Why the Heck Are the Eagles Sticking with Matt Patricia?

I know the Philadelphia Eagles are a bit of a sore subject right now. I mean, we're lucky to have made it into the playoffs, the way the Eagles have been playing lately. What went wrong? A lot. One notable change happened in mid-December of last year, when Matt Patricia took over the defensive play-calling ahead of the Eagles' game against the Seattle Seahawks. I realize this was a reaction to the fact the Eagles had been struggling. But, did it work? The Eagles lost that game to Seattle, and they've been falling ever since. So, why the heck are the Eagles sticking with Matt Patricia?

It's a good question. I'm not sure if anyone has a good answer. As a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, I feel your pain, Philadelphia. Really. The second I heard the Eagles were stepping Patricia up, I was like, "This is going to be bad." That probably sounds really harsh. I'm sure Patricia doesn't care what I think, but if he's reading this and for some reason does, I'm sure you're a nice guy, Matt. But, his time with the Lions was dismal, and I can't help but think he's the wrong guy to head up Philadelphia's defense.

Now, the Eagles are heading into a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL Wild Card playoffs. The Eagles beat Tampa back in September, 25-11, and it was a great game for Philly. This time around, Sean Desai, who started the year as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator. won't be calling defensive plays. In a press conference this week, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said he will not be having Patricia step down from his play calling duties. He also said he won't give those play calling duties back to Desai. While the Eagles had some bad performances against the 49ers and Cowboys under Desai, those are two good teams. Now, the defense has performed worse under Patricia, and that includes losing to teams that aren't as good as the Eagles. We talk about Patricia and the Eagles on the latest episode of my podcast, "The Squad with Anne Erickson," which you can listen to below and wherever you listen to podcasts. Reach out to me here.

We can talk about the best quarterbacks or coaches or running backs in the NFL until we're blue in the face. But, what makes the game really exciting to watch are the personalities behind those players and staffers. Of course, having a fun personality isn't all there is in the NFL. We love watching these guys go at it on the field and witnessing their athleticism. We also love seeing expert coaches leading their teams to victories. But, having a really cool, larger-than-life personality certainly helps. So, what players have the best personalities in the NFL right now?

Before we get to our current list, let's look at some of the most best personalities in the NFL of all time. Bleacherreport.com has a listicle out of the players with the most colorful personalities of all time. Topping that list is Terrell Owens. "Love him or hate him, T.O. has the most colorful personality," they state in the article. "Over his career, he's shown all the qualities: arrogance/confidence, drama (all of 2005 in Philadelphia), excitement, unpredictably, crying (that Tony Romo press conference) and humor." That's a good call. Coming in at No. 2 is the legendary Joe Namath. "Who else could get away with wearing sunglasses on the sideline?" they exclaim. "With the long hair, the occasional Fu Manchu and the playboy attitude, he was the most compelling figure in sports during the late 1960s and early 1970s."

So, what about right now? I looked at the current season and picked a range of roles, from quarterback to coach to tight end. These guys have stood out this season for either their larger-than-life personalities or situations. Also, we discuss the current NFL in the latest episode of my podcast, "The Squad with Anne Erickson," which you can listen to below. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Patrick Mahomes, of course, is the star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. He's considered the best quarterback of his era and possibly the next Tom Brady. But, aside from his skills, he also has a big personality. He has more than 6 million Instagram followers, and he posts a bunch of stuff up there, from football material to family photos.

Travis Kelce, the celebrated tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is pretty much the most famous guy in football this season. Yes, it's because of his relationship with Taylor Swift. I hate to make that a reason to have him named one of the best personalities in the NFL, but heck, even without the Taylor factor, Kelce has a huge personality that people love.

All eyes are on Dan Campbell this season, as the Lions all pulling off some incredible things. That's not common for the Detroit Lions, either. But, Campbell has some of the wackiest ideas and quotes, and that makes him loveable. Remember that time he wanted a pet Lion at practices? I love this dude.

Bill Belichick needs no introduction, but we'll introduce him anyway. He's the head coach and general manager of the New England Patriots. He's had some rough years as of late, but nothing can take away his glimmering record. Belichick just tells it like it is. He's incredible with strategies, and that really stands out with his coaching.

Jalen Hurts, the star quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, is something of a hero on the field. But, off the field, he's known for his deep, insightful comments that show he has wisdom beyond his years. He's a major contender and personality.