PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Super Bowl? More like super-distant memory.
At least that’s how the Philadelphia Eagles’ front office has to operate these days.
Free agency is in full swing. The draft is a little more than a month away.
There’s no time to live in the past. It’s all about the future and figuring out how to retool the organization in an attempt to repeat as NFL champions.
For anyone not named Howie Roseman or Nick Sirianni, or who isn’t a member of either the general manager’s or head coach’s respective staffs, the afterglow of the Eagles’ title run remains strong.
Take a recent gathering of fans at Fitler Club in Center City. The group was champing at the bit to talk Eagles with unCovering the Birds host and Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane, who was joined by Eagles Radio Network analyst and former all-pro wide receiver Mike Quick.
The event was held exclusively for Inquirer subscribers and Fitler Club members, and was recorded as a live podcast.
Listen below to the full episode, featuring questions from the audience, and check out excerpts from the conversation:
On Nick Sirianni’s evolution and maturation as an NFL head coach:
McLANE: “I've reported on some of the emotional outbursts [Nick Sirianni’s] had. That can be bad, but there's also a positive side to having that type of emotion, as long as you can keep it in check. I think he’s maybe maturing.”
QUICK: “That's what I was about to say. Yeah, he's maturing. When you think about it, how old was Nick when he first came [to Philadelphia]? Thirty-nine is still a pretty young man to have the responsibility he has. The football knowledge is there, his ability to connect with people is certainly there. As he matures, he just becomes a better and better football coach. But some of the key things he has, you can't teach. These [players] relate to Nick. That’s a big, big thing.
On perception that Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts doesn’t get enough respect:
QUICK: “I can’t really answer that question why [Hurts] doesn’t get the love he should, but I will say this: I am so happy the Super Bowl turned out the way it did. It wasn't Saquon [Barkley] that won the Super Bowl. You needed your quarterback to win that game for you, and what did your quarterback do? Your quarterback won the game. Your quarterback was in complete control of the offense the entire game. He looked like the guy in front of the orchestra that was just slinging it and making it happen. So I don't know why [Hurts doesn’t get respect], but for me, he is in the elite category.”
McLANE: “The clutch gene - I think that’s the one thing Jalen no doubt [has]. It’s really hard to quantify that.”
On new Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, who has never previously held the position at the NFL level:
QUICK: “I think the biggest concern is having a play caller who hasn't called plays before in the National Football League. It's such a strategy game, and the guys that are really smart on the [defensive] side, they understand where your weaknesses are and they attack those weaknesses - especially if you're able to get to the postseason.
“I know Kevin is a smart football guy, but having not called plays, you're at a disadvantage. I'm hoping this works out, but that will probably be my biggest concern going into next season: how well does Kevin now adjust to being the play caller? Or, will this end up going back to Nick? Nick started out as a play caller and realized that he should relinquish that and have someone else he felt could do a better job, and it worked out. But yeah, that's the area that I think is the most concerning.”
🎧 ▶️ unCovering the Birds
“unCovering the Birds” is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes each week during the regular season. Follow on the free Audacy app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you listen to podcasts.