There’s no denying that the mood in Philly has changed drastically following their departure in Week 5, and while head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts both spoke briefly about the work put in, we learn that the pair’s growing relationship is of great importance Meaning is part of their new success.

After the team’s bye, Hurts spoke to reporters and called it the most effective bye week he’s ever had. The QB spoke about the conversations he had with Sirianni and expressed effusive support and praise for the head coach for the first time in nearly a year. It was the first sign that the relationship, which many had perceived as icy, was beginning to thaw, if not warm up entirely.

In the weeks that followed, the Eagles racked up one win after another, and while there were some things that needed to be ironed out, overall the energy was positive and the team seemed to be working toward something rather than struggling to figure it out.

Before Philadelphia’s Week 13 game against the Ravens, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the intellectual encounters between Sirianni and Hurts during the bye week were actually a big catalyst for the team’s renewed spirit.

Rapoport wrote:

“According to a source, Hurts and Sirianni spent approximately two hours on phones, FaceTime, Zoom and in person. Then they randomly talked for 30 minutes a day as something came up. They reviewed the call sheets, talked about the team’s identity and Hurts asked pointed questions about what he could improve.

And it wasn’t just the two of them. The entire staff would be involved, with the offensive line and (Saquon) Barkley joining forces with respected offensive forces like OC Kellen Moore and passing game coordinator and associate head coach Kevin Patullo.

Most teams like to take a long break during the bye. But in part because of the Eagles’ early departure and because they didn’t necessarily need a break, all parties continued to work.”

With their relationship out of the spotlight during the farewell week, the two were actually able to make progress and bond as they questioned almost every aspect of their process, preparation, and plan. The desire of both Sirianni and Hurts led the way, and a mutual respect undoubtedly developed in the days and weeks that followed.

There’s a reason Sirianni’s most important value to the team is connection. When everyone is connected and on the same page, special things happen on the football field, and the Eagles notice that energy really has an impact on game day.