PHILADELPHIA — After the Eagles’ narrow 20-16 victory against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, coach Nick Sirianni was caught on camera expressing his emotions towards a group of fans who were booing during parts of the game. The Eagles, who are rich in talent, faced challenges in separating themselves from the struggling 1-5 Browns, resulting in criticism directed at the team’s performance.
Sirianni, sporting a grin and a wink, attributed his animated exchange with the fans to his excitement over the win and commended the crowd for their vocal support that contributed to several false-start penalties by Cleveland.
When asked about the boos directed at the Eagles during the game, Sirianni acknowledged the negative impact. “We thrive off the crowd when they cheer for us. That’s all I’ll say. We hear them when they boo. We don’t necessarily like it. I don’t think that’s productive for anybody,” he explained. Sirianni expressed his preference for a supportive crowd, noting that a lively atmosphere positively impacts the team.
The Eagles head coach has faced scrutiny following last season’s downturn, which saw his team collapse from a 10-1 start to a 1-6 finish, resulting in the dismissal of both offensive and defensive coordinators. This season, the team’s performance hasn’t met expectations, particularly on offense. Despite possessing one of the best offensive lines in the league and star players like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley, the offensive output has been underwhelming. Since scoring 34 points in their opening game against the Green Bay Packers, the Eagles have averaged just 18 points over the last four games. Injuries have also troubled key players, including Brown, Smith, and tackle Lane Johnson.
During the game on Sunday, some fans expressed their dissatisfaction with “Fire Nick” chants amid a few tough moments. Sirianni’s emotional presence on the sideline stood out, as he engaged with several Browns defensive players, including cornerback Greg Newsome II, and had animated discussions with the officials. Previously, Sirianni had moderated his sideline behavior, knowing that targeting officials could send a problematic message to his players. Eagles CEO Jeffrey Lurie had highlighted the need for balance in Sirianni’s passionate approach.
On Sunday, Sirianni disclosed that he was encouraged by his players to bring back his fiery demeanor. “I was having fun. And I kind of got some feedback from the guys, the sense of like, ‘We need you back, Nick. We need your energy. We need your focus,’” he shared. Sirianni emphasized the importance of maintaining that energy to foster a celebratory atmosphere within the team.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts, one of the players who urged Sirianni to be himself, reflected on the supportive message this conveyed to the team. “It’s a reassurance of, we trust who you are. We trust where you are as a coach, and we know we can build with you. It’s about doing it together,” Hurts stated. He expressed enthusiasm for Sirianni’s growth and its continued positive impact on the team.