Eagles Coach Slams ‘Ridiculous’ Calls to Bench Jalen Hurts as Offensive Woes Intensify
Introduction
The Philadelphia Eagles are fighting through one of the most turbulent stretches of their post–Super Bowl era. After three consecutive losses and an offense that has lost its rhythm, frustration has swept through the fan base and media. Quarterback Jalen Hurts faced sharp criticism following a disastrous Monday night performance against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he committed five turnovers. But despite the noise, head coach Nick Sirianni refuses to entertain one idea circulating among emotional fans: benching the franchise quarterback.
During a Wednesday morning radio appearance in Philadelphia, Sirianni dismissed the notion outright, calling it “ridiculous.” For him, Hurts remains the foundation of the team, and any solution to the Eagles’ struggles must come from unity—not finger-pointing.
A Brutal Three-Game Slide
Just 10 months removed from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, the Eagles find themselves grappling with offensive issues eerily reminiscent of their 2023 collapse. Their latest three-game losing streak has exposed deeper problems—miscommunication, stalled drives, slow starts, and turnovers that have cost them winnable games.
Monday’s matchup against the Chargers felt like rock bottom. Hurts committed four interceptions and lost a fumble—five turnovers that overshadowed multiple defensive stands and a chance to steal a win late in overtime. What made the outing even more painful was how it ended. With the Eagles down by three and positioned at the Chargers’ 17-yard line, Hurts rolled to his right looking for Jahan Dotson near the goal line. Instead, Chargers rookie Cam Hart read the play, lunged forward, and tipped the pass for the game-sealing interception.
Hurts had already thrown three picks in regulation, and the fourth in overtime was the final blow.
The Public Turns on Kevin Patullo—and Hurts
Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo has been the primary target of fan outrage throughout the losing streak. Viral videos even showed some supporters egging Patullo’s home following Monday’s defeat. According to many fans, the team’s stale play-calling, lack of creativity, and predictable rhythm share the bulk of the blame.
But Hurts has not been spared. Critics argue that he has been forcing throws, holding the ball too long, and trying too hard to do everything himself. His five-turnover performance intensified the backlash and amplified calls—particularly on social media—to give backup quarterback Tanner McKee a shot.
Still, within the walls of the building, Sirianni insists the responsibility belongs to the entire unit—not one man.
Sirianni Shuts Down the Debate
Speaking on WIP, Sirianni made it clear: Jalen Hurts will not be benched.
“I think that’s ridiculous,” Sirianni said bluntly. “Every time I go on that field with Jalen Hurts as our quarterback, we have a chance to win. That’s something that’s been proven. We’ve won a lot of football games together.”
He doubled down on the idea that football is the “ultimate team game,” emphasizing that victories and losses must be shared as a unit, not individual scapegoating.
The Eagles’ current backup, Tanner McKee, is a sixth-round pick with only 45 career pass attempts. While some fans believe a change could serve as a spark, Sirianni sees it differently: Hurts is a cornerstone—not a replaceable part.
Offensive Collapse by the Numbers
The Eagles’ offensive decline has been steep and measurable. Over their last five contests, the team has averaged just 16.2 points and 317.4 yards per game—numbers that pale in comparison to the explosive production that led them to a Super Bowl last year.
In 2024, the Eagles ranked 8th in total offense. This season, they’ve plummeted to 24th in yards per game (309.4) and 19th in points per game (22.2). Even their once-dominant run attack has sputtered; despite Saquon Barkley’s elite talent, Philadelphia sits at 22nd in rushing yards, with only 110.5 per game.
Something is fundamentally broken, and the coaching staff has yet to identify a solution.
Hurts Still Has the Locker Room
Despite his struggles, Hurts’ leadership remains a pillar inside the Eagles’ organization. Players continue to back him and acknowledge that their issues go far beyond the quarterback.
From offensive line injuries to dropped passes to inefficient schemes, the problems are layered. Hurts has been criticized for trying to do too much, but teammates say that mindset stems from his desire to lift everyone around him—not from ego.
Still, even supporters admit something feels off about Hurts this season. Whether it’s confidence, rhythm, or system fit, the MVP contender fans watched last year hasn’t fully emerged in 2025.
The Road Ahead
The Eagles sit at 8–5, maintaining control of the NFC East for now. But their margin for error is shrinking fast with four games left in the season. The schedule, however, is favorable:
- Las Vegas Raiders (2–11)
- Washington Commanders (3–10)
- Buffalo Bills (9–4)
- Washington Commanders again in Week 18
If they can regain their footing, the Eagles still have a clear path to the playoffs. But if their offensive woes continue, even a soft schedule may not be enough to secure a strong postseason position.
For many fans, the question is no longer can the Eagles turn it around, but will they?
Conclusion
As tensions rise in Philadelphia, Nick Sirianni is standing firmly behind Jalen Hurts. The idea of benching the star quarterback may satisfy emotional frustration, but the coaching staff views it as unrealistic and counterproductive. The Eagles’ problems are systemic, not singular, and Hurts remains central to any chance of recovery.
Whether they rediscover their identity or spiral further will define the remainder of their season—and perhaps the future direction of the franchise itself.
