Only the Philadelphia Eagles stood between the Washington Commanders and a Super Bowl appearance in head coach Dan Quinn's first season. Things didn't go according to plan this time around, but things weren't exactly rosy in the garden of their bitter NFC East rivals, either.
The Eagles may have won the division, but cracks in their armor emerged throughout the campaign. And when it came time for the postseason, these were ruthlessly exposed.
In a media environment like Philadelphia, everything always comes out in the wash. That's proved to be the case throughout the offseason.
Commanders' rival Eagles seem more vulnerable than ever amid offseason chaos
Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was fired, and the Eagles eventually settled on Sean Mannion as his replacement. Rumors around wide receiver A.J. Brown wanting out didn't take long to surface. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio contemplated retirement. Now, one of the best offensive line coaches in the league has walked away from the club.
Jeff Stoutland's retirement comes at an odd time. However, Tim McManus of ESPN stated that the coach was not consulted when Patullo and Sirianni started changing elements of the run game without his input. Other factors came into play, but this was an obvious tipping point.
"With the offense stagnant, head coach Nick Sirianni took on a more active role over the latter part of the season. He and then-offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo began incorporating different run designs in an effort to kick start the operation. [Jeff] Stoutland was not consulted about the changes to what he felt was an appropriate degree, a league source said, to the point where he no longer desired the title of run game coordinator because he felt it no longer fit his job description."Tim McManus
There has been nothing but chaos in Philadelphia for months. If the Commanders can get their own house in order, it's something Quinn can take advantage of as Washington finally looks to regain NFC East supremacy.
That will be easier said than done. The Commanders have two new coordinators who haven't called plays in the NFL before. They are about to undergo a significant roster overhaul. Things are hanging precariously, but if everything goes well, the Eagles do appear to be more vulnerable than ever.
The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants will also fancy their chances. That has greater significance for the latter, who caused a stir by naming John Harbaugh their new head coach after his long association with the Baltimore Ravens finally concluded.
It'll be another fascinating year within the division. But don't be surprised if the Commanders find themselves right in the thick of things with a bounce-back season.
As for the Eagles? The long-awaited downfall may be underway.