The Eagles might have been disappointed, but deep down, they likely weren’t surprised. The team that showed up in a 23-19 Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers was the version of the team the Eagles had been for most of the 2025 season. Good enough on defense, yet woefully ineffective on offense. Instead of rebooting repeat Super Bowl dreams, the Eagles’ matchup with the 49ers marked the fitting end to a frustrating season. From an inconsistent quarterback to an inexperienced playcaller who too often was overmatched, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Dave Murphy sort through the factors that contributed to the Eagles’ early playoff exit, and quickly shift their focus to potential changes looming in the offseason.

00:00 The Eagles were who they knew they were all along

02:17 Intel about Kevin Patullo’s future

09:23 Jalen Hurts’ shortcomings exposed

20:17 What should the Eagles do with A.J. Brown?

26:25 More on A.J. Brown and potential replacement options

34:01 Other stay / go considerations

37:34 Will Lane Johnson retire?

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason, including breaking news updates and reactions.