The Philadelphia Eagles faced a challenging start in their Black Friday matchup against the Chicago Bears, launching an initial drive that quickly devolved into frustration. Playing in frigid temperatures and brisk winds, the Eagles briefly turned to Saquon Barkley, who gained 10 yards on his first two carries, but soon abandoned the ground game as the drive stalled.
Criticism aimed at head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo arose quickly after the Eagles’ failure to maintain a running strategy despite the harsh weather conditions. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky publicly voiced his frustration on social media, suggesting that the Eagles should have leaned more on their running game given the 20-degree temperature and 25 mph winds.
The Eagles have been grappling with issues related to their offensive line, which has seen injuries and inconsistencies plague their performance. Their OL Impact Score is currently at 71.2, placing them 18th in the league, indicative of a unit that has struggled to protect quarterback Jalen Hurts effectively and establish offensive rhythm.
Barkley’s decline in production compared to his breakout 2024 season, where he rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 15 touchdowns, has only added to the scrutiny. This season, he has tallied just 684 rushing yards and four touchdowns through 11 games, a drop that analysts attribute to his reduced usage and the struggles of the overall offense.
On the other side of the field, the Bears capitalized on their chances, scoring first in the opening quarter and extending their lead to 10-3 with a field goal midway through the second quarter. Chicago’s defensive front has been relentless, testing the Eagles’ protection and forcing Hurts into making rapid decisions.
As the game progresses, Philadelphia must not only contend with the biting cold but also demonstrate resilience and adaptability. With time dwindling and the Bears controlling possession, the urgency for the Eagles to commit to a ground-heavy strategy may become more pronounced, as the calls for them to “run the dang football” echo louder with each passing minute. The outcome of the game places pressure on the Eagles not just to adjust to the weather conditions, but to prove that they can evolve their offensive identity when needed.