In a gritty showdown against the Carolina Panthers, the Philadelphia Eagles continued their impressive run, securing a 22-16 victory. This win marked their ninth consecutive triumph, a testament to their resilience and adaptability under pressure. While the team's victory was clear, their performance in the air raised questions that may demand scrutiny.
Ground Game Dominance
The Eagles' offensive approach was heavily grounded in their rushing strategy, amassing a commendable 209 rushing yards. This ground dominance was crucial to their victory, compensating for an underwhelming aerial attack. Their commitment to the run game allowed them to control the pace and maintain possession, key elements in their path to success.
Struggles in the Passing Game
Quarterback Jalen Hurts' performance in the passing game fell short of expectations, with the team accumulating merely 83 net passing yards. Despite facing a Carolina defense ranked 24th in pass yardage allowed, Hurts was limited to 108 passing yards with a modest average of 5.1 yards per attempt. His struggles were highlighted by his end-of-game statistics—completing just two of six passes that traveled more than 10 air yards, leading to a disheartening passer rating of 59.0.
Yet, Hurts has been a constant scoring threat, with five total touchdowns over the past two games—three passing and two rushing. His overall efficiency is undeniable, boasting a passer rating of 102.7 on 40 attempts. During the team's nine-game winning streak, he has committed only two giveaways, while contributing to 23 total touchdowns. An overall passer rating of 113.7 during this streak places him fourth in the NFL, speaking volumes about his impact.
Team Unity and Accountability
Despite the challenges in the passing game, team unity remains a priority for the Eagles. Hurts emphasized this when he stated, "It isn't about solving anything. Everybody has a reason to want more... Just got to build, got to progress. Have to find a way to come together and synch as a unit and play complementary ball." His focus is on continual improvement and cohesion, which is echoed throughout the roster.
Wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith both expressed their dissatisfaction with the aerial efforts. "Passing. What we did today is not good enough. It won't help us," Brown remarked bluntly. Smith added, "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 candid reflections highlight an awareness of the need for improvement, a sentiment that might drive future practices and strategy sessions.
Lessons from the Game
Offensive lineman Jordan Mailata also underscored the importance of accountability and growth, both individually and collectively. "We have to put our pride aside and take coaching. That is the form of accountability we harp on a lot," Mailata explained. "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." His words resonate with the culture of learning and accountability that the Eagles seem to be cultivating.
The Philadelphia Eagles' performance against Carolina evidenced both their strengths and vulnerabilities. While their ground game and overall resilience garnered them another victory, their struggles in the passing game are likely to be a focal point for improvement in the coming weeks. With leaders like Jalen Hurts and commitment to growth expressed by the team's key players, the Eagles are in a solid position to refine their game and continue their winning ways.