The Eagles trailed 17-7 for two straight games now, and this past Sunday, #FireBrianJohnson was a trending topic on X and other social media sites heading into the half after Philadelphia only managed 99 total yards while going 0-for-4 on third down.
The second half was and is always different, as Jalen Hurts accounted for five total touchdowns, and the Eagles moved to 10-1 on the season.
Johnson, who was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator after Shane Steichen took the head coaching job for the Indianapolis Colts in February, has received his share of criticism for the slow starts and addressed the growing discontent amid a record-breaking season.
Brian Johnson on criticism
Brian Johnson: “Being criticized does not affect me one way or another.”
— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) November 28, 2023
Johnson has received criticism for the slow starts, but Philadelphia’s offense is on par, if not better than the 2022 version.
#Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson said he keeps himself insulated from outside criticism, but said his experience as a former quarterback helps him understand how to handle it: “Criticism is part of the deal. … being criticized does not affect me at all.” pic.twitter.com/yvX406NnPN
— EJ Smith (@EJSmith94) November 28, 2023
Eagles’ current 2023 offensive rankings:
Points per game: 3rd
First downs per game: 1st
Time of possession: 3rd
Third down conversion percentage: 3rd
Red Zone TD percentage: 5th
Brian Johnson on being hot name
#Eagles OC Brian Johnson says have to improve on slow starts. Said criticism comes with job. And as possible head coach candidate, can’t control that. Just has to put team in best position. “Would be a complete waste of energy to think about it.”
— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) November 28, 2023
The 3-0 Eagles are one the hottest teams in the NFL right now, and with success comes poachers from the opposition looking to lure your best coaches away.
When hiring Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia assembled one of the NFL’s youngest coaching staff, and that dynamic group has already been broken up thanks to their versatility and vast talents.
Shane Steichen took his talents to Indianapolis, and he’s doing wonders with Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew.
The much-maligned Jonathan Gannon is in Arizona, and his Cardinals upset the top-ranked Dallas Cowboys earlier this season.
Johnson was asked about being a hot name.
Brian Johnson experiencing both sides of the spectrum — fan criticism for offensive performance and a hot name on coaching lists around the NFL: pic.twitter.com/SdtV9XvyOK
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) November 28, 2023
Final Observation
The Eagles need to improve their red zone efficiency (down from 72.5% to 62.8%) and Jalen Hurts’ interceptions per attempt (from 0.9% to 2.8%), but overall, Johnson’s first season as offensive coordinator has been just as successful, if not better than Shane Steichen’s first season.
Philadelphia has improved under Johnson, now ranking fifth in red zone efficiency, and during the past three huge games, the Eagles are 10-for-10 inside the 20-yard line in win over the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.
Brian Johnson is going to be fine, and like Shane Steichen last offseason, he’ll likely get an interview or two, return, and then potentially land the job of his choice in 2025.
