Philadelphia Eagles Great Fletcher Cox On What Led To Team's Downfall During 2023 Season And His Prediction For This Year's Squad

6 min read
Aug 21, 2024, 5:42 PM
Fletcher Cox

Fletcher Cox (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Philadelphia Eagles great Fletcher Cox has yet to have a concrete answer on why things spiraled out of control last season.

For the first 11 weeks of last season, the Eagles fought off the Super Bowl loser's curse — they lost 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII — as they started with an NFL-best 11-1 record. However, things went south quickly after they were blown out at home, 42-19, by the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Championship rematch. The Eagles would go on to lose six of their final seven games, including a humbling loss in the playoff opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 32-9.

In what has been a consistent answer from top Eagles players of last season, Cox doesn't have one answer when it pertains to Philadelphia's downfall, but he has a theory.

"There is no answer," says Cox in a one-on-one interview with RG. "We came off the bye week, we went on the road against some really good teams and things kind of went south after that. We had some guys banged up, we played a really good Buffalo team where we went down to the wire. I think the biggest thing is we ran out of time to make things right. Especially with guys going down, you try to get the guys playing at the level that the starters were playing at."

Cox retired after last season, ending a 12-year career that included numerous accolades, including six Pro Bowls and four All-Pro selections. Fellow Eagles great Jason Kelce also retired after 13 seasons with the franchise, which included six All-Pro and seven Pro Bowl selections.

It almost felt as if the Eagles were trying too hard to find answers to their struggles, including replacing defensive coordinator Sean DeSai with Matt Patricia with play-calling duties. That switch was made after Philadelphia had lost two consecutive games to the Niners and Dallas Cowboys, allowing an average margin of 37.5 points per game.

However, the switch in play-calling didn't help matters as the Eagles allowed 27.8 points per game in their final five games, four of which were losses. That's more than the 25.2 points per game they allowed on the season.

Cox reiterates that the Eagles "ran out of time" to make things right and expresses regret over how the season ended.

"I think we ran out of time to get things right and it sucks, when you start off as a really good team — one of the best teams in the NFL — and to end the way we ended, it was obviously unacceptable for the city, unacceptable for me as a player," says Cox passionately. "I ask myself sometimes, "What could I have done better? What did I do wrong?" But at the end of the day, I think we ran out of time."

Although the 2023 Eagles ended the season on a sour note after a hot start last season, this year's version has a chance to make things right. Although the 2024 squad will be without two longtime leaders in Cox and Kelce, they'll return essentially their entire core from last season, including star quarterback Jalen Hurts, receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and longtime franchise pieces Lane Johnson and Brandon Graham.

"I think they'll be a really good team," predicts Cox. "They have a lot of good guys, some key pieces. And I think the sky's gonna be the limit. The key is going to be about staying healthy. The team is bonding together as one. I think that you have to figure out what your identity is. You kind of figure that out in those first four or five games, who you're going to be heading into December, January. I'm looking forward to checking the guys out — not that I watch a lot of football — but I'm excited to check the guys out."

The former team captain — he served in the role for six seasons, including during their Super Bowl-winning season in 2017 — singles out two young players, center Cam Jurgens and safety Reed Blankenship, as two guys he believes will step up following his and Kelce's retirements.

"They do a good job," Cox says of the Eagles' veteran leaders. "The leaders who are leaders will be the same from last year. But one of the the younger guys that might step up is Reed (Blankenship). Reed is a little shy, but I think he'll step up as a leader, being the guy back there, just kind of controlling everything. On offense, we got a lot of vets. There aren't a whole lot of young guys. I think Cam (Jurgens) will step up as a leader as the starting center now. It's going to be fun to watch and see who actually steps up — not only when you're doing good — but when the times are tough."

Cox is speaking on behalf of his partnership with Bud Light. Cox will hand out Bud Light bottles to fans at the team's home opener on Sep. 16 on Monday Night Football when the Eagles face off against the Atlanta Falcons. The partnership highlights Bud Light releasing 52 limited-edition commemorative "Philly Philly" bottles in reference to the famous play from their Super Bowl 52 victory featuring Nick Foles catching a touchdown pass. Fans 21+ can comment #PhillyPhillySweeps on Bud Light's social media channels for a chance to win a limited edition bottle. The announcement coincides with Foles' recent retirement, who was named Super Bowl 52 MVP.

Although Cox hasn't talked to Foles since his retirement, he'll reconnect with his former teammate next month during the Eagles' season opener.

"No, I haven't seen him," says Cox. "I'll see him. I've been kind of busy myself. I know his phone's probably blowing up. He's probably got 1000 text messages or more and I kind of want him to chill down a little bit and then I'll reach out to him and congratulate him. We're forever teammates. I'm looking forward to seeing him, hanging out with him and sharing that moment. Obviously we'll go back to Philly at the same time and celebrate with our teammates."

