Jason Kelce Highlights the Eagles’ Critical Issue Heading into the 2025 Playoffs
On the latest episode of his “New Heights” podcast, released just days before the holidays, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce delivered a candid assessment of his old team’s performance as they approach the postseason. While much of the media focus has been on earlier season drama—like locker room tensions, turnovers, and offensive struggles—Kelce zeroed in on what he sees as the real problem the Eagles cannot afford to ignore: failing to commit to their run-heavy identity consistently as the playoffs loom.
Kelce praised the Eagles’ dominant performance in their recent blowout win over a weak opponent, noting how the offense finally looked like the physical, ground-and-pound unit that has defined Philadelphia’s success in recent years. “It was clear that they were going to stick with that and try to establish a line of scrimmage, which is something I think they need to continue to do moving forward,” Kelce said. He emphasized that leaning on star running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts’ designed runs is essential for a deep playoff run. Without it, the Eagles risk being one-dimensional and vulnerable against tougher defenses in January.
This isn’t just nostalgia from a retired legend. Kelce, who anchored one of the NFL’s best offensive lines for over a decade and helped deliver the franchise’s first Super Bowl title, knows what makes the Eagles dangerous. As the team sits in a strong position—needing just one more win to clinch a playoff spot with favorable remaining games—Kelce warned that abandoning the run game could derail their momentum. “The Eagles need to keep running the ball with Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts if they want to make another Super Bowl run,” he stressed, echoing comments from analysts like Rob Gronkowski who see this identity as the key to Philadelphia being “very dangerous” in the playoffs.
The Context: A Season of Ups and Downs
The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster for the Eagles. They started hot, building an impressive record early on, fueled by a talented roster featuring Hurts, Barkley, and wide receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The defense has remained a strength, often keeping games close even during offensive slumps. But mid-season struggles exposed cracks: a brief losing streak, reports of internal frustrations (particularly around Hurts’ decision-making and Brown’s target share), uncharacteristic turnovers, and even quirky distractions like the short-lived “positivity bunny” in the locker room.
Kelce himself addressed some of these earlier issues on local radio and his podcast. He got emotional discussing how high-stakes pressure can strain relationships, sharing a personal story about not speaking to close friend and teammate Lane Johnson for an entire offseason due to a disagreement. “This is part of being on a team. There are so many ups and downs… this thing brings out emotions and sides of people because you all want to win so bad,” he said. He urged accountability, comparing it to maintaining a marriage: own your mistakes and work through them.
Yet, as the regular season winds down on December 18, 2025, Kelce’s tone has shifted to optimism tempered with urgency. The recent win showcased what the Eagles can be when they commit to the run—establishing dominance at the line of scrimmage, controlling the clock, and wearing down opponents. Kelce loved seeing the offense open with heavy run plays: “In the first series, I think there were like seven runs… It’s everything you want to see.”
Why the Run Game Is the Non-Negotiable Problem
Kelce’s concern isn’t abstract. The Eagles’ success under Hurts has historically hinged on their elite rushing attack. Barkley, in his first year with Philadelphia after a blockbuster offseason signing, has the potential to be a game-changer, but only if the scheme prioritizes him. Hurts’ mobility adds another layer—designed QB runs create better angles, improve numbers in the box, and make the infamous “tush push” nearly unstoppable.
Ignoring this identity invites disaster in the playoffs, where games tighten and defenses load up against the pass. We’ve seen it before: teams that abandon their strengths mid-season often flame out early. Kelce believes sticking to the run will make the Eagles “very dangerous,” allowing their strong defense to thrive while the offense grinds out wins.
Data backs this up. When the Eagles commit to the run (say, 30+ attempts per game), their win rate skyrockets, turnovers drop, and Hurts operates efficiently. Deviate, and they become predictable, leading to stalled drives and frustration.
Earlier Concerns Kelce Addressed—and Why They’ve Faded
To fully understand Kelce’s current focus, it’s worth recapping the issues he tackled earlier in the season:
- Locker Room Drama and Frustrations with Hurts: Reports surfaced of teammates growing impatient with Hurts’ play and Brown’s involvement. Kelce pushed back hard, emphasizing that frustrations are normal in a high-pressure environment. He called for accountability without excuses, noting veterans must lead.
- Turnover Issues: During a rough stretch, Hurts had games with multiple giveaways. Kelce called it a “comedy of turnovers” but stressed it’s fixable, especially with ball security being one of Hurts’ career strengths.
- Offensive Line Struggles: Injuries and inconsistencies plagued the O-line post-Kelce’s retirement. Analysts even joked about him unretiring, but Kelce shut that down, citing physical limitations like a loose bone in his elbow.
- Gimmicks Like the Positivity Bunny: Kelce ripped this as “hokey” and distracting, arguing real fixes come from hard work, not inflatables.
These were valid concerns at the time, but the Eagles’ recent performance suggests they’ve stabilized. The defense remains elite, and the offense clicked when reverting to basics. Kelce now sees the team “in the driver’s seat” with winnable games ahead against struggling opponents.
What the Eagles Must Do Before Playoffs
Kelce’s message is clear: Double down on the run.
- Feed Barkley: He’s a top-tier back; make him the focal point.
- Utilize Hurts’ Legs: More designed runs open everything else.
- Control the Line: Physicality wins in cold-weather playoff games.
- Limit Mistakes: Clean up protection and decisions.
If they do this, Kelce predicts they’ll peak at the right time. “They’re going to be a really good team in the playoffs,” he said earlier, a sentiment reinforced now.
The Bigger Picture: Kelce’s Legacy and Insight
As a future Hall of Famer, Kelce’s voice carries weight. He spent 13 years in Philly, winning a Super Bowl, earning multiple All-Pro nods, and becoming the heart of the team. His retirement left a void, but his analysis remains sharp. Watching from afar—while co-hosting “New Heights” with brother Travis and working ESPN gigs—Kelce roots hard for the Eagles but doesn’t sugarcoat.
In a season where many wrote off Philadelphia during slumps, Kelce stayed measured. Now, with playoffs secured soon, his warning is timely: Ignore the run at your peril.
Playoff Outlook
With three games left (two against a depleted division rival and one tough road test), the Eagles control their destiny. A division title and high seed are likely. If they heed Kelce’s advice, they could indeed be “very dangerous”—a physical, relentless team capable of another title run.
But stray from that identity? It could mean an early exit, proving Kelce right about the one problem they can’t ignore.
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