PHILADELPHIA — After the Philadelphia Eagles secured a narrow 20-16 victory against the Cleveland Browns, head coach Nick Sirianni was captured on camera energetically responding to fans who were booing. The Eagles struggled offensively for parts of the game, failing to create a significant gap against the Browns, who now hold a 1-5 record.
Sirianni, wearing a playful smile and giving a wink, explained that he was simply “excited to get the win.” He acknowledged the fans’ influence, commending their loud support that helped induce a couple of false-start penalties against Cleveland. However, he expressed that the negativity of boos is not helpful, stating, “We thrive off the crowd when they cheer for us… We hear them when they boo. We don’t necessarily like it. I don’t think that’s productive for anybody.”
Having faced criticism following last season’s disappointing finish—where the Eagles went from a promising 10-1 start to a 1-6 collapse—Sirianni’s performance this season has drawn scrutiny. Despite having a talented roster with a strong offensive line and playmakers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, the offense has underperformed. Since their season opener, where they scored 34 points, the Eagles have averaged just 18 points over the last four games. Additionally, injuries have plagued key players, limiting their contributions on the field.
Some fans in the stadium even resorted to “Fire Nick” chants during low points in the game, reflecting their frustration. On the sidelines, Sirianni was notably more animated than usual, engaging with Browns defensive backs and expressing his thoughts to referees. While he had previously moderated his behavior to avoid sending negative signals to his team, he revealed that players encouraged him to reignite his passionate coaching style.
“I was having fun… we need your energy,” Sirianni quoted some players as saying. He believes that when he expresses joy and energy, it positively impacts the team’s morale and encourages players to celebrate their successes.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts supported Sirianni’s reinvigorated approach, emphasizing the trust the players have in him, which fosters a collaborative environment for the team to grow together. “I’m excited for him and his growth… I think it will continue to help our football team,” Hurts commented.