The Ramos roundup is a weekly Philadelphia Sports column highlighting all the pertinent news of the week featuring the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, and Union.
Report: Sirianni Likely to Return as Eagles Head Coach; Desai Fired
Since the Eagles received a 32-9 playoff shellacking at the hands of the Buccaneers, it appears that coach Nick Sirianni will be returning to Philadelphia.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “all signs point to him staying with the Eagles.” As of this writing, Sean Desai, along with Matt Patricia, have been let go by Sirianni, according Ian Rapoport, which is perhaps more of an indication that Sirianni will be safe this time around. Now, we’ll see if offensive coordinator Brian Johnson makes the cut. Johnson’s offense was often uncreative and sputtered when it mattered most this season so it would be a surprise, at least to me, if he wasn’t moved on as well. Johnson has been interviewed by NFL teams for their Head Coach vacancies over the last week.
The news is moving fast and furious late on Sunday!
Sixers Pick up Fifth Straight Win
Playing in a road back-to-back, a spent Sixers team got quality performances from Joel Embiid (33-10-5) and Tobias Harris (21-5-6) in route to yet another win. In now what has become a regular occurrence this season, Embiid added some more history to resume.
It’s become really hard to undersell the reigning MVP’s efficiency this season. Moreover, if he can get to the ‘games played’ threshold, it’s possible Embiid takes home another MVP award this season. Above all, the big man’s health will be paramount and he’ll likely take the Sixers has far as they’ll go come playoff time.
The Sixers host Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs on Monday.
Flyers Get Swept in Weekend Back-to-Back
Coming off a strong four-game win streak, the Flyers surrendered 12 goals in two games at Wells Fargo Center this weekend. Philly was blitzed for seven goals against on Saturday by the Avalanche. After that, Claude Giroux and the Senators paid a visit, and erased a 3-1 Flyers lead on route to an Ottawa win.
Since the Flyers acquisition of Jamie Drysdale, Philly has run a lot of lineups with seven defensemen and just 11 forwards. This is not a viable long-term strategy, in my view. Especially in a game like Sunday’s when the Flyers were playing a game in a back-to-back situation. This strategy will wear out the forward group long-term and doesn’t allow the defense corps to develop consistent chemistry with their regular partners. A game or two here and there is fine, but the Flyers have been relying on the extra defensemen far too much lately.
The Flyers return to action on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Union Acquire Defender Jamir Berdecio
The Union announced earlier this week that they have acquired defender Jose Jamir Berdecio on loan from Club Deportivo Oriente Petrolero, according to a team press release. Berdecio will remain on loan through 2024 with a permanent transfer option. The Bolivian youth international will be added to the Union’s active roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.
Berdecio, 21, comes to the Union from the Bolivian Primera División where he played for Club Deportivo Oriente Petrolero since 2021. He appeared in 37 matches (29 starts), making his debut against Club The Strongest on March 14, 2021. On January 1, 2024, Berdecio was named to Bolivia’s U23 National Team roster for the first time in his career.
