When 'playing not to lose' goes wrong

Nick Sirianni’s year-by-year evolution is a fascinating case study, including a 2025 version that has leaned into a conservative nature and play-not-to-lose mentality.

That was on full display yesterday after the Eagles took a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter, then seemingly took their foot off the gas while Dallas mounted a wild comeback.

And while it’s fair to say that one play or one single moment didn’t decide a 60-minute football game, I do believe one Sirianni decision told the story and set the stage for a loss that materially hurt the Eagles chances at the No. 1 overall seed and bye in the NFC postseason.