Michael Thomas Leibrandt: Dear Kevin Patullo…

Greetings from Fandom (wherever that is, but it’s definitely not that place in the Dr. Pepper Commercial.) Let’s have a subtle chat about current events. You know, a different tact than the unacceptable recent practice of some people hurling eggs at your residence. Or yet others screaming out a rather pessimistic view of your future career prospects from the Lincoln Financial Field stands on the day after Thanksgiving.

I have great respect for how you handle yourself. Week after week you sit stoically at the podium at the Novacare Complex answering questions that mostly have a similar theme: What is wrong with the Eagles offense and when can we expect it to be fixed?

And I totally understand the theme coming out of that very same Novacare Complex that when things are going well (they aren’t) that it’s never about one person. And conversely when things are going badly (queue the screaming) it likewise is never about one person. But unfortunately a position like yours comes with a certain responsibility. Offensive Coordinator means that you are in charge of, well, coordinating the offense. 

I would never be naive enough to attempt to tell you how to fix this multi-faceted talent group with things like motion (it would be lovely,) more urgency (we’d appreciate it,) and more balance in the play-calling (it would be a great Holiday gift.) Nor can I pretend to understand all of the moving parts and position-group cohesion needed to come together on an NFL offense. Again, just a fan over here.

And while it’s unacceptable that you are in the midst of tolerating vandalism that no one should have to endure, when it comes to the fans of our Eagles, don’t judge too harshly on the whole. It’s actually not you that we are upset with. We are upset that our home team with the most prolific football offense to ever make its home right here between the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers has just disappeared for parts of the season. November is a bad time for any vacation in football.

Not ten months ago, our offense wasn’t just efficient: it was virtually unstoppable. Orchestrated by a quarterback who excelled in precision passing, the best receiver tandem ever to play in this city, an offensive line that pushed opponents off of the ball and kept Jalen Hurts protected, a tight-end who punished defenders after catching the ball, and a running back who was not only the best in the league but was also headed for the record-books before we shut him down in favor of longevity in the playoffs.

And with just a few exceptions that plague every team who wins a World Championship — the majority of that offense is back on the field this year.

And here is the big takeaway. If we can return to the form of 2024–2025, we’d actually love to love you. An offense scoring thirty-points per game with amazing 100-plus yard performances for its two All-Pro receivers and Saquon Barkley not being touched until the second level and is a threat to take it to the house on any play.

You’d be a hero around this City — never having to shell out cash for a soft pretzel, cheesesteak, or an alcoholic beverage again. Or perhaps all three (think of the savings!)

P.S.  If your offense does get to that level of success again — that feeling of pure elation still warm from the parade last February on Broad Street won’t just find us once again. You’ll feel that admiration, too. 

Michael Thomas Leibrandt lives and works in Abington Township, Pennsylvania.