Julian Edelman, a former NFL star and three-time Super Bowl champion, has expressed concerns that the drama surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles will eventually catch up to them in the playoffs. With a roster full of big personalities and high expectations, Edelman suggests that, while the team is riding high with their talent, unresolved internal issues could become their downfall when it matters most. But is he right?
Edelman points to the fact that when a team is winning, it can often mask underlying tensions or egos. For the Eagles, these tensions have been particularly noticeable with star receiver AJ Brown and quarterback Jalen Hurts. In 2022, during their Super Bowl run, there were moments when it appeared Brown was frustrated with his lack of involvement in the passing game. Such visible frustration sparked concerns about chemistry, and while the Eagles still made it to the big game, Edelman believes these types of issues will resurface in the postseason, where the stakes are higher.
Edelman’s experience with the New England Patriots, where he saw Randy Moss’s tenure end with the team after playoff disappointment, gives him a unique perspective on how egos can impact a team’s performance when it matters most. He points out that teams with strong, fundamentally sound leadership tend to be successful in the playoffs, whereas teams with unresolved internal issues are more vulnerable. In his view, Philadelphia may have too many personalities to manage, and that could prevent them from making a deep playoff run.
However, it’s important to note that while the Eagles have had visible moments of friction between key players, their ability to overcome these challenges has been proven. Despite the tension between AJ Brown and Jalen Hurts during the 2022 season, the Eagles still managed to make it to the Super Bowl, and they’ve continued to perform at a high level in 2024. The team’s leadership, both on and off the field, will be tested in the playoffs, but it’s not a given that these issues will ultimately derail their chances.
One area where the Eagles have been effective is their strong run game, led by Saquon Barkley, who is widely regarded as one of the best running backs in the league. A dominant run game can cover a lot of flaws, especially if the passing game isn’t clicking. Yet, as Edelman points out, relying too much on one facet of the game can be risky, particularly in the high-pressure environment of the playoffs. The Eagles will need to find a balance and avoid becoming too complacent with their success.
Another important factor in the Eagles’ playoff aspirations is the leadership dynamic in the locker room. With the departure of Jason Kelce, a respected figure who provided stability and leadership, there are questions about who will step up to fill that void. While Brandon Graham has taken on a more vocal role, it remains to be seen if he can bring the team together in the way that Charles Woodson did for Green Bay during their Super Bowl-winning season. If the Eagles are to succeed in the postseason, they’ll need strong leadership to keep their egos in check and ensure that they remain focused on the ultimate goal.
The NFC playoffs are shaping up to be incredibly competitive, with teams like Detroit and Green Bay poised to challenge the Eagles for supremacy. While Philadelphia has been a dominant force during the regular season, their path to the Super Bowl is far from certain. If the drama surrounding the team isn’t addressed, it could indeed prove to be a hindrance when the pressure mounts in the postseason.
Ultimately, while Julian Edelman’s concerns are valid, it’s also important to consider that the Eagles’ talent, depth, and leadership may be enough to overcome any drama. Whether or not this team can avoid the pitfalls that often accompany high-profile personalities will determine if they can make a deep playoff run or if their internal issues will ultimately catch up to them.
