Eagles coach Sirianni is unhappy with boos in win over Browns

PHILADELPHIA – Eagles coach Nick Sirianni was seen on camera at the end of Sunday's 20-16 home win over the Cleveland Browns, shouting and gesturing to a group of fans during parts of a game in which the offense was intermittent stalled, boos rained down. The talented Eagles had difficulty separating themselves from the now 1:5 Browns.

Sirianni, wearing a wry smile and winking, said he was “just excited to get the win” as he explained his interaction with the fans and praised the crowd for being loud and causing a few false start penalties in Cleveland.

But when Sirianni was asked about the ridicule the Eagles received in their home stadium, he acknowledged they could do without the negativity.

“We thrive in the crowd when they cheer us on. That’s all I can say,” Sirianni said. “We hear them when they boo. We don't necessarily like that. I don't think this is productive for anyone. But when they cheer us on and when we get them rolling, we love it.”

Sirianni faced criticism after last season's failure, when an Eagles team that started 10-1 slipped to 1-6, leading to the firing of its offensive and defensive coordinators.

The on-field product this season leaves a lot to be desired.

The offense has been a point of frustration given the talent level – the group boasts one of the best offensive lines in football and features AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley at the skill positions – compared to previous results.

Since scoring 34 points in the opener against the Green Bay Packers, the Eagles have averaged 18 points in the four games since. However, due to injury, Brown only appeared in two games, and other top players such as Smith and tackle Lane Johnson also missed time.

While it wasn't overwhelming, there were some parts of the crowd that chanted “Fire Nick” during a few bad moments of the game.

And Sirianni was by far the most demonstrative he's been on the sidelines this year. He played with several Browns defensive players, including cornerback Greg Newsome II, and was called into contact with the referees on several occasions.

Before Sunday, he had toned down his behavior, knowing that chasing referees in particular could send the wrong message to his players. Eagles CEO Jeffrey Lurie noted of Sirianni this offseason, “It can be a little counterproductive if he exaggerates his own passion,” adding that it's about finding the “sweet spot” between bringing that passion to the table and to not overdo it.

Sirianni revealed Sunday that the return to his fiery demeanor came at the behest of some of his players.

“I had fun. And I kind of got feedback from the guys, the feeling: 'We need you back, Nick. We need your energy. We need your focus,'” he said. “I learned that from some players. If I'm active and having fun, I think that affects the rest of the football team. If I want the guys to celebrate after big games and be themselves, then I should probably do that myself, right?

“Now there are times for it and times not for it. I have to have wisdom and judgment about when to do that and when not to do that.”

Quarterback Jalen Hurts said he was one of the players who encouraged Sirianni to be himself.

“It’s an affirmation that we trust who you are. We trust where you are as a coach and we know we can build with you. It’s about doing it together,” Hurts said. “I’m excited for him and his development and continuing to see where he goes and I think it will continue to help our football team.”