A Super Bowl champion now struggling to find its rhythm

The Philadelphia Eagles, once the epitome of offensive brilliance and discipline, now find themselves in unfamiliar territory — a full-blown identity crisis. What was once a seamless, high-powered attack has suddenly become inconsistent, predictable, and plagued with mistakes.

The offensive unit that dominated defenses on their way to a Super Bowl championship now looks more like a team searching for answers than a team chasing glory. The rhythm that defined them last season has all but vanished.

Veteran tackle Lane Johnson recently made headlines after publicly criticizing the offensive approach led by assistant coach Kevin Patullo, calling it “too predictable.” His comments have opened a floodgate of speculation, tension, and heated discussion about what’s truly wrong in Philadelphia’s offense — and whether this rift could derail the team’s playoff ambitions.

A fall from dominance

Just a year ago, the Eagles’ offense was the most feared in the NFL. Behind Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and a dominant offensive line, the team executed with machine-like precision.

But now, something has changed. Drive after drive, the once fluid attack has sputtered. Red-zone efficiency is down, turnovers are up, and the timing that once made this unit unstoppable appears lost.

Fans have noticed. Analysts have noticed. And, perhaps most worryingly, the players themselves have noticed.

“This isn’t who we are,” Johnson said in a post-game interview after the team’s Week 6 loss. “We’re not executing. The play-calling’s too easy to read. Defenses know what’s coming.”

Those words — “defenses know what’s coming” — have since echoed through the organization, forcing head coach Nick Sirianni and his staff to confront the growing sense of unease within the locker room.

A.J. Brown’s response: “It’s not the calls — it’s us.”

Star wide receiver A.J. Brown, never one to shy away from speaking truth, quickly responded to Johnson’s remarks, urging accountability from the entire offense rather than pointing fingers at the coaching staff.

“I don’t think it’s about the play-calling,” Brown said calmly. “It’s about us — our focus, our effort, our execution. The coaches can call anything they want, but if we don’t do our jobs, it doesn’t matter.”

Brown’s comments, though measured, reveal the heart of the issue — a disconnect between players’ execution and coaches’ strategy. While some believe the offensive system has grown stale, others argue that it’s not the system that’s broken, but the discipline within it.

That difference in perspective has created visible tension, and the once tight-knit Eagles offense now seems divided between frustration and resolve.

What went wrong?

Several factors have contributed to this offensive regression.

First, turnovers. Jalen Hurts has already thrown nearly as many interceptions as he did all of last season. Poor decision-making and communication breakdowns have led to costly mistakes in key moments.

Second, predictability. Opposing defenses have adapted. Many analysts note that Philadelphia’s offensive schemes haven’t evolved enough from last year’s playbook, making it easier for teams to anticipate formations and tendencies.

Third, lack of tempo. The Eagles’ once fast-paced rhythm has slowed to a crawl. Drives stall, third downs feel forced, and the offense no longer dictates the game’s flow.

And finally, mental pressure. With the weight of last season’s Super Bowl expectations still hanging over them, the Eagles are showing signs of overthinking — playing not to lose instead of playing to win.

Inside the locker room: frustration, but not panic

Despite the tension, sources close to the team describe the atmosphere as “frustrated but focused.” Players know the expectations, and the leadership core — led by Hurts, Johnson, and Brown — is determined to fix the issues internally before they spiral further.

“We’ve been here before,” Hurts told reporters. “We’ve faced adversity. What defines us isn’t how we play when things are easy — it’s how we respond when things get tough.”

That sense of accountability is critical. Hurts’ leadership has often been praised for keeping the locker room steady, and now, more than ever, the Eagles need his calm presence.

But privately, some within the organization acknowledge that the offensive staff is under increasing pressure to adapt. Kevin Patullo, once celebrated for his creativity, now faces mounting scrutiny.

A test of identity

The Eagles’ next few weeks could define their season. Upcoming matchups against teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys will expose whether this offense can rediscover its spark — or collapse under pressure.

If Philadelphia wants to return to the Super Bowl conversation, it’s not just about fixing play-calls or blaming individuals. It’s about rediscovering identity — the physicality, intelligence, and swagger that once made them great.

“You can’t fake confidence,” Brown said after practice. “You earn it through preparation and trust. We’ll get that back. But it starts with each of us being honest — about how we’re playing, how we’re practicing, and how much we want it.”

The fans’ growing impatience

Philadelphia’s passionate fanbase is known for its intensity, and patience is wearing thin. After back-to-back disappointing performances, social media has been ablaze with criticism of both players and coaches.

“Where’s the fire?” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “This offense used to scare people. Now it looks like it’s afraid of itself.”

Others have defended the team, pointing out that every great franchise hits rough patches. “People forget this is still one of the most talented rosters in football,” another fan posted. “They just need to get out of their own way.”

The city’s heartbeat — its fans — remains restless but hopeful.

The road to redemption

The silver lining? There’s still time.

At 3–3, the Eagles’ season is far from over. The roster remains stacked with elite talent. The defense is performing well enough to keep them in games. All it will take is one breakout offensive performance to reignite belief.

Coach Sirianni has already promised adjustments. Expect more creative formations, quicker tempo, and renewed emphasis on Hurts’ mobility — a weapon that’s been underused in recent weeks.

If the team can blend that with sharper execution and unity, they might just reclaim their swagger.

Final thoughts

The Philadelphia Eagles are standing at a crossroads. What happens next will define their season — and perhaps the legacy of this coaching staff.

Lane Johnson’s frustration, A.J. Brown’s accountability, and Jalen Hurts’ leadership all paint a picture of a team wrestling with itself — not broken, but searching.

And in the unforgiving world of the NFL, where perception changes week to week, that search must end soon.

Because if the Eagles don’t fix their offensive rhythm now, the echoes of glory from their Super Bowl triumph may soon fade into the noise of what-could-have-been.

One thing’s for certain: the clock is ticking in Philadelphia.