Nick Sirianni Admits He Messed Up on Sideline in Week 16
Things around the Philadelphia Eagles are tense right now. The team entered Week 16 riding a three-game losing streak that highlighted their biggest flaws and embarrassed them against other top NFC contenders.
Christmas Day presented a chance to turn things around, and while the Eagles did pull out the victory, it was more difficult than expected. This contest led to some frustrations on the sideline, especially from head coach Nick Sirianni, who was even more animated with his players than usual.
Looking back on his behavior during Monday's holiday affair, Sirianni admitted he slipped up.
#Eagles HC Nick Sirianni on his team being tense despite having success:
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 26, 2023
"I felt like there were moments in the game that I was too tense and I have to do better with that."
Sirianni told reporters he needs to "do better" in regards to his handling his emotions during games. He noted there were times versus the Giants where he was "too tense," which led to some notable exchanges on the sideline.
The one most are aware of happened late in the game, as cameras caught Sirianni yelling at linebacker Haason Reddick. The HC then got into it with Reddick's position coach, Jeremiah Washburn, before wide receiver DeVonta Smith stepped in.
Meanwhile, fellow WR A.J. Brown can be seen looking on with a look many have interpreted as disapproval.
*Sirianni calls TO*
— Mostly Eagles Tweets (@MostlyEagles) December 26, 2023
-Haason jogs to the sideline to talk to LB coach
-Sirianni interjects, yells and gestures for Reddick to go back onto the field during TO
-LB coach and Sirianni exchange words heading back to the sideline
-Smitty steps in pic.twitter.com/1W3dUTGwhc
Sirianni also went at rookie Jalen Carter during Monday's game for failing to hustle and being flagged for a penalty. While a legitimate learning lesson, surely Sirianni's bubbling tension played a bit of a role here as well.
Giants punt team snapped the ball before Jalen Carter slowly jogged off the field. Flag came out and Nick Sirianni immediately ripped into Carter while the play was still going on.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) December 25, 2023
Everyone likes a coach who shows they care and will do anything to win. But that emotion can be a negative when it's applied to the wrong circumstances. No one wants to see a head coach and assistant bickering in the final seconds of a win.
Players have surely noticed Sirianni's sideline behavior, and it's good he has too before he takes it over the line. He's already walking a tightrope as he tries to rally his team from a down stretch, so he can't afford to lose the locker room because he can't control himself.
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