Cox — who is adamant that he will not come out of retirement and is enjoying life without football — isn't sure what his post-career plans are, but he makes it clear he's enjoying life without a rigid football schedule.

"As somebody from Mississippi, I'm just really enjoying my ranch in North Texas," says Cox. "Just enjoying life right now. Just living a little bit, something I haven't done since college. I haven't had this time since college. I'm really enjoying it. And kind of just taking it easy right now and making sure that my mind is clear on whatever I want to do next."

DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Sports Reporter

DJ Siddiqi is a sports reporter who focuses on football, basketball and pro wrestling. He has covered some of the biggest sporting events, including the NBA Finals and Wrestlemania and often interviews high-profile athletes on a weekly basis. Siddiqi has interviewed the likes of Dan Marino, Emmitt Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, Tony Hawk and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His previous experience includes working as a lead NBA writer at CBS Sports and 247 Sports in addition to working as a beat reporter covering the NFL and the Denver Broncos at Bleacher Report. Follow Siddiqi for exclusive one-on-one interviews and analysis on key topics in sports

Interests:
NFL
NBA
NCAAF
NCAAB
NHL
Travel
Interviews

More RG Exclusive Interviews

04/01/2025
"It Was Really Exciting": Danny Stutsman on Meeting With Dallas Cowboys at NFL Combine
NFL Draft prospect and former Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman names the teams he met with at the NFL Combine and how the Dallas Cowboys meeting stood out to him
"It Was Really Exciting": Danny Stutsman on Meeting With Dallas Cowboys at NFL Combine
03/27/2025
“Saquon Changed the Conversation About Running Backs” – Barry Sanders on Barkley’s Impact, Mount Rushmore of RBs
Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders details how the Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley has brought value back to running backs and names his Mount Rushmore for the position
“Saquon Changed the Conversation About Running Backs” – Barry Sanders on Barkley’s Impact, Mount Rushmore of RBs
03/26/2025
“They Both Want to Win”: Patrick Surtain II Praises Bo Nix-Sean Payton Duo Driving Broncos’ Resurgence
Patrick Surtain II highlights how Bo Nix and Sean Payton’s shared mindset sparked a playoff return for the Broncos
“They Both Want to Win”: Patrick Surtain II Praises Bo Nix-Sean Payton Duo Driving Broncos’ Resurgence
03/19/2025
Braden Fiske on Los Angeles Rams' Decision to Move On From Cooper Kupp: "Obviously, It Was Tough”
Braden Fiske opens up on the Los Angeles Rams' decision to move on from Cooper Kupp and his thoughts on the addition of Davante Adams
Braden Fiske on Los Angeles Rams' Decision to Move On From Cooper Kupp:  "Obviously, It Was Tough”
03/17/2025
“We’re Heading in the Right Direction”: Patrick Surtain II Believes the Broncos Are Super Bowl Contenders in 2025
Patrick Surtain II details why the Denver Broncos can develop into a Super Bowl contender and the biggest thing he's learned from head coach Sean Payton
“We’re Heading in the Right Direction”: Patrick Surtain II Believes the Broncos Are Super Bowl Contenders in 2025
03/04/2025
CeeDee Lamb on Cowboys Potentially Adding Receiver Through NFL Draft: “Just Looking For a Great Compliment”
Dallas Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb gives his thoughts on the 2025 NFL Draft and the wide receiver prospects who stand out most to him
CeeDee Lamb on Cowboys Potentially Adding Receiver Through NFL Draft: “Just Looking For a Great Compliment”
03/02/2025
“I Knew I Wanted to Be a Quarterback”: Justin Arth’s Unconventional Path
Justin Arth's journey from YouTube-trained QB to pro football is a testament to perseverance in a game where nothing is guaranteed
“I Knew I Wanted to Be a Quarterback”: Justin Arth’s Unconventional Path
02/27/2025
“Go About It and Attack It”: Jim Harbaugh on Chargers' Approach to 2025 NFL Draft, Connections to Michigan
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh on his approach to the NFL Combine and NFL Draft, whether or not he leans towards Michigan Wolverines alumni and his thoughts on the College Football Playoff system
“Go About It and Attack It”: Jim Harbaugh on Chargers' Approach to 2025 NFL Draft, Connections to Michigan
02/24/2025
Peyton Manning Says Denver Broncos Will be 'Even Better' Next Year
Peyton Manning makes a bold prediction about the Denver Broncos and gives his thoughts on what they need to get to the next level
Peyton Manning Says Denver Broncos Will be 'Even Better' Next Year
02/18/2025
“We Left That Place Better Than We Found It”: RJ Oben on Notre Dame’s Legacy
RJ Oben’s versatility and relentless work ethic make him a top NFL Draft prospect. Will he be Notre Dame’s next big defensive star in the NFL?
“We Left That Place Better Than We Found It”: RJ Oben on Notre Dame’s Legacy

Our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan

Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.

In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.

In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.

Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.

Meet All Our Experts