Philadelphia Eagles: Orlando Scandrick’s criticism is completely justified

The 2019 Philadelphia Eagles were supposed to be an action-adventure. Instead, we’re witnessing a horror show. Orlando Scandrick simply exposed the script.

By now, you’ve probably heard the scathing comments from ex-Philadelphia Eagles CB Orlando Scandrick. Released from the team Monday for the second time since signing as a free agent in July, the 32-year-old called out his former mates, alluding to a lack of accountability, poor culture, and opining that many players are still stuck on a Super Bowl “high.”

And while some may argue he’s simply bitter about being “scapegoated,” as he put it, Scandrick’s remarks are completely justified and expose a larger, much more relevant issue plaguing this team.

Appearing on FS1’s “Undisputed” Friday morning, Scandrick expressed:

"“The problem in Philadelphia is much, much deeper than me. I think they’re having a tough time dealing with success. Whenever you’ve got to say ‘Oh, we’re going to get it together. Oh, no one believes in us. Oh, it’s about us.’ You’re already doomed.”"

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And he’s right.

The Philadelphia Eagles hoisted the Lombardi Trophy two years ago. When since, however, has this team shown any resemblance to that 2017 squad that steamrolled through opponents? Week 1 when they were down 17-0 verses the lowly Redskins? Beating a winless Jets team (at the time) who was playing with their third-string QB?

How about last year? After the season got underway, did the Birds ever once make you feel like they were sure to repeat – or at the very least – make it back to the big dance? The answer is an emphatic “NO!”

Rather than commanding victories, the team has spent more time playing lifeless, uninspired football beset with in-house bickering and anonymous reports over the past two years. Sometimes the truth hurts, and though Scandrick was willing to toe the company line following Sunday night’s debacle in Dallas, his comments now resonate strongly.

And where’s the leadership? From top to bottom, the organization is failing itself by allowing unnecessary squabbles to fester. From players showing up late to meetings, to expressing displeasure through the media rather than face-to-face, the issues continue to grow. At this point, the Eagles have become must-see reality TV, and for all the WRONG reasons.

Do you see in-house bickering with the Patriots? The Steelers did have in-house squabbles last year, and where are those two players this year?

Exactly.

Winning requires so much more than talent; it requires a team-first attitude and a unified front heading into each weekly battle. There will be down seasons (Patriots excluded), but it’s worth the ultimate gain in the long-term. Right now and for the past two seasons, this Eagles team has exhibited neither.

Howie Roseman is quick to cut non-impact players. Do you want to set a tone? How about cutting Nelson Agholor after the *receiver* (term said loosely) failed to dive for a catchable ball? What about benching the player(s) that showed up late to meetings for an entire game? This falls on Roseman, Doug Pederson, and the entire staff.

Then there are the players.

Malcolm Jenkins. Jason Kelce. Carson Wentz. Fletcher Cox. Kamu Grugier-Hill. They’re the captains on the team. That “C” has to mean something. Demonstrate leadership by addressing these repeated issues in-house. The same goes for other established veterans.

Is this happening? If it is, it sure as heck doesn’t reflect on the field nor amid the growing locker room chatter.

And it hasn’t since February 4th, 2018.

The Eagles are in trouble, and unlike last year, there’s no apparent “saving grace” to help them turn it around. This falls directly on the organization and every player currently roaming the halls of the NovaCare Complex, the same walls Scandrick briefly called home.

The 12-year vet likely played his last game in the NFL this past Sunday having never reached the Super Bowl, let alone winning one. Yet his message this morning seems to have fallen on deaf ears.

During this afternoon’s media availability at the Eagles practice facility, one player’s snide remark rang louder than anything the team has accomplished so far on the field. As reported by NJ.com’s Zack Rosenblatt, the Eagles player quipped: “Sounds like someone who got no rings.”

Hmmm. Did the player even listen to what Scandrick was suggesting?

"“That locker room is different. I’d tell guys when I came there that I felt like they were still living off that Super Bowl high. It’s over. They’re living in the past. But some of those guys came into the league and the first thing they experienced was 13-3 and the Super Bowl and they think that’s what it’s all about. […] And for me, 12 years, no Super Bowls. No Super Bowl appearances. And some of those guys, they haven’t even faced the harsh reality of a losing season.”"

At this rate, those players are well on their way to the team’s first losing season since 2016, Pederson’s first as head coach. That may not sound like much, but considering the lofty expectations coming in, this has been an absolute nightmare, one nobody predicted.

The 2019 Philadelphia Eagles were supposed to be an action-adventure. Instead, we’re witnessing a horror show directed by Howie Roseman, Doug Pederson, and team leaders. It’s the same script that’s been in front of us for two years. Orlando Scandrick simply brought it to our attention.