The Philadelphia Eagles continued their dominant season by securing their ninth consecutive win with a 22-16 triumph over the Carolina Panthers. While the victory adds to their impressive streak, the game highlighted notable areas for improvement, particularly in the passing game.
Ground Game Dominance
Key to the Eagles' victory was an outstanding performance on the ground, amassing 209 rushing yards. This significant yardage on the run compensated for deficiencies in their aerial attack. Quarterback Jalen Hurts managed just 108 passing yards with an average of 5.1 yards per attempt. Against a Panthers defense ranked 24th in pass yardage allowed and 27th in net yards per pass attempt, the Eagles' modest passing output was unexpected. A.J. Brown frankly assessed their aerial shortcomings: "Passing. What we did today is not good enough. It won't help us."
Challenges in the Air
The narrative of the Eagles’ recent games further underscores this challenge. Over his last two starts, Jalen Hurts ranks last in passing yards among quarterbacks with at least two starts. His passer rating for throws traveling beyond ten air yards on this occasion was a meager 59.0, a stark contrast to the 126.0 rating for such throws during the nine-game winning streak. Despite these struggles, there's no question of his impact, with Hurts contributing five total touchdowns across the past two games, comprising three passing and two rushing scores.
DeVonta Smith believes there’s room for improvement, reflecting on the lack of a cohesive passing attack: “I think we can do a lot better. Pass game we can be a lot better... We didn't play up to our standard.”
Consistency Amidst Critique
While criticism mounts over the Eagles' passing game, there’s admiration for their capacity to win tight games. The consistency of the team is embodied in Jalen Hurts’ performance over their nine-game streak, where his passer rating stands at 113.7, ranking fourth in the NFL. Even amidst modest passing numbers, Hurts remains the linchpin of the team's offense, committing just two giveaways versus 23 total touchdowns during this successful run.
Reflecting on the team’s overall priorities, Hurts maintains a broader perspective: "Winning is the main thing." Yet, he acknowledges the collective desire for improved performance: "Everybody has a reason to want more. It's a fair desire of being in fullness to where we can be because we've done it before.” His optimism is tempered with a call for unity and progression, emphasizing the importance of playing complementary football.
Accountability and Resolution
With continued success comes the need for accountability, an ethos clearly present in the Eagles locker room. Jordan Mailata underlined this sentiment, urging the team to embrace coaching and learn from mistakes: "We have to put our pride aside and take coaching. That is the form of accountability we harp on a lot... admit your mistake, learn from it, and don't repeat it."
The Eagles' resounding victories stand as a testament to a team capable of overcoming its failings with a formidable ground attack and resilient defensive strategies. However, to sustain this momentum and excel deeper into the season, the Eagles must refine their passing strategies. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, this self-awareness and commitment to growth might just solidify their position as a formidable contender.