Eagles Outpace Panthers, Extend Streak Despite Passing Struggles
The Philadelphia Eagles soared to their ninth consecutive victory, triumphing over the Carolina Panthers with a 22-16 win. However, the game unveiled some cracks in their passing offense that might need attention as the season advances. While the Eagles' ground game was formidable, netting an impressive 209 rushing yards, their aerial attack left much to be desired, with a mere 83 net passing yards against a Panthers defense ranked 24th in pass yardage allowed. This performance highlighted areas potentially ripe for improvement as voiced by key players post-game.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts, the linchpin of the Eagles' attack, has been pivotal over the nine-game winning streak, contributing an impressive 23 total touchdowns against just two giveaways. Yet, his recent passing performances have raised eyebrows. Against the Panthers, Hurts managed just 108 passing yards with an average of 5.1 yards per attempt. Despite these underwhelming numbers, Hurts maintained his perspective, emphasizing that "Winning is the main thing." Nevertheless, he acknowledged the need for the team to come together more effectively. "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," he noted, advocating for stronger synchrony in the Eagles' play.
The honest self-assessment didn't end with Hurts. Wide receiver A.J. Brown candidly remarked, "Passing. What we did today is not good enough. It won't help us." This sentiment was echoed by fellow wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who concurred, "I think we can do a lot better. Pass game we can be a lot better... We didn't play up to our standard." Such critical reflections from their leading receivers underscore a collective recognition that improvement in the passing game is essential.
Despite the challenges in the air, Hurts has excelled in long-range throws throughout the winning streak. He boasts a passer rating of 126.0 for throws traveling beyond ten air yards, showcasing his capability to connect on deeper shots when necessary. Nevertheless, against Carolina, he completed only two of six such attempts, resulting in a passer rating of 59.0 for passes over ten air yards. This disparity highlights the inconsistency that the Eagles must address, even as the team's ground game continues to provide a reliable foundation.
Across these nine games, Hurts has also been effective in maintaining a high overall passer rating of 113.7, placing him fourth in the NFL over this stretch. Clearly, his performances have contributed significantly to the Eagles' successful run. However, while individual metrics are commendable, they also serve as a reminder that collective offensive execution needs fine-tuning.
The urgency for correction is not lost on the Eagles’ roster. Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata emphasized the importance of self-awareness and a willingness to adapt: "We have to put our pride aside and take coaching. That is the form of accountability we harp on a lot." His call to "admit your mistake, learn from it, and don't repeat it" is a directive resonating throughout the team as they seek to refine their cohesiveness.
As Philadelphia focuses on maintaining its winning momentum, the lessons from their encounter with Carolina will likely serve as a roadmap for improvement. With nine consecutive wins elevating them to the upper echelon of the league standings, the Eagles have demonstrated they possess the talent and the tenacity. Their next steps will define how this winning streak can translate into sustained success throughout the season. As Hurts and his teammates aim to align their ambitions with their achievements, Eagles fans can take solace in knowing that their squad remains committed to reaching the heights they have tasted before.