The Philadelphia Eagles are getting set to take on the Los Angeles Rams after a lackluster offensive performance in the Wild Card round against the Green Bay Packers. Though they are looking for a bounce-back game offensively, a recent report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter could put the Eagles in a tough position to do so.
Eagles OC Kellen Moore Expected To Meet With Rival Dallas Cowboys
On Thursday, Jan.16, Schefter reported that Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, is expected to meet with the Cowboys about their head coaching position for next season.
Cowboys are expected to interview Eagles OC Kellen Moore at some point this weekend, ahead of Philadelphia’s divisional playoff matchup vs. the Rams. https://t.co/bK4aq6R5Ui
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 16, 2025
This news could not come at a worse time for the Eagles, who are gearing up for their biggest game of the season. Sunday’s matchup between Philly and Los Angeles is expected to be a snow game, adding to the pressure on the offensive coordinator.
Though it will be difficult to play well through the snow, the Eagles simply cannot afford to leave any points on the board against the Rams. Last week, Philadelphia forced five turnovers, including a turnover on downs, but scored just 13 points off those turnovers. Additionally, the Eagles punted the ball five times, which is three more than the Packers.
That said, Green Bay had a top-10 defense this season, according to PFN’s Defense+ rankings, and they deserve a lot of credit for keeping Philly in check. Jalen Hurts didn’t play his best game, but there weren’t many opportunities for him to make plays.
Thankfully for the Eagles, the Rams’ defense isn’t quite as scary as the Packers’. Less than two months ago, Philadelphia put that on full display as they dominated in a 37-20 victory over the Rams in Los Angeles. While this week could be easier for Moore to prepare for, this meeting could have more long-term impacts on Philadelphia.
What Are the Long-Term Impacts if Moore Departs to Dallas?
To state the obvious, one of the league’s best offensive coordinators would be going back to a division rival as the head coach. This not only makes the Cowboys better, but the Eagles would be in a tough position trying to fill Moore’s shoes.
This season, Philadelphia had the second-best rushing attack in the NFL (behind only the Baltimore Ravens), as Saquon Barkley broke the 2,000-yard milestone for the first time in his career. Led by Hurts, the passing game hasn’t been incredible, but it’s been a struggle to find consistency with key players each missing a few games.
One of the biggest concerns, however, is not looking forward to next season but to what kind of impact this will have if the Eagles advance in the playoffs. This situation is eerily similar to Jonathan Gannon being named the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, the last time the Eagles appeared in the Super Bowl.
Due to this occurring just two days following the Eagles’ loss in the Super Bowl, in which the defense performed poorly, it led many fans to believe Gannon may have sabotaged Philadelphia. While this is quite the stretch, this kind of rumor is not what the Eagles will be looking for if they return to the Super Bowl this year.