Philadelphia Eagles: Is it finally time to move on from Jim Schwartz?

The Philadelphia Eagles defense failed to show up against the New York Giants.

Despite the Philadelphia Eagles abysmal record heading into the bye week, optimism surrounding the team was starting to grow during their week off. Injured players were finally starting to return to action, stories of a revitalized playbook were being drummed up, and players left and right were talking about how they were set to be a “different team” in the second half of the season.

Despite all the hype, the Eagles came out completely lifeless against the Giants on Sunday. They lost by a score of 27-17, dropping their first game to New York since wayyy back in 2016.

Ultimately, this was a really bad outing from essentially everyone within the organization. The players didn’t show up ready to perform, the coaches were completely out-dueled, and some of the front office’s most prized on-field assets failed to deliver. Despite the offense looking absolutely miserable (only scoring 17 points), I want to take a moment and focus solely in on the defense.

More from Section 215

• 4 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
• Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket
• 3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn Siposs
• Cowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak Prescott
• Devon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on Eagles

Jim Schwartz has been in Philly for awhile now, and he’s no stranger to criticism. His scheme is a tad wonky, and it tends to frustrate fans, but for the most part he’s gotten the job done when it matters most. His defense locked in at the end of 2018 and 2019, helping guide a somewhat struggling offense into the postseason on back-to-back instances.

Schwartz’ resume has somewhat left him above criticism within the Eagles organization, and Howie Roseman continues to differ to him when it comes to defensive roster decisions.

However, genuinely for the first time, Schwartz is starting to look like a major problem.

Schwartz’ defense allowed 27 points and 382 total yards to a Giants team that entered Sunday as the fifth worst offense in all of football. Daniel Jones looked like a Hall of Famer (both with his legs and his arm), and the partnership of Wayne Gallman and Alfred Morris had their way running up and down the field. The defense forced zero turnovers, logged just three sacks, and routinely set the offense up with woeful field position.

What made their performance today the most frustrating was that it was specifically “Schwartz guys” who were struggling. Favorites like Avonte Maddox, Nickell Robey-Coleman, TJ Edwards, Alex Singleton, and Javon Hargrave all massively struggled today; and these are guys that Schwartz has specifically invested time and assets into as of late.

It makes it even more infuriating that guys like Rasul Douglas and Sidney Jones continue to thrive with other teams.

Once upon a time, Schwartz’ Philly defense was genuinely one of the best in football. It wasn’t always the most flashy, but it got the job done. However, as we now look ahead to 2021, it’s starting to feel like his rigid way of doing things is simply outdated. Young players aren’t developing, free agents aren’t coming in and adjusting appropriately, and most importantly they’re not gathering results on the actual field.

It won’t happen anytime soon, Schwartz has likely bought himself enough leeway to finish out the season. However, in the offseason when heads starts to roll, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Schwartz start making his way for an exit.