Philadelphia Eagles fans know what a championship team looks like, so watching this offense struggle to finish games has been frustrating. Nick Sirianni is now facing questions about his decisions, his leadership, and whether he can get Philadelphia back on track, even after guiding the team to a Super Bowl title.
Former Eagles quarterback Nick Foles has seen how things can turn in Philadelphia, and he thinks there is something important people should remember before writing Sirianni off.
Nick Foles Defends Nick Sirianni as Philadelphia Eagles Face Growing Pressure
Speaking on “The SZN” with Nick Foles and Evan Moore, Foles backed Sirianni’s leadership while acknowledging the demands that come with coaching in Philadelphia. Having played for Doug Pederson during the Eagles’ Super Bowl 52 run, Foles knows how quickly expectations can turn into pressure when a team falls short of its goals.
“Watching Nick [Sirianni] throughout the years, just talking to guys and seeing how he’s responded, these are the moments where great leaders’ light shines. Nick’s been a great leader,” Foles said.
He pointed to the culture surrounding the Eagles as a reason Sirianni’s position is particularly demanding. Philadelphia expects to contend every year, rather than treating one successful season as enough to earn a pass the next time around.
Foles believes Sirianni has handled those expectations well by keeping players together and communicating through difficult stretches.
“But I’ve seen throughout the years that coach [Nick] Sirianni has done a nice job of keeping the guys together and with the messaging,” Foles said. “This will be the toughest one, but he knows how to handle this. He’s been there. He’s done it.”
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The Eagles’ current problems help explain why the pressure has intensified. Philadelphia is 2-2 after consecutive losses, including a blowout against the Chicago Bears and a 24-20 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams after surrendering a 10-point fourth-quarter lead.
The offense has also gone scoreless in the second half of consecutive games, while going 0-for-12 on third downs against Los Angeles.
Sirianni’s decision to go for it on fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line against the Rams has drawn particular criticism.
Philadelphia failed to score, and Los Angeles then drove 98 yards for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 20-17. After an Eagles three-and-out, the Rams scored the winning touchdown on their next possession.
With fans questioning his game management and the offense struggling to sustain drives, the coach faces a difficult challenge in restoring confidence.
The circumstances extend beyond play-calling. Lane Johnson’s abrupt retirement, the trade of two-time Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens to Baltimore, and injuries to key players such as Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert have complicated the team’s efforts to find its footing.
Foles, however, urged people to consider Sirianni’s full record rather than judge him solely on the current slump. The coach led Philadelphia to a Super Bowl 59 title in 2025, making his recent struggles a sharp contrast to the team’s championship season.
“Honestly, during his tenure, the years he’s been the coach, he’s been one of the most successful coaches,” Foles said.
This history does not erase Philadelphia’s current problems, but it offers context as the Eagles prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
For Sirianni, the immediate task is to get the offense functioning again, which ranks 27th in PFN’s NFL Offense Impact. He needs to show that he can guide the team through adversity. Foles believes he has earned the chance to do that, even as the pressure continues to build.
