The Philadelphia Eagles are enjoying a nine-game winning streak, clinching a playoff berth for the fourth consecutive year under head coach Nick Sirianni. Running back Saquon Barkley is also making headlines as he pursues the NFL’s single-season rushing record with an impressive 1,623 yards.
However, despite these accomplishments, discontent is brewing within the Eagles’ locker room. Wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, along with quarterback Jalen Hurts, have voiced concerns about the team’s struggling passing game following their recent victory over Carolina. They emphasized the need to better utilize their talents as they head into the postseason.
Sirianni acknowledged the validity of their frustrations, noting that Smith and Brown combined for just eight receptions and 80 yards in the game. “Being on the same page,” Smith stated, is crucial for improving their offensive cohesion.
Despite Smith’s back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons, he has yet to surpass 100 yards in a game this year. Brown, who has had four 100-yard games this season, is also underperforming compared to last year’s run of six consecutive games over the century mark.
Hurts had a modest outing against Carolina, throwing for only 108 yards, with two touchdown passes and one rushing score. When asked if the offense should be experiencing these issues at this point in the season, Hurts responded, “No. I just say no.”
Several factors contribute to the Eagles’ declining passing numbers. The team has shifted its focus towards the running game, relying heavily on Barkley. Hurts has also faced criticism for holding onto the ball too long, resulting in four sacks and missed opportunities on deep throws.
“We have to find a way to come together and sync as a unit and play complementary ball,” Hurts said.
This season, Hurts has surpassed 300 passing yards only once, with his last three games yielding 179, 118, and 108 yards, respectively. However, he has thrown only five interceptions, with just one during the current winning streak.
The Eagles’ offensive struggles are evident from the start of games. They have yet to score a touchdown on their opening possession this season and average just 10.7 points in the first half. In their most recent game, they managed only 46 total yards in the first quarter, allowing teams with losing records like Carolina, Jacksonville, and Cleveland to remain competitive.
On a positive note, the running game has thrived, primarily due to Barkley’s performance. He rushed for 124 yards against Carolina, breaking the Eagles’ single-season rushing record. Barkley is on pace to challenge Eric Dickerson’s NFL record of 2,105 rushing yards, needing 483 yards over the final four games to surpass it.
Stock Watch:
Stock Up: Linebackers Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean both had standout performances, with Dean recording 12 tackles and Baun contributing 11 tackles and a sack, effectively shutting down Carolina’s running game.
Stock Down: Kicker Jake Elliott struggled, missing a 52-yard attempt and failing to convert any of his five attempts from beyond 50 yards this season.
Injury Update: Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was evaluated for a concussion and treated for another injury in the fourth quarter but managed to secure a pivotal interception.
Key Stat: The Eagles have won nine consecutive games only three times previously, in the 2017, 2003, and 1960 seasons.
Next Game: The Eagles will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in what could be a preview of an all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl matchup.
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