The Philadelphia Eagles continued their impressive run with a victory over the Carolina Panthers, securing a 22-16 win. This triumph extends the Eagles' remarkable winning streak to nine consecutive games, a feat that demonstrates their resilience and adaptability on the field. However, beneath the sheen of victory, there are elements of concern, particularly in their passing game, as highlighted by both the team's performance and the players' post-game reflections.
A Ground Game Masterclass
The stats tell a tale of dominance in the rushing department, with the Eagles amassing an impressive 209 rushing yards. The ground game has been a crucial component of their success and was a key factor against the Panthers. Yet, while their ground game was flourishing, the passing game struggled markedly.
Room for Improvement in Passing
Against Carolina, Philadelphia managed only 83 net passing yards, a surprisingly low figure considering the Panthers' defense ranked 24th in pass yardage allowed and 27th in net yards per pass attempt. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who recorded 108 passing yards with an average of 5.1 yards per attempt, has been instrumental in the Eagles' success. However, even with a commendable overall passer rating of 102.7 across his attempts, there's acknowledgment of a need for improvement.
A.J. Brown succinctly captured the sentiment surrounding the team's aerial struggles, stating, "Passing. What we did today is not good enough. It won't help us." His frustration is shared by teammate DeVonta Smith, who remarked, "I think we can do a lot better. Pass game we can be a lot better... We didn't play up to our standard."
Balancing Success with Scrutiny
Despite these challenges, Jalen Hurts remains a pivotal figure in the Eagles' offensive setup. His contributions over the past two games have been vital, accounting for five total touchdowns—three passing and two rushing. Hurts has committed only two giveaways against 23 total touchdowns during the Eagles' winning streak, a testament to his ability to lead and execute under pressure.
However, Hurts' recent performances have invited scrutiny. He holds the last rank in passing yards among quarterbacks with two starts in the past two games, and on passes over 10 air yards, he completed just two of six attempts, resulting in a passer rating of 59.0. Over the nine-game winning streak, though, throws traveling beyond ten air yards have been more effective, yielding a passer rating of 126.0.
Focus on Winning and Growth
Within this context of mixed performances, the overall team focus remains fixated on the primary goal: winning. "Winning is the main thing," Hurts emphasized, a declaration that underscores the team's prioritization of victory over individual statistics or transient setbacks.
The team recognizes the need for continuous improvement and cohesion. Hurts elaborated, "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."
Accountability and Next Steps
Addressing areas for improvement, tackle Jordan Mailata underscored the importance of learning from mistakes. "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," Mailata emphasized, highlighting a culture of accountability that the team strives to fortify.
The Eagles have showcased their tenacity and ability to win. However, the path forward involves optimizing their passing game to align with the high standards they aspire to meet. The fusion of introspection and competitive drive sets the stage for the Eagles to refine their strategies, aiming not just to extend their winning streak but to strengthen their holistic performance as the season progresses.