The Philadelphia Eagles have implemented a significant change in their defensive play-calling strategy, replacing Sean Desai with Matt Patricia. The team announced on Sunday that Patricia will take over the play-calling duties, relaying instructions to the defensive unit’s “green dot,” starting with the upcoming Monday night’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.
According to a source confirmed by CBS Sports Lead NFL Insider Jonathan Jones, Desai retains his position as the defensive coordinator but will relocate to the coaching booth while Patricia manages play-calling responsibilities. This move comes after the Eagles signed Desai to a four-year contract in the offseason, following Jonathan Gannon’s departure to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. Notably, Desai had previously called defensive plays from the coaching booth during his tenure as the defensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears in 2021.
The decision to change defensive coordinators follows subpar performances against the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. However, issues with the defense were evident even before these games. Since Week 8, the Eagles rank 32nd in the NFL in third-down defense (54.8%) and red zone defense (78.3%), allowing a league-high 428.2 yards per game and 297.8 passing yards per game. Philadelphia is also 31st in the league in points per game allowed (30.0) and has conceded 30 or more points in three consecutive games for the first time since 1967.
The change in defensive coordinator comes shortly after head coach Nick Sirianni defended both coordinators amid criticism. Notably, there were no changes made on the offensive side of the ball.
The alteration in defensive leadership coincides with starting quarterback Jalen Hurts battling an illness. Despite missing the final team practice, Hurts is expected to start against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. The Eagles adjusted their practice routine during the week, opting for a full-padded practice on Thursday instead of the usual walkthrough.
Head coach Sirianni explained the change, emphasizing the team’s fluid approach to scheduling in pursuit of improvement. The Eagles have previously made such adjustments, notably during the Super Bowl-winning 2017 season when players requested a return to full-padded practices leading up to the playoffs after two lackluster regular-season performances.
Philadelphia appears to be making strategic changes on various fronts to break a two-game losing streak, during which they were outscored 75-32 by the 49ers and Cowboys.
