As the regular NFL season continues to unfold, the Philadelphia Eagles have taken the league by storm with an impressive nine-game winning streak. This run of form has not only solidified their position as the No. 2 seed in the NFC, with an 11-2 record, but also highlighted a team that boasts the third-best record in the NFL.
The architect behind this remarkable streak is none other than their charismatic quarterback, Jalen Hurts. Leading the offense with precision, Hurts has proven instrumental to the Eagles' success this season, maintaining an outstanding passer rating of 113.7. Across the winning streak, he has completed 68.4% of his passes, achieving an average of 8.7 yards per attempt, with 12 touchdowns and only one interception to his name.
Hurts' performance has placed him in elite company. With a winning percentage of .703, he stands among the top active quarterbacks, alongside Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, each boasting a winning percentage over .700. His impact is evident in the Eagles' record: the team holds a stellar 28-8 track record when Hurts avoids turnovers, and an impressive win percentage of .778 in games without interceptions.
Beyond the passing game, the Eagles have managed to diversify their offensive strategy. Their performance is not solely dependent on high volume passing, evidenced by the Eagles logging the fewest pass attempts in the league over the last nine games with just 196 attempts. Despite the lower number of attempts, the Eagles rank fourth in points per game, averaging 28.4 through this streak, and fifth in yards per attempt at 8.6.
The running game, headlined by Saquon Barkley who has accumulated 1,188 rushing yards at an average of 6.2 yards per carry, further complements their attacking prowess. This balanced approach makes the Eagles standout, allowing them to maintain their place among the league leaders in critical offensive metrics like passer rating and touchdown-to-interception ratio.
However, not everything has been smooth sailing. In a recent encounter with the Carolina Panthers where Hurts passed for a modest 108 yards despite the victory, star wide receiver A.J. Brown voiced his concerns clearly: "Passing. What we did today is not (good enough). It won't help us." Brown's candid reflection indicates that the team recognizes the need for continued improvement, particularly in the passing game, to sustain their momentum and capitalize on the postseason opportunities ahead.
The Eagles' ability to execute when it matters most has been evident in Hurts' leadership. The quarterback, integral to their triumphs, understands the nuances of avoiding turnovers while effectively orchestrating the offense. As the team looks to extend their already impressive winning stretch, the focus remains clearly on refining their tactics and ensuring that both the passing and rushing games are optimized for long-term success.
As each game passes, Philadelphia not only bolsters their standing within the NFC but reinforces their status within the broader NFL field. The Eagles' resurgence this season stands as a testament to their tactical evolution and ability to thrive under pressure. With Hurts leading from the front, the expectation continues to rise, making the Eagles a formidable team set to challenge any opponent that comes their way. The remainder of the season, much like the journey so far, promises to be closely watched by fans and critics alike, eager to see how Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles will write the next chapter of their already stunning NFL campaign.