The Philadelphia Eagles are facing significant challenges on offense this season, prompting criticism and calls for changes in coaching personnel. Former Eagles quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles has voiced his support for current offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, suggesting that a simple adjustment could enhance the team’s performance.
In a recent episode of “The SZN with Nick Foles & Evan Moore” podcast, Foles proposed that Patullo should return to the coaching box during games. He believes this shift would allow Patullo to better assess defensive alignments and improve play-calling effectiveness. “I don’t think Kevin needs to be fired,” Foles stated. “I think the answer right now is little micro-changes to make guys more comfortable in their position.”
Foles emphasized the advantages of viewing the game from the coaching box, where one can gain a broader perspective of the field. “You can’t see the coverages as they’re forming and you can’t see the defensive alignments very well,” he explained. “When you’re up in the box, you can see it as the drive is going on, what they’re trying to do.” This approach aligns with the training Patullo has received since joining the Eagles in 2021.
In addition to this recommendation, Foles shared insights from his experience under former Eagles head coach Andy Reid, who currently leads the Kansas City Chiefs. “Andy Reid throughout the week would be in his office playing the game in his head, watching film and how he would call each and every play,” Foles noted. He described how Reid would use index cards to prepare for games, creating a structured plan for the first 15 plays of each quarter. “Sometimes you have to take the emotion out of the game and just pull out an index card from your prep during the week,” Foles advised.
The Eagles’ offense currently ranks 24th in the NFL, averaging only 303.6 yards per game. Their recent loss to the Chicago Bears highlighted these struggles, as the team converted just one-third of their third-down attempts, completing 4 of 12, and managed only 87 yards on the ground. These figures illustrate the inconsistency that has plagued the Eagles this season.
As the team prepares for their next game on December 8, 2023, against the Los Angeles Chargers, time is of the essence for the Eagles to implement effective strategies to revitalize their offense. The recommendations from Foles could serve as critical adjustments for the coaching staff as they work to improve performance and regain the rhythm that characterized the team in previous seasons.
