Imagine being told months ago that the Philadelphia Eagles would kick off the playoffs at home with a fully healthy roster—exciting, right? But here’s where it gets controversial: while fans might be thrilled, the national media’s take on the team’s bumpy journey paints a less rosy picture. As the Eagles gear up for their wild-card showdown against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday (4:30 p.m. on Fox29), let’s dive into the buzz surrounding the team—from Jalen Hurts’ evolving playstyle to the NFL’s coaching carousel and how it could shake things up in Philly.
Jalen Hurts: A Shift in Strategy
If you’ve watched the Eagles this season, you’ve likely found yourself wondering, Where did those dynamic play calls from last year go? One glaring absence from the playbook has been designed runs for Jalen Hurts—a strategy fans have been eagerly calling for. Hurts, now in his fifth year, posted career lows in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2025, with 45 fewer rushing attempts than the previous season. And this is the part most people miss: despite the dip, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell notes that the Eagles have quietly ramped up Hurts’ rushing attempts in recent weeks, just in time to face a 49ers defense grappling with injuries to their linebacker unit. Veterans like Eric Kendricks and former Eagle Kyzir White could start on Sunday, potentially giving Hurts more opportunities to exploit gaps.
Barnwell highlights that Hurts’ designed runs have become more frequent, with 17 attempts over the last six games compared to just 10 through Week 10. These plays yielded 100 yards and seven first downs, proving to be an efficient addition to the offense. ‘With the stakes raised, expect more of Hurts in the QB run game,’ Barnwell writes, ‘which not only adds versatility but also eases the load on Barkley.’
The NFL’s Coaching Carousel: A Philly Shakeup?
This week, Black Monday brought a wave of NFL head coaching changes, with names like Mike McDaniel and Kevin Stefanski hitting the unemployment line. But the biggest shock came with John Harbaugh’s dismissal from the Baltimore Ravens after 18 years. The Super Bowl-winning coach is now a free agent, and here’s the controversial twist: some analysts, like Fox Sports’ Nick Wright, suggest that if the Eagles stumble on Sunday, Howie Roseman might replace Nick Sirianni with Harbaugh. ‘If Philly loses badly, Harbaugh would be the perfect fit,’ Wright argues. ‘He’s a culture-building CEO coach, and Roseman already calls the shots on coordinators.’
Wright’s take might sound extreme—firing a Super Bowl-winning coach just a year later—but it’s not entirely out of the question for a front office known for bold moves. Still, it’s worth noting that Wright’s predictions aren’t always spot-on (remember his Chiefs three-peat call?). Meanwhile, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler adds fuel to the fire, suggesting Kevin Patullo’s job as offensive coordinator could be in jeopardy due to the team’s struggles. ‘The offense ranks 24th in yards per game, which is puzzling given the talent,’ Fowler points out.
Assistant Coaches in the Spotlight
Patullo isn’t the only one under scrutiny. Fowler reports that defensive coaches like Christian Parker and Clint Hurtt could be on the move, with Parker drawing interest as a potential coordinator and Hurtt’s work with Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis making him a hot commodity.
Rest or Rust? The Week 18 Debate
Sirianni’s decision to bench offensive starters in Week 18 drew sharp criticism, especially with the No. 2 seed still up for grabs. After a 24-17 loss to the Commanders, the backlash grew—but not everyone agrees. Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner defended the move, arguing that rest could pay dividends in the playoffs. ‘When other teams are worn down, the Eagles could have a physical edge,’ Warner said on The Rich Eisen Show. ‘And with San Francisco’s defense struggling to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run, this could be a favorable matchup for Philly.’
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for the Eagles?
As the Eagles prepare for Sunday’s game, the questions linger: Will Hurts’ increased rushing attempts be a game-changer? Could a coaching shakeup be on the horizon? And was resting starters the right call after all? Here’s the real question for you: Do you think the Eagles’ current strategy sets them up for playoff success, or is a major overhaul needed? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
