Let’s start with the positive news from Philadelphia. The Eagles are on a nine-game winning streak, Saquon Barkley is making a strong push for the NFL season rushing record, and they have secured a playoff spot for the fourth year in a row under coach Nick Sirianni.
Now, let’s talk about the concerns.
In Philadelphia, fans, media, and social media often have something to complain about, even during good times for the team. This time, the frustration came from within the Eagles’ locker room. Wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, as well as quarterback Jalen Hurts, voiced their concerns about the decline of the passing game.
They let it be known that it’s time to get the offense firing on all cylinders, especially with two 1,000-yard receivers heading into the playoffs.
Sirianni himself agreed, admitting that it’s fair to question the offense after Smith and Brown combined for just eight catches and 80 yards in their recent win over Carolina.
The issue this week? “Being on the same page,” Smith said.
Smith, who has had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, hasn’t gone over 100 yards in a game this season. Brown has had four 100-yard games, which is far below last season’s performance, where he surpassed 100 yards in six consecutive games and seven times overall.
Hurts threw for only 108 yards with two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Should the Eagles (11-2) be worried about getting their offense in sync after 13 games?
“No. I just say no,” Hurts said. There are reasons for the drop in numbers.
One reason is that the Eagles, usually a pass-heavy team, have relied on Barkley and his 1,623 yards this season to carry the offense. Hurts also takes part of the blame, as he sometimes holds onto the ball too long.
He was sacked four times and missed opportunities to hit Smith and Brown deep on a few occasions. Hurts didn’t throw to Brown on one play where he was open, which would have been a touchdown to Smith.
“We have to find a way to come together and sync as a unit and play complementary ball,” Hurts said.
Hurts has only surpassed 300 passing yards once this season, and in his last three games, his passing yards were 179, 118, and 108. However, he has thrown only five interceptions this season and just one during the winning streak.
