As the Philadelphia Eagles clinched their ninth consecutive victory with a nail-biting 22-16 win over the Carolina Panthers, the team's performance sparked mixed emotions. While the running game flourished, their passing attack left much to be desired, raising questions about the offensive strategy as they continue their impressive streak.
Ground Game Dominates
The Eagles demonstrated formidable ground resilience, amassing a spectacular 209 rushing yards against the Panthers. This robust rushing performance was pivotal in their ability to control the tempo of the game and secure a crucial win. It's a testament to their unwavering commitment to dominate in the trenches, allowing their offense to dictate the pace of play.
However, in stark contrast to their rushing success, the Eagles struggled to find their rhythm through the air. The team's passing game yielded only 83 net yards, a concerning statistic against Carolina’s defense, which ranks 24th in pass yardage allowed and 27th in net yards per attempt. This performance sparked candid reflections among the players and coaching staff.
Challenges in the Air
In post-game interviews, receiver A.J. Brown candidly expressed the team's dissatisfaction with their aerial production, stating, "Passing. What we did today is not good enough. It won't help us." His sentiment was echoed by fellow receiver DeVonta Smith, who remarked, "I think we can do a lot better. Pass game we can be a lot better... We didn't play up to our standard."
Leading the passing efforts was quarterback Jalen Hurts, whose performance raised eyebrows. Hurts managed a modest 108 passing yards, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. Disturbingly, over the last two games, he ranks last in passing yards among quarterbacks with two starts, suggesting a troubling trend in his downfield efficacy.
When attempting passes that traveled more than 10 air yards, Hurts completed just two out of six attempts, resulting in a lackluster passer rating of 59.0. While these numbers highlight struggles, it's important to consider the broader perspective of Hurts' contributions to the Eagles' victories.
Hurts' Dual Threat Ability
Despite the aerial woes, Hurts remains a vital dual-threat. Over the past two games, he has delivered five total touchdowns—three passing and two rushing, showcasing his ability to influence games with his mobility and decision-making. His overall passer rating of 102.7 on 40 attempts reflects a more balanced perspective, confirming his potential effectiveness despite the current passing challenges.
Throughout the Eagles' nine-game winning streak, Hurts has managed to minimize turnovers, with only two giveaways compared to a staggering 23 total touchdowns. This efficiency places him among the top quarterbacks, with a passer rating of 113.7, ranking fourth in the NFL. Yet, challenges persist in consistently pushing the ball downfield during this successful span.
A Call for Cohesion
As the team reviews their performance, the emphasis has shifted towards improvement. Hurts himself underscored the importance of the team dynamic, noting, "Winning is the main thing," while adding, "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. Have to find a way to come together and synch as a unit and play complementary ball."
Offensive lineman Jordan Mailata echoed the need for collective growth, commenting, "We have to put our pride aside and take coaching. That is the form of accountability we harp on a lot. So that's what we have to do. We have to put our pride aside, admit your mistake, learn from it, and don't repeat it. And learn from others' mistakes."
As the Eagles continue their impressive march, balancing their formidable rushing attack with a more consistent passing game becomes essential. The pieces are there, the talent is evident, and the hunger remains palpable. It is in refining their aerial attack and maintaining discipline that the Eagles will seek to convert their current form into a lasting legacy.