Nick Sirianni gets paid a lot of money to be the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, and for good reason. It's easy to question him from the outside looking in, though it's even harder to be in his shoes.
Sirianni's a mastermind, but boldness bordered on irresponsible in the closing stages of the Eagles' Week 10 win over the Green Bay Packers. A mystifying choice to go for it on fourth-and-six with 33 seconds remaining rather than attempting a long field goal or punting rightfully raised questions. While it ultimately didn't cost Philadelphia, fans needed closure they hadn't gotten -- until now.
During an appearance on the 94WIP Morning Show, Sirianni was his unapologetically candid self when asked about the highly-discussed potential blunder in Green Bay. He shut down any speculation that the decision was made without him while doubling down on the audacious strategy.
Nick Sirianni takes accountability, doubles down on Eagles' questionable 4th down call
When asked about his visible exasperation on the sidelines after the failed conversion, Sirianni and the Eagles "were frustrated with the results." Nevertheless, there are no regrets: "It didn't work right there ... but I think the decision and process was right."
Moreover, any reporting about the Eagles' star quarterback and wide receiver duo of Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown defying Sirianni can be put to bed. Philadelphia's leader emphasized that he was pulling the strings and was well aware of what was happening, considering it's his job. Moreover, everyone was in sync about the late-game deep shot that still has many confused.
"Any time we're planning a play, like a fourth down decision, so critical, I'm highly in tune with the play that we're going to call in the fourth down scenario. Really, all the plays and everything; I'm the head coach."
When nudged again on bypassing an opportunity to pin the Packers deep in their own territory, Sirianni clapped back. He reminded everyone about a similarly unpopular dice roll from the team's Super Bowl LIX run that paid dividends, which the Philly faith remembers fondly.
"You probably would've been highly in tune with punting it on the fourth down in the [2024] NFC Championship Game, I get it. That happens."
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Touché, Nick. The 44-year-old defied analytics, and it nearly came back to haunt his squad, yet he feels no remorse. That's why the Eagles give him the big bucks.