In a hard-fought battle against the Carolina Panthers, the Philadelphia Eagles secured a 22-16 victory, marking their ninth consecutive win. Though the triumph might have seemed routine for a team riding high in the NFL standings, the performance left both players and critics alike with mixed feelings.
Eagles' Ground Game Leads the Way
The Eagles' victory was driven in large part by their dominant ground game. They managed to accumulate an impressive 209 rushing yards against the Panthers, a team that struggled to contain the Eagles' rushing tandem. This offensive prowess on the ground proved to be crucial, especially considering the challenges they faced in the passing game.
Against a Carolina defense that ranks 24th in pass yardage allowed and 27th in net yards per pass attempt, the Eagles managed just 83 net passing yards. Quarterback Jalen Hurts contributed 108 passing yards, averaging a modest 5.1 yards per attempt. These figures stand in stark contrast to expectations, given the Panthers' known vulnerabilities in their secondary.
Struggles in the Air
The Eagles' aerial shortcomings did not go unnoticed. Key players voiced their concerns, emphasizing the need for improvement if the team is to maintain its winning streak. "Passing. What we did today is not good enough. It won't help us," stated wide receiver A.J. Brown, succinctly summarizing the sentiment surrounding the team’s passing woes.
DeVonta Smith, another critical asset to the Eagles' offense, echoed this sentiment. "I think we can do a lot better. Pass game we can be a lot better... We didn't play up to our standard," he remarked, highlighting the high expectations within the team.
Jalen Hurts, despite the underwhelming passing numbers, maintained a positive outlook. "Winning is the main thing," he asserted, focusing on the broader picture rather than the pedestrian passing metrics. Nonetheless, he recognized the need for holistic improvement, saying, "It isn't about solving anything. 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. Just got to build, got to progress."
Hurts' Performance Under the Microscope
Jalen Hurts’ recent performances have been a mixed bag. While he ranks last in passing yards among quarterbacks with two starts over the past two games, his overall passer rating on 40 attempts stands at 102.7. Notably, Hurts successfully contributed five total touchdowns over the past two games—three passing and two rushing—demonstrating his dual-threat capability.
In terms of consistency over the Eagles' nine-game winning streak, Hurts has been impressive, with a passer rating of 113.7, fourth best in the NFL. His efficiency is particularly notable on deep throws over ten air yards, boasting a passer rating of 126.0.
While Hurts' contributions have been significant, they come with occasional lapses. He has committed two giveaways against his 23 total touchdowns during the Eagles' streak, a statistic drawing attention but not dampening his overall impact.
Looking to Improve
The drive for improvement was further emphasized by Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata. "We have to put our pride aside and take coaching. That is the form of accountability we harp on a lot," Mailata stated, reflecting the team's commitment to growth and adaptability. "We have to put our pride aside, admit your mistake, learn from it, and don't repeat it. And learn from others' mistakes," he added, highlighting an ethos of continuous learning and evolution within the Philadelphia locker room.
As the Eagles enjoy their nine-game winning streak, their recent performance against the Panthers serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. With a potent rushing attack and a quarterback eager to transcend his passing struggles, the team is poised to refine their game and potentially extend their remarkable run. As they continue through the season, the blend of their established strengths and areas for improvement will be pivotal in maintaining their status as a formidable presence in the league.