Sirianni Fires Back: "We Need Our Fans to Be There for Us"
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni wasn't mincing words after his team's disappointing 17-16 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. While the Eagles played a frustrating game, Sirianni's post-game press conference focused on a different issue entirely: the lack of energy and support from the home crowd at Lincoln Financial Field.
"It felt like we were playing on the road at times," Sirianni said, his voice laced with frustration. "We need our fans to be there for us. This is a tough league, and we need that extra boost, that extra energy. We need them to believe in us, even when things get tough."
The Eagles were visibly struggling throughout the game, particularly in the second half. While the offense managed to put up points, the defense faltered, allowing the Browns to claw back into the game and ultimately seal the victory with a game-winning field goal.
The atmosphere at the stadium wasn't a helping factor. The crowd, known for their passionate support of the Eagles, seemed subdued and quiet for much of the game. This lack of enthusiasm was particularly noticeable when the team faced adversity.
Sirianni, known for his fiery personality, acknowledged that the Eagles have a lot of work to do. "We're not playing good enough football right now," he said, "and that starts with me. But I need to see that fire in the stands. We need our fans to be our 12th man."
This public criticism from Sirianni marks a significant turning point in the relationship between the Eagles and their fanbase. It remains to be seen how the Eagles will respond on the field in the coming weeks, and how the fans will react to their coach's call to action. One thing is certain: the pressure is on for both the team and the crowd to step up their game.