Since their partnership began, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni have reached the playoffs four times, yet only one NFC opponent has consistently derailed their postseason runs: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers eliminated them during the 2021 and 2023 seasons, standing as the only NFC team to do so. Meanwhile, last season‘s Super Bowl LIX champions defeated teams like the Packers, Rams, and Commanders on their way to the title, underscoring a clear pattern. This recurring obstacle has caught the attention of former defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who identifies Tampa Bay as a unique threat to Hurts’ success.

Before the 2025 NFL season even begins, McCoy has made his position clear on social media, stating,

People think I’m biased. But I been saying they didn’t want to see us last year. We [the Bucs] are the Jalen Hurts’ kryptonite. I’ll go more into it later,

—Gerald McCoy, Former Defensive Tackle. His remarks weren’t sparked by preseason hype or early failures; rather, they come from a deep familiarity with the Buccaneers’ defensive strength developed over nine seasons in Tampa. This early warning signals a challenge that Hurts and Sirianni must address.

McCoy’s Previous Bold Predictions on Tampa Bay’s Advantage

Gerald McCoy is no stranger to making confident calls about the Buccaneers’ ability to outmatch the Eagles. In January 2024, before the Wild Card game between Tampa Bay and Philadelphia, he appeared on The Jim Rome Show and predicted a Tampa Bay victory, emphasizing revenge for prior defeats. This came after the Eagles struggled late in the regular season, losing five of their last six games, while the Buccaneers maintained momentum. The result was a lopsided 32-9 win for Tampa Bay on January 15, exposing Philadelphia’s vulnerabilities. McCoy’s conviction has only grown stronger since then.

How Tampa’s Defensive Strategy Challenges Philadelphia’s Signature Plays

The tactical battle between these NFC rivals centers on Philadelphia’s controversial ‘tush push’ goal-line tactic, which, while legal, has drawn significant debate for its effectiveness. The Green Bay Packers, among others, have expressed strong interest in its regulation, reflecting its contentious status within the league. Tampa Bay’s defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, equipped with a star-studded roster, counters this strategy primarily through raw power. Central to this approach is defensive tackle Vita Vea, a 347-pound force at the line of scrimmage whose physical presence disrupts the Eagles’ goal-line formations.

Vea’s ability to clog and halt Philadelphia’s rushing attempts has become the Buccaneers’ unofficial blueprint for neutralizing the ‘tush push’ play. Rather than relying on elaborate schemes, Tampa uses sheer strength to blunt one of Philadelphia’s most potent offensive weapons. This direct confrontation could prove pivotal in the continuing rivalry, especially if Vea maintains his dominant form.

Philadelphia’s Commitment to Continuity With Nick Sirianni

The Eagles’ leadership remains confident in their head coach Nick Sirianni, who has secured a multi-year contract extension following a 14-3 season, an NFC title, and the dethroning of the Kansas City Chiefs. Team CEO Jeffrey Lurie emphasized the organization’s belief in fostering a championship culture, praising Sirianni for his authenticity, intelligence, and leadership skills. The extension signals a clear intention to build on recent success rather than rest on past achievements.

During last season’s critical moments, Sirianni demonstrated his command, famously directing his quarterback to finish strong:

If we score, it’s over. Call it.

—Nick Sirianni, Head Coach. Responding to this trust, Hurts executed a 7-play, 69-yard touchdown drive that ended the Chiefs’ hopes of a third consecutive title. Jalen Hurts himself has openly expressed his confidence in Sirianni, stating,

I got a ton of confidence in him.

—Jalen Hurts, Quarterback. This unique synergy remains a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s championship aspirations.

What’s Ahead for the Eagles’ Roster and Offense in 2025?

The Eagles are already evolving their roster as Sirianni evaluates which players fit the team’s vision moving forward. He has cleared out less effective contributors like Tyrion Davis-Price and is experimenting with new talents, including Giles Jackson, known for his speed and elusive style. This addition, combined with a strong influx of draft picks and undrafted free agents, shows the franchise’s goal of methodical team-building rather than relying on luck.

However, the fundamental connection between Sirianni and Hurts remains the bedrock of Philadelphia’s strategy. Four years into their partnership, they maintain a unique leadership bond, likened to casual backyard football yet driven by professional rigor. Hurts once summarized their relationship by calling themselves,

We’re the two leaders of the team,

—Jalen Hurts, Quarterback. Their shared determination aims to extend this era of success in a league where coach-quarterback relationships often falter under pressure.

The Ongoing Question: Can the Eagles Overcome Tampa Bay’s Challenge?

The rivalry between the Eagles and Buccaneers continues to escalate, with Tampa Bay standing as the conspicuous obstacle in Jalen Hurts’ path to further playoff glory. McCoy’s early and emphatic warning frames the Buccaneers as the ‘kryptonite’ to Philadelphia’s current dominance, supported by strategic defensive strengths and the physical presence of Vita Vea.

At the same time, Philadelphia’s unwavering commitment to Nick Sirianni’s leadership and the steady development of their roster indicates they aim to break this pattern. The dynamic between Hurts and Sirianni, combined with fresh talent and organizational ambition, suggests the Eagles are preparing for a strong campaign to overcome Tampa Bay’s challenge.

The 2025 NFL season will not only test the Eagles’ ability to maintain their championship form but also whether they can finally conquer the team described by McCoy as Hurts’ greatest nemesis. This emerging narrative will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as the NFC rivalry shapes the road to the next Super Bowl.