Jordan Mailata says the 2025 Eagles are nothing like the collapsing 2023 team, despite recent struggles. Explore the team’s issues, defensive fatigue, NFC East context, and what must change fast.
Eagles Face Harsh Reality Check as Jordan Mailata Denies Any Repeat of 2023 Collapse
The Philadelphia Eagles find themselves under a heated spotlight as December football arrives, and the narratives surrounding the team are growing louder by the week. After back-to-back sloppy performances and a defense that looks worn down, some fans and analysts have started to compare this year’s skid to the Eagles’ infamous 2023 late-season collapse. But one key leader in the locker room isn’t having it.
Left tackle Jordan Mailata made it clear during his appearance on 94WIP that the 2025 Eagles are nothing like the 2023 version that spiraled in the final weeks.
Mailata: “This Is Nowhere Near Close to 2023”
Mailata didn’t mince words.
“This is nowhere near close to 2023,” the Pro Bowl tackle said firmly. “Let’s nip that in the bud right there… As a player that was part of the 2023 team and this team, it’s nowhere near.”
For Mailata, the biggest difference is what’s happening behind the scenes.
He emphasized that the practice environment, attention to detail, and coaching are drastically improved. The team isn’t quitting, and the preparation is stronger than anything they had during the 2023 slide.
“The coaching technique, it’s there this year. It wasn’t there in ’23,” Mailata added. He pointed to tougher practices, including padded sessions and the lack of “walkthrough Wednesdays” unless it’s a short week—clear signs that the team is trying to sharpen its edge.
Still, he acknowledged one harsh truth: the Eagles’ in-game execution remains a major problem. That, he said, is the real issue—not effort, not leadership, not coaching.
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Eagles Defense Looks Exhausted After Loss to Bears
Mailata’s optimism was a bright spot in an otherwise grim week. Philadelphia’s defense looked visibly drained in its brutal loss to the Chicago Bears, surrendering 281 rushing yards and appearing a step behind all night.
Breakdowns piled up across the board—missed reads, slow reactions, and poor tackling. Analysts described the Bears’ offense and the Eagles’ defense as “two different sports,” a devastating comparison for a unit built with elite talent.
A key factor: the team logged 47 defensive snaps in the first half alone, following another heavy-snap game earlier in the week. The cumulative wear and tear showed.
Dallas Surging While Philadelphia Slips
Meanwhile in the NFC East, the contrast couldn’t be clearer. The Cowboys have won three straight and look rejuvenated, while the Eagles risk losing their grip on the division entirely.
On the popular NFC East Mixtape podcast, hosts discussed whether the Eagles are “2023-ing” again—a narrative Mailata is determined to shut down. Fans, however, are growing tense. If Philadelphia doesn’t turn things around quickly, the pressure will only intensify.
Sirianni and Hurts Give Strong Messages—But Are They Landing?
Head coach Nick Sirianni tried to refocus his team after the Dallas loss, preaching adversity, accountability, and a renewed focus on fundamentals. Jalen Hurts echoed those sentiments, aiming to steer the locker room back on track.
But against the Bears, those messages didn’t translate. The performance was riddled with mistakes on offense, defense, and special teams. It was, in every sense, a team loss.
The concern isn’t whether Sirianni says the right things—it’s whether the players are still receiving and executing his message.
Advanced Metrics Reflect the Slide
The latest DVOA rankings paint a sobering picture. Philadelphia dropped from 8th to 11th, overtaken by rising teams like Buffalo, Houston, and San Francisco. It’s not a freefall—but the trend is unmistakable.
Yet there was one bright spot: the offensive line. According to PFF, the Eagles jumped back into the top five, giving up only four pressures on 32 pass attempts. Backup tackle Fred Johnson shined in place of Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata continues to be graded as one of the team’s best performers.
Around the League: Challengers, Injuries, and Shifting Momentum
While the Eagles battle inconsistency, other NFL storylines shape their upcoming matchups:
Justin Herbert is pushing to play against Philadelphia despite surgery on his left hand.
The Chargers’ run game may test the Eagles’ tired defense, especially behind rotating offensive line units.
Former Eagles corner Darius Slay was released by the Steelers after a difficult season.
In Washington, the Commanders’ draft stock is rising as they chase a top pick for a potential rebuild.
The Giants continue their downward spiral, benching rookie Abdul Carter and firing staff as pressure mounts.
Analytics show no true elite team this season—leaving the NFC wide-open if the Eagles can regain form.
Where the Eagles Go From Here
Mailata believes in this team. He sees better coaching, greater detail, and stronger practice habits than the version that collapsed two years ago. The players, he insists, are committed.
And he’s right about one thing: this team has already won eight games—they aren’t imploding. But the margin for error is shrinking fast.
If the Eagles hope to restore confidence, they must:
Clean up in-game execution
Reduce defensive snap overload
Reconnect Sirianni’s messaging to on-field results
Regain physical and mental sharpness
A team with this much talent cannot afford to let December slip away.
Whether Mailata’s confidence reflects the true pulse of the locker room will become clear soon. One thing is certain: this stretch will define the Eagles’ season—and perhaps their future.
