Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni Stands by Aggressive Fourth-Down Calls
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, decisions made on fourth down can define a game's outcome and a coach's reputation. For Nick Sirianni, head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, these moments are calculated risks he must own, even when they don't pan out.
Following the Eagles' recent victory over the New Orleans Saints, Sirianni addressed his controversial fourth-down decisions. Specifically, he chose to go for it on fourth-and-1 at the Saints' 15-yard line in the final minute of the first half, with the Eagles trailing 3-0. The play called was a fake "tush push," an innovative but risky move. Unfortunately, it did not yield the desired result. Saquon Barkley was stopped for no gain, leaving some to question the call.
"Every time we go for it on fourth down or set ourselves up to go for it on fourth down, I'm doing what I think is best for the football team at that particular time," Sirianni explained. "I'm not going to make that a weekly habit of explaining that to you guys."
This wasn’t an isolated decision. Throughout the game, the Eagles went 1-for-3 on fourth-down attempts. They failed to convert at both the Saints' 14-yard line and the 34-yard line, adding to the scrutiny. Nevertheless, it was clear that these decisions were driven by a strategic mindset focused on maximizing the team's chances of winning.
"I can say this: Every time I do something like that, I'm doing it because I think it gives us the best chance to win the football game," Sirianni reiterated. "And knowing very well that when you don't convert on fourth down, that's going to be 100% on me, regardless."
One of the more audacious fourth-down decisions came when the Eagles attempted a 60-yard field goal on fourth-and-11 at the Saints' 42-yard line. Attempts like these illustrate the competitive spirit and the high-risk, high-reward nature of the modern NFL.
Kellen Moore, the offensive coordinator and primary play-caller for the Eagles, plays a pivotal role in these decisions. However, it's a collaborative effort. Kevin Patullo, the passing game coordinator and associate head coach, also contributes to the play-calling process.
"Kellen is obviously the one calling plays, but everything is collaborative as far as the way we go through our process and in-game," Sirianni pointed out. "Just because I did it in that one instance doesn't mean there is not a play that [Patullo] is saying in the ear of Kellen, 'Hey, what do you think about this there?' and Kellen going, 'Yeah, I like that idea.'
Sirianni's willingness to take accountability is evident. "I did what I thought was best for us in that particular case. Hey, it didn't work. So, like I said, when it doesn't work, there is nowhere else to look but right here, right on me," he admitted.
The head coach is acutely aware of the scrutiny that follows such decisions, especially those that can be perceived as dubious. "I also understand the scrutiny that will happen when something like that happens. I wanted you guys to know yesterday that in that scenario, with a questionable call there, that I made that decision... In that particular case, I called that one, and it didn't work," he said.
In the end, the hallmark of great coaching is not just about making the right calls but also about owning those choices, regardless of the outcome. For Nick Sirianni, the commitment to doing what he believes is best for the team, coupled with his readiness to take responsibility, continues to define his tenure with the Eagles.