SEATTLE — A major shake-up in the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive coaching ranks appeared to have some positive effect Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks, but a unit that has struggled for much of the season let down in the biggest moment, leading to a 20-17 defeat that extended the Eagles' losing streak to three games.
Senior assistant Matt Patricia took over playcalling this week for D-coordinator Sean Desai. Coach Nick Sirianni said after Monday's contest that Patricia now has final say over the defense.
Players said they were notified of the change early last week and that Patricia ran the defensive meetings during the lead-up to the Seattle game. «I made the decision,» Sirianni said. «I did what I thought I needed to do in the best interest of the football team.
We made some adjustments there. Didn't feel like we were playing and coaching well enough on defense, so I made an adjustment.» The defense held Seattle to 90 yards and three points before intermission, allowing the Eagles to build a halftime lead for the first time in seven games.