Nick Sirianni settled the question of who calls the Eagles' offensive plays with a one-word answer on Monday. Sean Mannion remains in charge. What Philadelphia has not settled is how that arrangement will produce enough offense to stop a four-game losing streak.
The Eagles' first two possessions against Carolina produced minus-3 net yards, setting the tone for a 25-14 loss that dropped Philadelphia to 2-4. By the end of the afternoon, the offense had generated 222 yards, rushed for 35 and punted eight times. DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert returned to produce, but their presence didn't solve the larger problem.
Sirianni expressed confidence in Mannion and the rest of his coaches while acknowledging the need for improvement, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane. Keeping the same play-caller, however, makes it more important to change what has failed around him.
Tanner McKee completed 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. Smith and Goedert caught 13 passes for 136 yards, yet Philadelphia averaged only 4.8 yards per pass attempt. Three sacks cost 28 yards, and the Eagles committed 11 penalties for 84 yards.
The offense did finish both red-zone possessions with touchdowns. The more persistent problem was getting into scoring position often enough. Philadelphia had a chance near midfield after pulling within 19-14, but a bad snap and an eight-yard deflected punt helped set up Carolina's final touchdown.
Injuries have narrowed Mannion's options. Dameon Pierce played 61 of 64 offensive snaps after Carson Steele exited, and Jalen Hurts' season-ending absence changes the offense's outlook. Those limitations make a coherent plan more necessary: manageable situations for McKee, a viable rushing contribution, and fewer possessions undone by preventable mistakes.
Mannion is accountable for the calls and the offense's design. Sirianni is accountable for the staff's response and the team's preparation. Neither responsibility disappears because Philadelphia has chosen continuity. Against Dallas, the Eagles need evidence that their review produced changes players can execute.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles’ offensive failures put Nick Sirianni and Sean Mannion on the spot