Ninth Consecutive Victory for the Eagles: A Ground Game Triumph
The Philadelphia Eagles extended their winning streak to nine games with a determined 22-16 victory over the Carolina Panthers. This winning stretch continues to cement the Eagles' standing as one of the most formidable teams in the current NFL season. However, the game highlighted both their strengths and areas for growth as they navigate the remainder of the season.
The Eagles showcased their relentless ground game, racking up an impressive 209 rushing yards. This dominating performance on the ground was pivotal in bypassing the oft-leaky Carolina defense, which ranks 24th in pass yardage allowed and 27th in net yards per pass attempt. Yet, despite the victory, there remain visible chinks in their offensive armor.
Aerial Uncertainties
Despite back-to-back victories, questions linger about the Eagles' aerial attack. The team managed a meager 83 net passing yards against the Panthers, a clear area needing attention according to key players. Wide receiver A.J. Brown candidly remarked, "Passing. What we did today is not good enough. It won't help us." Teammate DeVonta Smith echoed this sentiment by stating, "I think we can do a lot better. Pass game we can be a lot better... We didn't play up to our standard."
Quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for 108 passing yards with just an average of 5.1 yards per attempt. More notably, Hurts ranks last in passing yards among quarterbacks with two starts over the past two games, highlighting a critical issue for the Eagles' air attack. On attempts exceeding ten air yards, Hurts completed just two out of six, resulting in an underwhelming passer rating of 59.0. This performance certainly underscores the necessity for improvements in the Eagles' vertical game.
Dual Contribution of Hurts
Despite the challenges in passing, Jalen Hurts continues to shine as a dual-threat quarterback. Over the past two games, he has contributed five total touchdowns—three via passing and two through rushing efforts. His overall passer rating stands at a commendable 102.7 on 40 attempts. When broader considerations of the Eagles' recent performances are taken into account, Hurts' 113.7 passer rating over the nine-game winning stretch secures him the fourth spot in the NFL's ratings.
Hurts’ own assessment of the team's performance leans toward growth and potential. "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," he stated. His words underscore a mindset focused on team synergy and improvement.
Lessons in Accountability
One of the key takeaways from the Eagles' locker room is the importance of accountability. Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata framed it poignantly, saying, "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." This cultural emphasis on learning and development is a major facet of the team's ongoing success.
The Eagles' ground game may be their forte, yet moving forward, enhancing the aerial attack could transform this already successful team into an even more formidable opponent. As they celebrate their ninth straight win, the Eagles and their fans can take solace in their winning ways while still recognizing the areas ripe for improvement. By addressing these concerns, Philadelphia can look forward to maintaining their position as a leading contender in the league.