The Eagles' season started like a perfect spiral from a franchise quarterback. Everything was crisp, clean, and landing right in the hands of victory. A 4-0 start had Philadelphia flying high. But the NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. Now, after two consecutive stumbles, the air feels a little different. The once-confident lineup is struggling, and everyone is searching for the right wrench to make the repairs.
This search led to a fascinating moment this week. Following the loss to the Giants, quarterback Jalen Hurts shouldered the blame. “I got to be better,” Hurts said after the game. “I take ownership for it. A lot of autonomy, a lot of opportunity there with the ball in my hands.” That specific, loaded word—“autonomy”—hung in the air.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was asked about that very remark. His response was a masterclass in measured coaching. He did not dismiss it. Instead, he carefully defined the quarterback’s role within the team framework.
Sirianni immediately broadened the focus from Hurts to the entire roster. “I think all our guys have done a great job of taking ownership—our coaches, our players,” he stated. He emphasized their collective process for fixing issues. Moreover, he stressed the need to “stay true to your standard of tough detail together when everything seems wavy around you.” This was a clear message about unity amid outside noise.
When pressed specifically on Hurts' “autonomy” comment, Sirianni’s reply was even more deliberate. “What do you mean by that?” he asked the reporter. It signaled a coach ensuring he was answering the correct question, not a reactive one. He then outlined the practical aspects of a QB's freedom. “He's their quarterback, so he's got ability to do things that he needs to do,” Sirianni explained, mentioning protection and play checks.
Sirianni Navigating the Storm
The Eagles' offense is statistically adrift. They rank 27th in third-down conversions and 29th in passing yards. They have been outgained in every game this season. Yes, every game. The running game, featuring Saquon Barkley, has been labeled predictable. This offensive slump puts every comment and decision under an intense microscope.
Sirianni’s philosophy under this pressure is to avoid blame. “We're not in the business of assigning blame,” he said. “We're in the business of finding solutions.” This attitude will be tested against a Vikings team that is also resting after its bye week. Ironically, the game is in Minneapolis, the site of the Eagles' first Super Bowl victory. And they will need that same magic.
At the end, this chapter is about leadership and trust. Sirianni is placing his faith in Hurts’s field vision. “He sees something on the field; he has the ability to get to what he needs to get to,” the coach affirmed. He trusts his quarterback to steer the ship through these rough waters. The entire season may hinge on that trust.
Read more: Nick Sirianni addresses blame culture after talks with Jalen Hurts, Lane Johnson
The Eagles must now prove their identity isn’t broken, just being refined in the fire. They must balance accountability with autonomy and frustration with faith to find their way back.