The Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning Super Bowl champions, have kicked off their title defense with two consecutive wins. Despite this success, quarterback Jalen Hurts has faced scrutiny due to his underwhelming performance during these games. After the team’s latest victory, Hurts spoke to reporters about the challenges faced by the Eagles’ offense in the early part of the season.
Hurts emphasized his role as a leader, stating, “I take accountability for a lot of it, how we go out there.” He acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, “Given the opportunities that we had, I’m very critical of myself of trying to make the most of what’s given to us.” The quarterback highlighted the team’s potential for growth, asserting that “there’s definitely some evolution that we can do.”
In the Eagles’ season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 4, 2023, Hurts completed 19 of 23 passes for 152 yards, but did not record any touchdowns or interceptions. He also contributed significantly on the ground, adding 62 rushing yards and two touchdowns. In a subsequent game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Hurts scored on a “tush push” touchdown and completed 15 of 22 passes for 101 yards, helping the Eagles secure a 20-17 win.
Despite these victories, the Eagles’ offense has struggled statistically. According to ESPN, they currently rank 29th in the NFL with an average of 259 offensive yards per game and 31st with an average of just 119 passing yards per contest. Brooks Kubena of The Athletic noted that the team’s offensive play-calling has become predictable since the promotion of Kevin Patullo to offensive coordinator, following the departure of Kellen Moore to become head coach of the New Orleans Saints.
Kubena pointed out specific tendencies in the Eagles’ offense, stating, “If the Eagles are in a pistol or under-center set, they almost always run. If they’re in the shotgun, they sparingly run.” This predictability could hinder the team’s ability to adapt and find success against stronger opponents.
As the team looks to improve, Hurts remains optimistic about their capabilities. He remarked, “There’s a template, so I think expectations are fair. Ultimately, it’s about winning.” He acknowledged the changes within the team’s offensive leadership and expressed confidence in the Eagles’ potential moving forward.
Looking ahead, the Eagles are preparing for a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday. As of Thursday morning, ESPN BET listed the unbeaten Eagles as 3.5-point favorites for the game. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Hurts and the Eagles respond, particularly if the game turns into a high-scoring affair.
With the season still young, the Eagles have time to address their offensive struggles. Hurts’ willingness to take responsibility may be the first step toward finding solutions that will keep their championship aspirations alive.
