The Philadelphia Eagles continued their impressive winning streak with a nail-biting victory over the Carolina Panthers, securing their ninth consecutive win. In a game marked by extraordinary rushing prowess yet meager passing statistics, the Eagles emerged triumphant with a 22-16 scoreline.
A Ground Game Masterclass
Essentially fueled by their rushing attack, the Eagles sprinted their way to 209 yards on the ground. This performance was pivotal in countering their uncharacteristically low passing output. The Eagles managed just 83 net passing yards against a Panthers defense that ranks low in the league for pass yardage allowed (24th) and net yards per pass attempt (27th). Nevertheless, it was the ground game that dictated the rhythm and tempo, setting the foundation for their victory.
Struggles in the Air
The Eagles' aerial attack has been inconsistent, with quarterback Jalen Hurts struggling to find his rhythm over the past few games. While Hurts added to his season total of 23 touchdowns with both passing and rushing scores in his last two outings, his passing statistics leave room for improvement. Against Carolina, Hurts recorded 108 passing yards with an average of 5.1 yards per attempt, leaving the team wanting more from their quarterback.
A.J. Brown didn't mince words concerning the team's passing performance, stating, "Passing. What we did today is not good enough. It won't help us." His sentiment was echoed by fellow wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who candidly reflected, "I think we can do a lot better. Pass game we can be a lot better... We didn't play up to our standard."
Hurts himself acknowledges the need for improvement, emphasizing a team-focused mentality: "Winning is the main thing," he asserted. Yet, he remains optimistic about the future, noting, "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."
Room for Growth
Despite the offensive hiccups, Hurts' performance cannot be entirely overshadowed by the shortcomings in the passing game. His overall passer rating on 40 attempts stands at a respectable 102.7, reflecting his efficiency when the opportunities arise. Moreover, Hurts has maintained a passer rating of 113.7 during the Eagles' nine-game winning streak, ranking him fourth in the NFL. Particularly impressive is his remarkable performance on longer throws, where his passer rating on passes traveling beyond ten air yards during this streak is a stellar 126.0.
However, against the Panthers, this aspect of the game was notably missing; Hurt achieved only a 59.0 passer rating on such throws, completing just two out of six attempts. His low passing yardage contributes to his last-place rank among quarterbacks with two starts during the past two weeks.
The Right Mindset
While the statistics may raise concerns, the team's morale and mindset remain buoyant. Jordan Mailata captured the essence of the Eagles' attitude toward continuous improvement and accountability. "We have to put our pride aside and take coaching," Mailata said, emphasizing the team's commitment to growth and learning. "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."
This candid acknowledgment of their areas needing refinement may well serve as a catalyst for future games. As the Eagles reflect on this victory and their ongoing winning streak, the hope is to blend both their formidable ground attack and the aerial prowess that has shown glimpses of greatness throughout the season.
The path ahead requires synchronization and alignment as a team, as highlighted by Hurts: "Have to find a way to come together and synch as a unit and play complementary ball." As the Eagles continue their pursuit this season, their ability to balance their game and strive for holistic improvements will be crucial in extending their winning record and aspiring for ultimate success.