Something had to change for the Philadelphia Eagles, and it was Sean Desai who shouldered the burden.
The Eagles’ first-year defensive coordinator was stripped of play-calling duties heading into Monday’s loss to the Seahawks. Desai was relegated to the booth, while senior defensive assistant Matt Patricia took over play-calling responsibilities on the sideline.
Philly’s defense showed marginal improvement against Seattle before melting down on the final drive, which culminated in a game-winning 29-yard touchdown pass from Drew Lock to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Independent of Sunday's result, the mere fact that the Eagles had to boot Desai, who took over after Jonathan Gannon left for the Cardinals head coaching gig, is a microcosm of the issues facing a Philly team in a freefall.
Brandon Graham responded to the decision Tuesday on the 94WIP Morning Show.
"I think it’s part of the journey, man," Graham said. "Stuff had to change, and of course I know that coach made that decision. He came to us and talked to us in front of the group and he made sure we knew what was going on. Desai man, the dude is still a good coach. Went out there and handled his business, you couldn’t tell – even though I know he probably was hurting on the inside – you couldn’t tell. He was very professional about it.
"We still go up to him, talk to him, see what he sees, talk to him about what he sees for the week and what he expects, how he expects them to attack us. Another good ear to lend. When I’m in my preparation I’m always trying to figure out from coaches what they’re thinking and why. Nothing changed there, he just switched roles pretty much (with Patricia)."
Patricia is a polarizing figure. He had a largely successful run as a DC with the New England Patriots before a dreadful stint as head coach of the Detroit Lions – where he made an apparent enemy in Darius Slay.
His return to New England didn’t go much better, as his bizarre role alongside Joe Judge handling the offense effectively tanked Mac Jones.
Graham indicated that Patricia had been around players enough in his role with the Eagles to forge relationships prior to being tabbed as play-caller.
“He always put himself in there to try to make sure that he built relationships with the guys," Graham said. "Halftime, he’d always come in and talk to Desai and you hear him go over where they’re hitting us and where we’ve gotta make corrections and helping Coach Desai the whole time. So, we got familiar definitely with his coaching style and his intensity definitely has risen being the coordinator. …
“We trust him, man. We just didn’t make the plays last night. Especially that last drive. But I do know a lot of guys respect him, and we were playing fast out there. We just went with it, that’s what you’ve got to do as professionals, you’ve got to go with whatever they think.”