Philadelphia’s Lombardi Trophy gleams under the summer sun, a hard-earned symbol of triumph. But in the NFL, yesterday’s confetti is today’s mulch. Nick Sirianni knows this better than anyone. The Eagles’ fiery leader understands the brutal truth of defending a title.
It’s like trying to summit Everest again, only this time everyone knows your route and the weather’s turned nasty. The honeymoon’s over; the real work for Sirianni begins with a brutal conditioning test and a locker room full of targets.
Can he solve these ten problems before the champs get dethroned?
1. The Edge Rush Enigma: Gone are Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, and Bryce Huff. Who pressures the quarterback now? Sirianni is betting on Nolan Smith's rise and risky reclamation projects Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche. If this group can't generate heat, Vic Fangio’s masterful defense gets neutered. Can unproven pass rushers become predators?
2. Right Guard Roulette: For the second straight year, Tyler Steen looks like the guy at right guard. Last year, Mekhi Becton stole the job, but now he's with the Los Angeles Chargers. Matt Pryor now looms as the option. Protecting Jalen Hurts and paving lanes for Saquon Barkley requires this spot to be solid, not a revolving door. Will Steen finally seize the starting role, or will history repeat itself?
3. CB2 Conundrum: Quinyon Mitchell is a star on one side. The other side? Wide open. Cooper DeJean is the brightest option but he needs to be the primary punt returner now. Kelee Ringo (rocking his coveted #7) brings youth and athleticism, while veteran Adoree’ Jackson offers experience. Sirianni needs a reliable starter opposite Mitchell, especially with Darius Slay gone. Does Ringo fulfill his potential, or is Jackson just a stopgap?
4. Safety Dance: Trading C.J. Gardner-Johnson left a playmaking and leadership void. Sydney Brown (returning from injury), rookie Andrew Mukuba (ballhawk potential), and Tristin McCollum are battling. Replicating Gardner-Johnson’s swagger and picks (12 in two Eagles stints) is a massive ask. Who brings the noise and the turnovers to the back end?
5. Offensive Coordinator Carousel: Jalen Hurts faces his sixth play-caller in six seasons with Kevin Patullo’s promotion. While Patullo offers system familiarity (Eagles’ staff since 2021), his NFL play-calling debut is a gamble. Hurts has openly craved continuity, but must adapt again. Can Patullo evolve the offense without disrupting its Super Bowl rhythm?
Read More:Jalen Hurts' snub raises eyebrows in CBS Sports' controversial NFL rankings
6. Saquon’s Heavy Load: Barkley delivered a historic 2,500+ rushing yards (including playoffs) on a massive 482 touches. History screams caution – no 2,000-yard rusher has ever repeated. Can Sirianni and his staff manage Barkley’s workload wisely without losing their offensive identity? Will the engine sputter after record mileage?
7. Unlocking Jahan Dotson: Acquired last August, Dotson was nearly invisible in 2024 (19 rec, 216 yards) despite playing significant snaps. A full offseason with Hurts is crucial. The Eagles need his first-round talent to emerge as a credible third weapon behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Can Dotson finally become the threat Philly envisioned?
8. Return Game Riddle: Britain Covey’s departure leaves DeJean as the primary punt returner – a role Fangio hates his starting nickel playing. Avery Williams (if healthy) or rookie Will Shipley must step up. Solid field position is key for a repeat run. Who fields the punts without risking a star or muffing chances?
9. Linebacker Limbo: Nakobe Dean (torn patellar tendon) and rookie Jihaad Campbell (shoulder surgery) are rehabbing. Zack Baun is the anchor, but Jeremiah Trotter Jr. might start Week 1 by default. Sirianni needs healthy, productive ‘backers for Fangio’s defense. When will Dean or Campbell be ready to contribute meaningfully?
10. Goedert’s Health & Hunger: Dallas Goedert took a pay cut to stay, making 2025 a contract year. He’s brilliant when healthy (see: 215 playoff yards), but he hasn’t played a full season since 2018, consistently missing chunks of games. Can he stay on the field and earn his next big payday?
Sirianni's Sideline Symphony
These aren't just items on a checklist; they're interlocking pieces of a championship puzzle. Sirianni thrives on this intensity. His message to players heading into summer was brutally simple:***"Being in great, great, great shape... you can’t play with great detail and you can’t play with great physicality... if you’re not in great shape."***Fail the conditioning test? Risk injury and sloppy play. It’s the foundation for everything.
Read More:Jalen Hurts' snub raises eyebrows in CBS Sports' controversial NFL rankings
The Eagles have the stats of a repeat team – top 10 in points scored, points allowed, yards gained, and yards allowed in 2024, a feat matched by 77.8% of back-to-back champs. The talent is undeniable. But talent alone doesn’t navigate the target on their backs, the brutal schedule, or the internal challenges.
Solving these 10 problems isn't just about X's and O's for Sirianni; it's about maintaining the relentless hunger that turned a 2-2 start into a 16-1 run and a Lombardi. The encore requires even more sweat. As Apollo Creed warned Rocky,"There is no tomorrow!" – and Sirianni’s Eagles are racing against that clock.