The Eagles passing game hasn’t been the priority since the bye week, and that lack of attention is starting to be a problem.
The Eagles were able to beat the Panthers on Sunday, but the game didn’t come without some big issues being highlighted on offense. There were several missed throws, frustrations by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith on the sideline, and a fourth quarter that almost saw the Panthers squeak out a win.
Head coach Nick Sirianni spoke to reporters after the game and admitted he’ll have to look at the tape, but overall felt as though they did what was needed to win on Sunday. He also noted, that while he still needs to watch the film, everyone is going to have a hand in issues when the passing game is struggling.
SIRIANNI: “I’ll have to go watch everything. We’re definitely capable of playing better and coaching better in the pass game.”
The head coach didn’t dwell on the issues, though, noting there are things they’ve got to do better in the passing game, but the running game did some really good things — including Saquon Barkley setting a new franchise single-season rushing record.
Jalen Hurts spoke about the passing issues, as well, and highlighted the need to work on their synchronization. He emphasized that he yearns for a more well-rounded approach, and touched on the fact that having relied so heavily on the ground game, the passing game hasn’t found a rhythm.
“HURTS: I think we did a bad job [in the passing game]. That starts with me, how I execute, and ultimately, you yearn, and I yearn for better synchronization amongst that, for a more complimentary style of ball, in a sense. You know, some things don’t get you until it gets you. And there’s definitely been some urgency there, trying to figure it out. And got to keep climbing and trying to progress.”
The quarterback was also asked about how he can get A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith more involved in the game, and Hurts was pretty honest about his role in that situation.
“HURTS: You know, I played my role in how we execute, but ultimately, it’s about what position we put ourselves in. That’s not my choice.”
Both Brown and Smith echoed the QB’s notion of needing to get on the same page. Brown was a little more curt about it, when asked about the issues facing the offense, the WR simply said, “Passing.” He also admitted that it’s “incredibly tough” for the receivers to get into a rhythm when the offense is only passing the ball 20 times a game.
This piggy-backed off of Smith’s comments post-game saying that they need to do a better job of being on the same page. The WR shrugged off the notion that his absence due to injury had any impact on that piece of the offense, explaining that the routes and concepts are the same regardless of who is running them.
Smith admitted that the run game has been doing well, and gave credit to Saquon Barkley, but was also adamant that they didn’t perform up to their standard, and regardless of how many opportunities they are getting in the passing game, they need to make it work.
“SMITH: The passing game, we could be a lot better.”
Despite extending their win streak to nine games, there was an air of frustration according to reports coming out of the locker room. The offense has relied heavily on the ground game since their bye week, and it was only a matter of time before the passing game took a little hit as a result.
The good news is the Eagles have all the pieces they need to build the passing game back up, but as Hurts noted, they will need to play more complimentary offense in order to accomplish the things they want to this season. With a win over Carolina, the Eagles have clinched their spot in the playoffs, and can use the next several weeks to fix their issues rather than lose themselves in a collapse.
