Eagles’ Passing Game Woes Spark Frustration Despite Win Over Panthers
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles may be flying high with an 11-2 record and a nine-game winning streak, but not everything is smooth sailing in the City of Brotherly Love. After Sunday’s nail-biting victory over the Carolina Panthers, frustration over the team’s sputtering passing attack boiled over, leaving players and fans alike wondering when the aerial game will finally take off.
Let’s be clear: the Eagles are a powerhouse. Their ground game, spearheaded by MVP candidate Saquon Barkley, is nothing short of dominant. On Sunday, the rushing attack racked up a jaw-dropping 209 yards, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. Barkley even set a new franchise record for rushing yards in a single season. The defense? Rock solid, exceeding expectations all year long. But the passing game? That’s where the cracks are starting to show.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts had a rough outing against the Panthers, throwing for just 108 yards on 14-of-21 passing attempts. For a team loaded with top-tier receiving talent like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, those numbers are far from what fans expect—or what the players themselves demand.
What’s Holding the Passing Game Back?
So, what’s the issue? According to Smith, it’s all about communication—or the lack thereof. “Being on the same page,” Smith said when asked what’s missing. “Thinking the same. Seeing the right signals. Just going out there and making it work.”
Smith’s comments reflect a broader concern within the team. The Eagles entered Week 14 with an NFL-low 307 passing attempts on the season. While the team’s success on the ground has been undeniable, the lack of balance in the offense is starting to wear on the receivers. Brown, for instance, didn’t see a single target until late in the first half, despite beating 1-on-1 coverage multiple times. His frustration was evident when he tossed his helmet after a second-quarter three-and-out.
When asked what the offense needs to improve on, Brown didn’t mince words: “Passing.” And when pressed on how difficult it is for a receiver to find a rhythm in a run-heavy offense, he was blunt: “Incredibly tough.”
Hurts Takes Responsibility
Hurts, to his credit, didn’t shy away from the criticism. “I think [the Panthers] did a good job; I think we did a bad job,” he said of the passing game. “That starts with me, how I execute. Ultimately, you yearn and I yearn for better synchronization, for a more complimentary style of ball, in a sense.”
He added, “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 [we’ve] got to keep climbing and trying to progress.”
But should these conversations about being “on the same page” really be happening this late in the season? Hurts didn’t hesitate: “No. I’ll just say no.”
High Standards, High Expectations
It’s worth noting that the Eagles’ frustrations stem from their own sky-high standards. This is a team with championship aspirations, and anything less than perfection feels like a letdown. As Smith put it, “Offensively, we need to be better.”
And he’s not wrong. While the ground game and defense have carried the team to an impressive record, the playoffs will demand a more balanced attack. Opposing defenses will key in on Barkley and the run game, forcing the Eagles to rely on their passing attack. If the current struggles persist, it could spell trouble when the stakes are highest.
What’s Next for the Eagles?
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the Eagles have little time to iron out the kinks in their passing game. Here are three key areas they’ll need to address:
- Communication: As Smith pointed out, being on the same page is crucial. The team needs to ensure everyone is aligned on routes, signals, and timing.
- Targeting Playmakers: Brown and Smith are two of the league’s most talented receivers. Finding ways to get them more involved will be critical.
- Quarterback Execution: Hurts has taken responsibility for the struggles, and his ability to improve his decision-making and accuracy will be pivotal.
Despite the frustrations, the Eagles remain one of the NFL’s top teams. If they can get their passing game in sync, they’ll be an even more formidable force heading into the postseason. For now, though, the clock is ticking.
Originally Written by: Tim McManus
