The Philadelphia Eagles tried something a little different ahead of their Monday Night Football clash with the Los Angeles Chargers - and by “different,” we mean rolling out a giant inflatable Positivity Rabbit in the team facility. Yes, really.
The idea? Lighten the mood, build camaraderie, and maybe inject some much-needed energy into a team still carrying the weight of its Super Bowl crown.
But good vibes only take you so far when turnovers are piling up like holiday traffic on I-95. The Eagles coughed up the ball five times, and their final drive - deep in overtime territory - ended with a red zone interception that sealed the loss.
So, no, the rabbit didn’t work any magic. And by Wednesday, the inflatable bunny was gone, deflated both literally and figuratively, as Philly moved on from one of the stranger motivational tactics in recent memory.
Still, the bigger story here isn’t about inflatable mascots - it’s about a team that’s clearly searching for answers.
Head coach Nick Sirianni isn’t sugarcoating the situation, but he’s also not throwing in the towel. Speaking to reporters midweek, Sirianni emphasized the importance of staying locked in, especially when the game isn’t going your way.
“I think Sunday is about being locked into what you’re doing,” Sirianni said. “Not that Monday or Tuesday isn’t, but on gameday, everyone’s in a rhythm.
It’s like shooting free throws - same routine, every time. You focus on the process, not the result.”
That’s a telling quote from a coach who knows his team is pressing. The Eagles aren’t lacking talent - they’re lacking execution.
And as Sirianni pointed out, when things start to go sideways, it’s human nature for the energy to dip. But that’s where leadership and preparation have to kick in.
“There’s a difference between being focused and being focused when it’s not going well,” he added. “The vibe won’t be high after a punt or a turnover - that’s natural. But as [run game coordinator/offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland] always says, ‘Execution fuels emotion.’”
That’s the core of the message right now in South Philly. It’s not about gimmicks or hype.
It’s about getting back to the basics - blocking, tackling, protecting the football, and finishing drives. Sirianni and his staff are working to put players in better positions to succeed, and they believe that once the execution returns, the energy and confidence will follow.
So, where does that leave the Eagles heading into the final stretch? At a crossroads.
The NFC is tight, and there’s no room for extended slumps. If they can clean up the turnovers and rediscover their rhythm, this is still a team no one wants to face in January.
But if the mistakes keep piling up, the defending champs could find themselves watching the postseason from home.
The Positivity Rabbit may be gone, but the real test is just beginning.