The Philadelphia Eagles are riding high after their Super Bowl LIX triumph, but their 2025 NFL season start hasn’t been a highlight reel of flawless football. With gritty victories over the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs in the first two weeks, the Eagles are proving that winning doesn’t always have to be pretty—it just has to get done. Head coach Nick Sirianni’s offseason mantra of “sustained success” is resonating, but the team’s early success comes with a raw, unpolished edge that veterans like Lane Johnson and quarterback Jalen Hurts are embracing.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) on the bench during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) on the bench during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome.
For Lane Johnson, the Eagles’ veteran right tackle, the scoreline matters more than the style. “If it comes down to shitty, ugly football that we’re barely winning, I’ll take it,” Johnson said with his trademark candor. “Would you like it to be more efficient? No doubt. But we pour everything into this game to scrape out those wins.” His words cut through the noise of a fanbase craving dominance, reminding everyone that a win is a win, no matter how it looks.
The Eagles’ performances haven’t been masterpieces. The offense has sputtered at times, averaging a meager 119 passing yards per game and a paltry 7.0 yards per completion. Jalen Hurts, the team’s dynamic quarterback, has yet to throw a touchdown pass this season. The defense, too, has had its share of shaky moments, struggling to find consistent rhythm. Yet, when the clock ticks down, the Eagles have delivered the clutch plays that turn close calls into victories.
Head coach Nick Sirianni isn’t sweating the imperfections either. His focus is on what he calls the “double positive”—winning the explosive play battle and the turnover battle. “We’ve been able to win that turnover battle,” Sirianni noted after their latest win. “But we need to be better in the explosive-play battle. There’s no doubt about it.” It’s a pragmatic approach that prioritizes results over aesthetics, and so far, it’s working.
Sirianni’s emphasis on sustained success isn’t about chasing perfection but about building a team that can grind out wins under pressure. The Eagles’ ability to make game-changing plays in critical moments—whether it’s a timely interception or a crucial third-down stop—has been their lifeline in these early weeks.
Jalen Hurts, ever the introspective leader, offered a candid take on the team’s journey. “We just need to continue to find out what our identity is,” he admitted. “I’d be lying if I said we were established and knew exactly who we are. Who knows who they are in week two?” Hurts’ honesty lays bare the reality of an NFL season: teams evolve, and the Eagles are still carving out their 2025 persona.
For Hurts, the key lies in resilience and discipline. “It’s about staying diligent, staying together, and finding ways to win,” he said. “When you have mental toughness and stay focused on playing fundamental football, you find ways to win.” The quarterback’s words reflect a team that’s less concerned with looking polished and more focused on stacking victories.
The Eagles’ early-season success is a testament to their ability to embrace the grind. While fans might crave blowouts and highlight-reel plays, Johnson, Hurts, and Sirianni are content with the messy, hard-fought wins that define championship-caliber teams. As long as the Eagles keep finding ways to come out on top, there’s no need to panic about the lack of flair.