What The Eagles Could Learn From The Rams
Updated: Jun 30, 2023
The Philadelphia Eagles could learn some things from the Los Angeles Rams after watching them win Super Bowl 56. There is no perfect model to become Super Bowl champions, but there are plenty of ways to get better. The game is always evolving, but here is how the Rams did it compared to where the Eagles stand.
Young And Brilliant Head Coach
In 2017, the Rams hired Sean McVay as head coach. He was only 30 years old but had offensive coordinator experience. In year one, McVay helped lead the Rams to a playoff appearance, but they lost in the first round. By year two, he already had his team in the Super Bowl. By his fifth season, the Rams had made the playoffs four out of his five years. Being young, energetic, and smart has given Sean McVay an edge over other coaches in the NFL.
The Eagles went in this direction by hiring Nick Sirianni last year. Like McVay, Sirianni got the Eagles a postseason appearance in his first season. There were times it looked like Sirianni was not ready, but he made adjustments as the season went on. The lesson here for the Eagles is to give Sirianni a chance to develop. He doesn’t have to get to a Super Bowl this year, but he is a smart and young coach that needs more experience. The players have bought into his style, so the Eagles are heading in the right direction.
Load Up On Star Players
The Los Angeles Rams mortgaged their future in a win-now mode. They traded draft picks for quarterback Matthew Stafford and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Odell Beckham Jr. and Von Miller were brought in mid-season.
These star player acquisitions elevated the Rams to the next level. It became Super Bowl or bust for them. Getting a Super Bowl win was worth it for the Rams, but they will have to be creative without all the draft picks.
Looking at the Philadelphia Eagles, it seems evident that they lack talent. The Eagles did not beat a single playoff team in the 2021 season. While they have star players like Jason Kelce and Darius Slay, they need more elite players at the skill positions.
The Eagles are good enough as is to win games and make the playoffs, but they will need upgrades if they want to get better. The 2022 season is too early for the Eagles to go all-in during free agency, but they should start to build. Guys like Davante Adams and Von Miller will be available in free agency this year.
Great Quarterback Play
Every team that wins the Super Bowl does it with great quarterback play. Matthew Stafford had an amazing season for the Rams. He threw for over 4,800 yards, 41 touchdowns, and a 67% completion rate. A lot of credit goes to the receivers around him like Cooper Kupp, but Stafford played very well. Matthew Stafford had a really good career in Detroit but took it to the next level with the Rams.
The Philadelphia Eagles have their guy in Jalen Hurts, but he needs to improve if they want to win more. Hurts had his best games when the Eagles ran the ball effectively. In the playoffs, the Buccaneers stopped the run, but Hurts was not able to make the throws he needed to. The Eagles could look to make a trade or sign a free agent quarterback this off-season. Better quarterback play will make the Eagles more of a contender.
Conclusion
The NFL is always evolving, so the Rams strategy is not the only path to a Super Bowl. The Eagles can take some of these ideas to get better. They have their coach and some pieces to build around. The Eagles also have a wealth of draft picks. They can decide to draft young rookies and hope the develop or trade them for an elite player. With a few upgrades and time, the Eagles can get themselves on the right track to being a contender again.