Sometimes, the best lessons are learned the hard way. That’s what happened to Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman after the team’s 2017 Super Bowl win. And it’s the same lesson Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski seems to be ignoring in 2025.
Following a disappointing postseason exit, Dombrowski doubled down on the same core lineup that fell short last October. Instead of retooling, he banked on a better result with the same cast. The outcome? A nine-loss skid in ten games and a 4.5-game deficit behind the New York Mets in the NL East.
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The Eagles’ cautionary tale
The contrast with the Eagles is striking. In 2017, they captured their first Super Bowl title with a gutsy 41-33 win over the New England Patriots, fueled by Nick Foles, the now-iconic “Philly Special,” and a locker room rallying behind the mantra “Hungry dogs run faster.”
But in 2018, Roseman tried to “run it back” with an aging roster. The eighth-oldest team in 2017 became the third-oldest in 2018. The result? Back-to-back 9-7 seasons and a full collapse by 2020, finishing 4-11-1 and firing head coach Doug Pederson.
Looking back, Roseman admitted he let emotion cloud his decision-making. He was too attached to the heroes of 2017 and wanted to keep them together. It cost the team years of competitiveness.
A smarter strategy after Super Bowl LVII
But in 2024, history did not repeat itself. After the Eagles won Super Bowl LVII, Roseman took a far more disciplined approach. Key defensive players walked, and even on offense, he passed on signing Mekhi Becton, who received $10 million a year from the L.A. Chargers.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) kisses the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Eagles won the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Most telling was his stance with Dallas Goedert, the popular tight end Roseman had drafted seven years ago. Despite his history, Roseman played hardball. He also declined to bring back veterans like Avonte Maddox, Darius Slay, and Kenny Gainwell.
Instead, he turned the page, bringing in fresh talent with something to prove-players like A.J. Dillon, Azeez Ojulari, Adoree Jackson, and Joshua Uche.
High risk, higher reward?
Will this defensive overhaul work? It’s too early to tell. Organized Team Activities (OTAs) are underway, and with minicamp ahead, the real test will come during training camp. But at least this time, Roseman isn’t clinging to nostalgia. He’s betting on renewed hunger and future potential.
Team chemistry might be a challenge early on, but the strong locker room culture established by head coach Nick Sirianni could help new players mesh quickly. And many of the new faces are chasing their first Super Bowl ring-a motivational advantage.
Dombrowski at a crossroads
Dombrowski, by contrast, seems to be making the same mistake Roseman made in 2018. By sticking with a roster that already fell short, he’s gambling that things will somehow turn out differently without meaningful change.
FILE – Philadelphia Eagles Brandon Graham, Lane Johnson, Howie Roseman, Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce celebrate after the NFC Championship.
Yes, the MLB season is long, and the Phillies have time to recover. But in a highly competitive league, relying on an aging core without adjustments can be fatal. The clock is ticking.
The Eagles’ journey offers a clear blueprint: championship success can only be sustained with difficult choices, strategic turnover, and a willingness to let go-even of fan favorites.
One city, two paths, one clear lesson
The takeaway is clear for any sports franchise: you can’t build tomorrow’s success by clinging to yesterday’s glory. Roseman learned that the hard way-but learned it nonetheless. Dombrowski still has time, but must act before it’s too late.
For Philadelphia sports fans, the hope is that both teams find the right mix of hunger, talent, and vision. Because in professional sports, as in life, those who fail to evolve are destined to be left behind.
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