Eagles Extend Winning Streak with Victory Over Panthers, Amidst Challenges in Passing Game
In a nail-biting contest, the Philadelphia Eagles emerged victorious over the Carolina Panthers with a 22-16 win. This victory wasn't just another notch on the belt; it marked their ninth consecutive triumph, further cementing their incredible run this season. However, despite the jubilation, the Eagles are aware of the holes in their gameplay that could spell trouble in more challenging matchups.
Ground Game Paves the Way
Dominating the line of scrimmage, Philadelphia amassed an impressive 209 rushing yards, exploiting Carolina's weaknesses and showcasing their formidable ground attack. Yet, the air was filled with more than the echoing cheers of fans—it was heavy with the team's struggles in the passing department. The Eagles, to their fans' dismay, managed a paltry 83 net passing yards, despite facing a Panthers defense ranked 24th in passing yardage allowed and 27th in net yards per pass attempt.
Jalen Hurts: Talent in Transition
While quarterback Jalen Hurts has been pivotal during this winning streak, his performance against Carolina highlighted areas of concern. Hurts completed only 108 passing yards, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. His challenges became more apparent on longer throws, where he completed just two out of six attempts that traveled beyond 10 air yards, resulting in a meager passer rating of 59.0. Despite these setbacks, Hurts remains optimistic, sharing, "Winning is the main thing."
Looking back at his recent performances, Hurts has recorded five total touchdowns in the past two games, balancing a mix of three passing and two rushing scores. While these numbers are promising, his ranking last in passing yards among quarterbacks with two starts in the past two games speaks volumes about the need for improvement.
Focus on Team Dynamics
The challenges faced in the passing game are not lost on the Eagles' receiving corps. A.J. Brown candidly expressed the sentiment shared by many, stating, "Passing. What we did today is not good enough. It won’t help us." Echoing this, DeVonta Smith reflected on the performance, suggesting that the Eagles "didn't play up to our standard."
Jalen Hurts further emphasized the importance of unity and growth, asserting, "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 sync as a unit and play complementary ball." This philosophy encapsulates the Eagles' approach toward overcoming their present hurdles.
Learning from Mistakes
Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata provided a glimpse into the team’s mindset away from the field, highlighting the importance of humility and adaptability. "We have to put our pride aside and take coaching... admit your mistake, learn from it, and don't repeat it," Mailata stated, revealing the internal accountability the Eagles are striving to uphold.
A Path Forward
Despite the displayed weaknesses, Hurts' overall numbers over the nine-game winning streak have been impressive. His passer rating of 113.7 places him fourth in the NFL, while deeper throws over this span have garnered a stellar rating of 126.0. His discipline with the ball, having committed only two giveaways compared to 23 total touchdowns during this streak, underscores his potential.
As the Eagles savor another win, they remain acutely aware of the work ahead. Their strong rushing game carried them against the Panthers, but the road to further success will hinge on shoring up the aerial assault. While the challenges are tangible, the talent and the will to adapt are equally evident, painting a promising picture for Philadelphia's remaining season.