Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was clearly relieved following the team’s stressful 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers in São Paulo, Brazil.
Despite a sloppy performance by the Eagles, Sirianni was constantly smiling during his press conference following the game. He understands how hard it is to win in the NFL, and he was happy to escape Week 1 with a win.
Here’s what Sirianni had to say during his postgame press conference in Brazil.
Eagles HC Nick Sirianni Discusses Week 1 Victory Over Packers
Sirianni Praises Eagles for Resiliency Against Packers
Despite questionable field conditions and extended travel, Sirianni didn’t make any excuses for Philadelphia’s poor execution in Week 1. In fact, he praised his players for their perseverance on Friday night.
“What I’m really proud about is it was sloppy,” Sirianni said. “It was definitely sloppy, and there were things on both sides that looked like they were sloppy.
“But we were able, as a football team, to persevere through some dark moments.”
Since his arrival as head coach of the Eagles in 2021, Sirianni has often referred to the “dog mentality” that he looks for in his players. He again referenced the importance of mental toughness following the team’s impressive win in Week 1.
“The ‘dog mentality,’ the mental toughness meaning the same thing, having the same attitude, effort, and energy no matter what the circumstances,” Sirianni said. “That not only serves these guys well as football players, but it’s going to serve them well in life, because life is hard.”
Jalen Hurts Responded Well Despite Turnover Struggles
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts struggled mightily with turnovers against the Packers. Despite throwing for 278 passing yards, two touchdowns, and adding 33 rushing yards on the ground, Hurts had three total turnovers.
While Sirianni understands Hurts didn’t play well enough in Week 1, he appreciated how Hurts responded to adversity against the Packers.
“We couldn’t have played a worse first quarter than we did offensively,” Sirianni said. “And then we came back down the field, and he hits Saquon (Barkley) with an unbelievable throw.
“I thought Jalen (Hurts) started it as far as the ‘dog mentality’ and playing through, handling adversity.”
Sirianni then praised Hurts for his execution down the final stretch, which gave the Eagles a five-point lead.
Despite the quarterback’s turnover struggles earlier against the Packers, he tightened up and delivered on the game’s most important drive.
“That four-minute drive that we had, that drive started with eight minutes left in the game,” Sirianni said. “And we gave them the ball back with 27 seconds. Why?
“Because Jalen and DeVonta (Smith) connected on some huge plays. That’s tough football. Four-minute football is tough football.”
Sirianni Is ‘So Excited’ To Have Saquon Barkley in Philadelphia
Saquon Barkley enjoyed a historical performance in his Eagles debut in Week 1. Sirianni was asked about Barkley’s arrival and his impact on Philadelphia’s rushing attack.
“We’re so excited to have him,” Sirianni said. “He made some huge plays throughout this entire game. He made some huge plays in critical moments and scored a bunch of touchdowns.”
While Sirianni praised Barkley for his on-field performance, he also emphasized how great a person the 27-year-old running back is.
“To have him on our football team means a lot,” Sirianni said. “Howie (Roseman) did a great job of putting this team together, and he’s a playmaker. And he’s a great leader and he’s a great person. People feed off his energy.”
It’s clear that Sirianni is excited about Barkley’s arrival and his leadership in the locker room. Now, the Eagles will look to build on his hot start and the team’s success in Week 2.