PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Eagles won their season opener against the Lions on Sunday 38-35, but how exactly are fans supposed to feel after they almost coughed up a 17-point lead?
The WIP Morning Show posed that question to head coach Nick Sirianni on Monday, who gave a simple answer: “You’re supposed to feel jacked up. 1-0.”
That’s true — the Eagles are undefeated and picked up a win against an improved Lions team in Detroit’s home opener. However, Detroit was a three-win team last year and inferior to the Eagles on paper.
Sirianni said that shouldn’t hinder a fan’s excitement about the win.
“It was a crazy game,” he said. “A win is a win is a win is a win, and we’ll take them any way we can get ’em.”
The Birds locked in a W thanks to new wide receiver A.J. Brown, who racked up 155 receiving yards — a record for a player making his Eagles debut. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was also very effective scrambling, as he has shown throughout his career.
There were other key contributors as well, like running back Miles Sanders and members of the special teams unit, who recognized a Detroit onsides kick attempt in the second half — something the Eagles practiced during the week, according to Sirianni.
Related
However, the defense allowed 35 points, and the near fourth-quarter collapse raises questions about conditioning and whether the Eagles were ready for a full game after barely playing starters in the pre-season or practicing live contact during training.
“I know one of the concerns was always about the tackling and the ball security because we didn’t tackle in camp, but we sure as heck conditioned,” Sirianni argued, noting they simulated long drives in practice and made sure no player was overweight.
All well and good for a Week 1 nail-biter. But the competition will improve, starting in a week for the Eagles home opener at Lincoln Financial Field against the Minnesota Vikings.
“I can’t wait to see our fans out there supporting us and being so loud,” Sirianni added.