The Philadelphia Eagles continue their triumphant march through the season with their latest conquest over the Carolina Panthers, winning the clash 22-16. This victory not only adds another notch to their belt but also extends their impressive winning streak to nine consecutive matches. Despite the triumph, the game highlighted areas for improvement, especially in their passing offense.
Ground Game Dominance
The backfield proved to be the powerhouse for the Eagles, as they amassed a staggering 209 rushing yards against a Carolina defense that struggled to contain the ground assault. The Eagles' ground efficiency outshone their aerial efforts, as the team struggled in the passing department, managing only 83 net yards through the air. Jalen Hurts, who has been at the helm of the Eagles' offense, threw for a modest 108 yards with an average of 5.1 yards per attempt.
Air Yards Still in Question
Despite the team's struggles through the air, Hurts continues to be a multifaceted threat, contributing not only with his arm but also with his legs. Over the past two games, he has delivered five touchdowns—three through the air and two on the ground. However, his recent performances in longer passes have been less convincing. On passes traveling beyond ten air yards, Hurts managed to complete just two out of six attempts, a statistic reflective in his 59.0 passer rating for such plays.
Despite these challenges, Hurts remains an integral part of the Eagles' offensive strategy, as demonstrated by his overall passer rating of 102.7 on 40 attempts. Over the course of their winning streak, his efficiency on throws beyond ten air yards is undeniable, boasting a passer rating of 126.0, which underscores his ability to adapt and bounce back from less than stellar games.
Voices from the Locker Room
Following the match, wide receiver A.J. Brown didn't shy away from critiquing the team's passing performance, stating, "Passing. What we did today is not good enough. It won't help us." His sentiments were echoed by teammate DeVonta Smith, who expressed optimism about the squad's potential, "I think we can do a lot better. Pass game we can be a lot better... We didn't play up to our standard."
Their candor about the team’s performance challenges highlights an awareness and a desire to reach their full potential. Hurts himself sees the big picture beyond immediate individual performances. "Winning is the main thing," he noted, emphasizing the broader objectives of the season. He continued, "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."
The Eagles' Path Forward
Despite the victories and the growing tally of wins, the team remains grounded in its pursuit of perfection. Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata highlights the importance of accountability in growth, saying, "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 march on, they do so with a blend of humility and determination. The team understands that maintaining their winning streak will require refining in the passing game while continuing to lean on their strengths. Their journey throughout the season has been nothing short of impressive, with each game providing valuable lessons that fortify their resolve and cohesiveness.
With an eye on postseason aspirations, the Eagles are poised to tackle the challenges ahead, bolstered by a robust defense, a dynamic quarterback, and a locker room committed to continual improvement.