The Philadelphia Eagles opened their Black Friday matchup against the Chicago Bears with a promising drive that ended in frustration. In freezing temperatures and swirling winds, the offense leaned briefly on Saquon Barkley before shifting away from the ground game.
Nick Sirianni & Co.’s Questionable Game Plan Draws Early Criticism
Barkley gained 10 yards on his first two carries, but the Eagles shifted away from the run, and the drive quickly fizzled. Hurts connected on just one of three pass attempts before the possession ended in a punt, prompting questions about the play-calling in harsh conditions.
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky was among those quick to criticize the approach.
“Philly. It’s 20 degrees with 25 mph winds. Run the dang football,” Orlovsky tweeted, calling out head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo for abandoning the run after early success.
Philly
It’s 20 degrees with 25 mph windsRun the dang football
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) November 28, 2025
The criticism comes as Philadelphia continues to battle offensive line injuries and inconsistency.
According to PFSN metrics, the Eagles’ OL Impact Score sits at 71.2, ranking 18th in the league. That figure reflects a front five that has struggled to establish rhythm and protect Hurts, leaving the offense vulnerable in key moments.
Barkley’s Drop-Off From 2024
Barkley’s production has also drawn scrutiny. Last season, he was the league’s most dominant back, rushing for 2,005 yards and scoring 15 total touchdowns while averaging 5.8 yards per carry. That performance set expectations for another elite campaign in 2025.
This season has been far less dominant. Through 11 games this season, Barkley has 684 rushing yards and four touchdowns, numbers that reflect both his reduced usage and the offense’s broader struggles.
Analysts point to play-calling and offensive line issues as factors limiting his impact compared to last season’s breakout.
Bears Take Control Early
Meanwhile, Chicago continued to build on its early momentum. After striking first in the opening quarter, the Bears added a field goal midway through the second to extend their lead to 10-3. Chicago’s defensive front has been aggressive, testing Philadelphia’s protection and forcing Hurts into quick decisions.
The spotlight on the Black Friday stage only amplifies the scrutiny. Philadelphia entered the game with hopes of another Super Bowl run, but it has faced questions about its offensive identity.
Barkley’s proven ability to carry the load makes the decision to move away from the run even more puzzling, especially in conditions that favor a ground-heavy approach.
For the Eagles, the challenge is not just withstanding the cold and wind, but proving they can adapt when circumstances demand a different approach. With the Bears already ahead and dominating time of possession, the margin for error is shrinking, and the calls to “run the dang football” may grow louder if Philadelphia fails to respond.