all of his first five passing attempts. Three of his first five incompletions were deep shots down the sideline. He chalks this up to taking what the defense is giving him and this being a simple matter of the way plays have unfolded.

That's cool and all, but something tells us there is more to this than that. They had better figure this out and figure it out quickly.

Did Philly make a mistake by drafting all of these players from Georgia?

The short answer to this question is 'no'. Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith, and Kelee Ringo are all players who possess NFL talent. In Week 6, Carter, Davis, and Smith were Pro Football Focus' highest-graded Eagles defenders. There's something here, but there are also holes that must be patched.

All have their limitations. Carter lacks a consistent motor. Smith is being used improperly as a full-time pass rusher. Davis doesn't offer much as a pass rusher.

But, that's why teams hire coaches. Rather than fit square pegs into round holes, maybe this coaching staff should cater to these guys' strengths.

Has the NFL caught up with Vic Fangio and Kellen Moore?

Vic Fangio is outdated. Kellen Moore seems stuck in neutral. Both assistants leave much to be desired. Kellen is partially responsible for this refusal to attack the entire field. Vic runs a scheme that offensive coordinators have been battling for years.

The evolution of this team will be attached to how well it is coached, and these guys are in need of fresh ideas, but a slower-than-satisfactory timeline for talent development can't strictly be plaed on their shoulders.

Why aren't the assistant coaches being held more accountable?

These Eagles assistant coaches aren't getting the job done. Michal Clay's special teams unit is slowly venturing toward being a liability. Clint Hurtt isn't making all of this talent on the defensive line any better.

Ask yourselves a question. Are A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith better because they're in positional meetings with Aaron Moorehead, or are they carrying him?

Why aren't any of the other wide receivers improving?

What harm would it do to give Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Ben VanSumeren more snaps?

Okay, the jury deliberated, and they're back with a verdict. Nakobe Dean is okay. He isn't great. He's okay.

He's a thumper. He has heart, but he misses too many tackles, He also can't cover to save his life.

We know Ben VanSumeren can ball. We don't know what we have with Jeremiah Trotter Jr. It may be time to throw the young lion into the fire.

What can it hurt? VanSumeren can tackle. We know that, and Philly might find they have some talent in Trot.

Dean doesn't need to be benched. He may just need to take a few plays off.

Why do fans love C.J. Gardner-Johnson so much?

C.J. Gardner-Johnson isn't that good. He doesn't suck. He should play, but many of you were fooled by a season (2022) that isn't really representative of his talent level.

He isn't a consistent playmaker. He can't tackle. He's good for a bone-jarring tackle every now and again, but that's about it.

We recommend giving Sydney Brown more playing time when he's ready for action and able to return.

Bonus: We can't put any real stock in this team winning a Super Bowl with Nick Sirianni as this team's head coach?

Nick Sirianni was given one more chance because, technically, his resume is impressive. He had also led this team to a Super Bowl appearance in his second season.

We understand why he was retained and, still, he was stripped of any real power minus the occasional motivational speech.

This team's championship window is closing in front of our eyes. It's a shame because there is talent on the roster everywhere. He doesn't contribute much in terms of X's and O's. At the risk of sounding disrespectful, his continued stay as Eagles head coach is a week-in and week-out comedy routine.

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