The Eagles Shake Up Defensive Playcalling for Monday Night Football
In a surprising move, the Philadelphia Eagles have confirmed that Matt Patricia will take over the defensive playcalling for Monday Night Football. This comes after three consecutive games of allowing 30-plus points. Sean Desai, who retains the title of defensive coordinator, will move to the coaches’ booth while Patricia will call plays from the sideline.
Patricia joined the Eagles as a senior defensive assistant this offseason and was brought in alongside Desai, who was hired as defensive coordinator after Jonathan Gannon left to become the Cardinals’ head coach. Head coach Nick Sirianni had previously expressed total confidence in Desai, stating, “That’s why we hired him for the job.”
However, it seems that a change was deemed necessary as the Eagles continue to struggle defensively. Patricia brings with him an impressive resume, having served as the Patriots’ defensive coordinator under Bill Belichick from 2012-17 before leaving to become the head coach of the Lions. He then spent the past two seasons on Belichick’s staff, and his experience and leadership will be valuable assets to the Eagles’ defense.
It remains to be seen how this change will impact the team’s performance on Monday Night Football, but it’s clear that the Eagles are looking to shake things up in hopes of turning their defensive struggles around.