Nick Sirianni offered an emphatic defense of offensive line coach Chris Kuper after the Philadelphia Eagles’ protection problems contributed to another damaging loss. “Chris is coaching his ass off,” Sirianni said Monday when asked about Kuper and whether the Eagles miss former offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.
Kuper replaced Stoutland during the offseason after the longtime assistant stepped away following 13 seasons in Philadelphia. Stoutland helped develop one of the NFL’s most dependable offensive lines, creating an imposing standard for his successor.
The transition has become more difficult because the line Kuper expected to coach has changed dramatically. Lane Johnson retired, Cam Jurgens was traded to Baltimore, and Landon Dickerson
spent time on injured reserve. Third-round pick Markel Bell has been forced into the starting right tackle job, while Drew Kendall has taken over at center.
“Chris is coaching his ass off.”
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) November 2, 2026
— Nick Sirianni when asked about #Eagles OL coach Chris Kuper and if the team misses the departed Jeff Stoutland https://t.co/YJ0dpvY0gW
Protection problems continue against Washington
Washington sacked Tanner McKee five times and recorded eight quarterback hits during its 27-10 victory. The Commanders generated pressure on 46.5% of Philadelphia’s dropbacks, their highest rate of the season, despite entering the game without a dominant pass rush. One of those pressures produced the game’s pivotal turnover. Dorance Armstrong forced McKee to fumble during the third quarter, and Charles Omenihu recovered at the Philadelphia 32. Washington converted the field position into a field goal and extended its lead to 16-10.
The protection issues also affected Philadelphia’s operation before the snap. McKee and Kendall share responsibility for setting protections, but their relative inexperience has been exposed as the offense has struggled to identify and handle pressure consistently.
Kuper’s first season has included a new blocking system and significant personnel turnover. During the summer, the projected starting line consisted of Jordan Mailata, Dickerson, Jurgens, Tyler Steen and Johnson. Kuper entered the season installing a different system from the one Philadelphia used under Stoutland.
Sirianni places blame beyond one position coach
Sirianni’s defense of Kuper matched his refusal to isolate individual coaches or players during Philadelphia’s slide. After the loss, he said the Eagles must coach with greater attention to detail while placing ultimate responsibility on himself.
The circumstances explain some of the offensive line’s regression, but they do not eliminate the need for improvement. Philadelphia has allowed McKee to absorb five sacks in consecutive games, while its running game has become increasingly inefficient. Barkley and Elijah Mitchell combined for 64 yards on 24 carries against Washington.
The Eagles cannot recreate Stoutland’s 13-year tenure in one season, and Kuper shouldn't be expected to. However, Sirianni’s public support raises the stakes for the current staff. The offensive line must provide better protection against the Giants if the Eagles are going to end their longest losing streak since 2012.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Nick Sirianni strongly defends Eagles OL coach Chris Kuper
