Eagles Extend Winning Streak Despite Passing Struggles
The Philadelphia Eagles have extended their remarkable winning streak to nine games following a hard-fought 22-16 victory over the Carolina Panthers. While the victory was certainly a cause for celebration, the game showcased some critical challenges in the Eagles' passing game that will require attention moving forward.
Ground Game Dominance
The Eagles showcased their powerful ground game against the Panthers, racking up an impressive 209 rushing yards. This significant achievement provided a solid foundation for their victory. However, the team's passing game faltered, with the Eagles managing only 83 net passing yards— a stark contrast to their rushing dominance.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts contributed 108 passing yards during the outing, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. Although Hurts has shown prowess in previous games, ranking fourth in the NFL during the nine-game stretch with an overall passer rating of 113.7, his recent performances have highlighted areas for improvement, especially in the passing department.
Passing Game Woes
The Panthers, despite their struggles this season, managed to highlight the Eagles' vulnerabilities. Carolina's defense, ranked 24th in pass yardage allowed and 27th in net yards per pass attempt, posed a challenge that the Eagles seemed unable to surmount fully. On passes traveling more than 10 air yards, Hurts completed only two of six attempts, resulting in a passer rating of 59.0. Even more concerning is Hurts' position at the bottom in passing yards among quarterbacks with at least two starts in the last two games.
Despite these statistics, Hurts remains a key player for the Eagles, having contributed five touchdowns in the past two games alone—three through the air and two on the ground. His ability to influence the game, both as a passer and a rusher, is critical to the Eagles' ongoing success. Hurts' passer rating of 126.0 for throws over ten air yards during the winning streak indicates his potential to adapt and improve.
Players Weigh In
The concerns are not lost on the Eagles' players. Wide receiver A.J. Brown candidly addressed the performance against the Panthers, stating, "Passing. What we did today is not good enough. It won't help us." Meanwhile, DeVonta Smith echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for improvement. "I think we can do a lot better. Pass game we can be a lot better... We didn't play up to our standard."
Despite the focus on improvement, it's clear that winning remains the overarching priority. As Hurts himself noted, "Winning is the main thing." His words highlight the balance the team is trying to achieve—acknowledging areas of improvement while cherishing the outcomes of their efforts on the field.
The Path Forward
In the face of criticism, Hurts offered insight into the mindset of a team striving for better synergy. "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," he explained. Such introspection underscores the team’s determination to address their shortcomings as they aim to fortify their position in the league.
Offensive lineman Jordan Mailata also emphasized the importance of self-awareness and growth through collective effort. "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 celebrate another victory, the reality of their situation is clear. Improvement in the passing game is essential for sustaining their winning streak. The unity and self-reflection exhibited by the players suggest they are ready to take the necessary steps to address these challenges head-on.
The upcoming weeks will be critical as the Eagles seek not only to maintain their impressive winning streak but also to enhance their gameplay adaptability to remain a formidable contender in the league.