Why the Eagles Aren't Ready for the Playoffs: A Psychiatrist's Take on Team Cohesion

I just read the *Inquirer* staff sports writers' predictions for the Eagles this coming season, and I couldn’t believe it. Everyone thinks the Eagles are going to make the playoffs.

How?

A group that wasn’t even a team at the end of the 2023 season has somehow become a team in the offseason without playing a single down together against a real-life opponent?

As a sports psychiatrist, I see major issues. Two new coaches are getting to know an entirely new group of players. Old players are trying to get to know new players, and new players are learning the ropes from new coaches. On top of that, everyone is adapting to a new system.

If cohesion ever occurs, it’s going to take time. And this is all being overseen by Nick Sirianni, yet?

The offensive line has two new starters and no Jason Kelce. The defense has numerous new faces, and no Fletcher Cox. Losing two captains can be a significant blow to a team’s cohesion.

I believe this collection of players will be soundly beaten by the Packers tomorrow night and by the next three teams they face. I could even see them starting 0-7.

This city, and the media, in my opinion, have been too slow to grasp the reality of certain coaches and certain quarterbacks, until it was way too late.

The *Inquirer* sports writers are usually a group whose insights, opinions, and wisdom I admire. But this time—and I do hope I’m wrong—they all seem out of touch with the reality that this assembled roster will be facing starting Friday night. They are unproven and untested.