Brian Johnson was promoted to the offensive coordinator position following Shane Steichen’s departure to Indianapolis, and through six games at the helms, he’s started to face severe criticism.
Some pundits blame Philadelphia’s loss on three Jalen Hurts’ interceptions, while others around the league and in the fanbase believe that Johnson has left a lot to be desired at this point.
One growing criticism is the lack of second-half rushing attempts by a team that has been one or two rushing yards over the past few years.
The Eagles ran the ball 22 times on Sunday and went away from the run late in regulation when Jalen Hurts had his turnovers.
On Tuesday, head coach Nick Sirianni was a guest on Sports Radio 94 WIP and gave insight into the offense while praising Johnson’s play-calling.
Sirianni gave Johnson a vote of confidence, and on Tuesday afternoon, Johnson addressed the run-pass ratio and Hurts’ final interception in the loss to the New York Jets.
Brian Johnson on Hurts' third interception
After the upset win over the Eagles, Jets safety Tony Adams told the media that defensive coaches told him to fake a blitz, and then drop back in coverage, ensuring the veteran that Jalen Hurts would throw him the ball late in the fourth quarter.
On Tuesday, Johnson took the blame for the interception.
Brian Johnson said he takes full responsibility regarding Jalen Hurts’ third interception that led to Jets’ go-ahead score on Sunday. Johnson said the goal was to get the first down, alluded to play calling and coaching points as areas where he can improve.
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) October 17, 2023
Run-pass ratio
Johnson echoed Nick Sirianni’s comments, stating that he was fine with the run-pass ratio despite the Eagles only rushing the ball 22 times, compared to 45 passes from Jalen Hurts.
Eagles OC Brian Johnson says he was fine with how the run-pass ratio worked out against the Jets. Said he views some of those passes as extensions of the run game. pic.twitter.com/9Jx87Je3mw
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) October 17, 2023
Final note
Johnson is in his first year as an NFL offensive coordinator and the rising coaching prospect is simply experiencing growing pains and he figures out how to get the best out QB Jalen Hurts, while feeding the ball two dynamic skill players like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, Quez Watkins, D’Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell and more.
