The Philadelphia Eagles have made a habit of winning close games in their undefeated 2024 start, sitting atop the league with the Buffalo Bills. Right now they sit 31st behind the Tennessee Titans with an abysmal 138 passing yards per game. The Eagles have been playing a bit on the inconsistent side this year. Currently as a team, they rank second to last in average yards after the catch per completion, with only the New Orleans Saints gaining less per completion at 3.7 yards.
Even with a stunning 10-1 record in 2023, the Eagles’ ride has not come without its bumps along the way. After a soul-crushing Super Bowl defeat, the post-Super Bowl came around, and no one was really feeling it. At this time last year, after their Week 5 bye, they were reeling from a string of self-imposed turmoil. These concerns created periods of concern all year long. December turned out to be the most chaotic month for the team.
A.J. Brown, one of the Eagles’ top playmakers, has been critical of the passing game, declaring that they need to play better on that side of the ball. His comments kicked off a domino effect within the offensive unit as they tried to collectively raise the tide to up their game.
“We’ve just got to continue to improve, continue to jell and find … an identity within the offense and the run game, and that’s what the season is for.” – Eagles player
Despite their inefficiencies, the Eagles have been able to succeed elsewhere. Since the turning point of a loss at Illinois last season, they have gone 20-1 in their past 21 games. This includes a dominating Super Bowl win against the Kansas City Chiefs. This season, they have scored a touchdown on all 11 red zone drives, tying them with the 2018 Kansas City Chiefs for the second-longest streak to start a season.
While these developments were victories, it wasn’t all good news for the Eagles. They took a surprising defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 4, falling to 2-2 on the season. But they came back, taking down the Buccaneers 31-25, improving their record to 4-0.
Jalen Hurts, the team’s quarterback, faced difficulties during this match-up, notably failing to complete a pass in the second half. Even so, he looked back at the team’s performance as a whole.
“It’s been very efficient football at rates and then we’ve had these lulls,” – Jalen Hurts
The 2023 Eagles can’t seem to get it together, similarly on both sides of the ball. As a consequence, they underperformed in some games. The current roster, however, boasts one of the best defenses in football and a potent running game that has become essential in carrying the offense.
As they steel themselves for fights to come, Brown’s dogged commitment to making a difference during difficult times shone through time and again. He articulated an eagerness to reengage when the talent-deprived team is, as he said, “kicking our ass again.”
“I see that we’re struggling and I’m a guy that wants the ball in those times when we can’t find a way. Give it to me,” – A.J. Brown
Regardless, the Eagles’ future has never looked brighter if they can fix the craters on their offensive blueprint. Simultaneously, they need to continue to find ways to attack their opposing teams’ defensive weaknesses. As they try to make their way through this tumultuous season, it’s more important than ever for them to establish an identity that matches their talent.
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