Eagles Extend Their Streak with Gritty Win Over Panthers
Eagles Extend Their Streak with Gritty Win Over Panthers
In a hard-fought contest, the Philadelphia Eagles emerged victorious against the Carolina Panthers, posting a 22-16 win and extending their impressive winning streak to nine games. While the scoreboard tilted in favor of the Eagles, the victory underscored a deeper narrative of resilience over finesse, especially in their passing game.
Ground Game Triumphs Over Aerial Struggles
The Eagles flexed their ground dominance, amassing a staggering 209 rushing yards against the Panthers, a performance that proved crucial in securing the win. However, this success on the ground shone a brighter light on their contrasting struggles in the air. Managing just 83 net passing yards, Philadelphia's passing attack was notably subdued against Carolina's defense—ranked 24th in pass yardage allowed and 27th in net yards per attempt.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts, while performing solidly on other fronts, contributed 108 passing yards with a modest average of 5.1 yards per attempt. Over the past two games, Hurts has found himself at the bottom of the list in passing yard metrics among quarterbacks with two starts. On this particular Sunday, his long-range passing efforts fell short, completing only two out of six attempts beyond ten air yards, registering a passer rating of just 59.0 in such throws.
Despite these challenges, it is noteworthy that Hurts' overall performance remains commendable. His passer rating throughout his 40 passing attempts stands at a respectable 102.7. Over the Eagles' victorious stretch, Hurts has been remarkably secure with the ball, committing only two giveaways against a striking 23 total touchdowns—highlighting his efficiency as a dual-threat playmaker. Indeed, his passer rating during this streak is an impressive 113.7, ranking fourth in the NFL.
Voices from the Locker Room
Wide receiver A.J. Brown candidly summarized the aerial shortcomings, saying, "Passing. What we did today is not good enough. It won't help us." His sentiments were echoed by fellow receiver DeVonta Smith, who also expressed a need for improvement, 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."
In contrast, Hurts chose to focus on the positives, emphasizing the end goal: "Winning is the main thing." His outlook remains on building towards team cohesion and maintaining the momentum, sharing insight into the team’s mentality: "It isn't about solving anything. Everybody has a reason to want more."
The team acknowledges that success requires collective accountability and a willingness to embrace critique. Offensive lineman Jordan Mailata highlighted this mindset: "We have to put our pride aside and take coaching. That is the form of accountability we harp on a lot."
A Look Ahead
As the Eagles move forward with their winning streak intact, there remains a clear understanding that excellence in the passing game is crucial for maintaining competitive edge as the season progresses. The victory against the Panthers, albeit impressive, serves as a reminder of the areas requiring refinement.
The Eagles' resolve in the face of adversity and their commitment to continual growth are testaments to their championship aspirations. With efforts focused on sync and cohesion, this Philadelphia squad has every reason to believe that their formidable ground prowess, when paired with a rejuvenated passing attack, can become an unstoppable force in the league.
