After a slow start to the season, the Philadelphia Eagles bye week came at the perfect time. It gave the Eagles time to get healthy and make much-needed adjustments. Despite a decent 2-2 start, the Eagles have been disappointing on both sides of the ball. A lot of the things that caused the collapse last season have not been fixed. The defense is still leaky, and Jalen Hurts is still turnover-prone. However, there is enough talent to turn things around.
How the Eagles Can Improve off the Bye Week
Jalen Hurts Needs to Improve
Jalen Hurts has not been able to replicate his 2022 play, which led the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance. Hurts has become turnover-prone. His 11 turnover-worthy plays lead the NFL. Hurts has 27 turnovers in his last 21 games. This is not conducive to winning football, especially with a struggling defense. The Eagles need Hurts to protect the ball. There are a few potential solutions to this problem. One is to rely on him less and use Saquon Barkley more. However, you can only do that when you are playing from ahead. In the Tampa game, they were trailing the entire game, so it was difficult to establish the running game.
Getting off to fast starts is important for every team, but it is even more essential for the Eagles. While Hurts has vastly improved as a passer in his career, he is not at his best when he is dropping back 40 times a game. He is at his best when he is part of a machine, not having to carry the team. Hurts is at his best when he is using his dual threat ability, hitting his weapons for big plays, and using his legs. The return of AJ Brown and Devonta Smith will give the passing game a jolt, but the Eagles need a balanced attack. Saquon Barkley needs to be given the ball early and often. If the Eagles commit to being a balanced attack, the offense will improve.
A Defense in Transition
The Eagles’ defense is undergoing a slow but steady overhaul. It is a mix of veteran stalwarts from the 2022 team and new faces. However, the transition has not been smooth. A lot of the veterans have regressed, and the young guys have not developed as quickly as hoped. This has put the Eagles in an awkward spot, where they need to consider changes. The Eagles have already made a change coming out of the bye week. Rookie Cooper Dejean has replaced Avonte Maddox as the starting slot corner. Dejean was a second-round pick, who many thought was a first-round talent. Now that he is over some injuries, he can bring his skillset to the table. The Eagles need his athleticism in the back end of the defense.
The Eagles also have to figure out their front seven. Edge rusher Bryce Huff has been a massive disappointment and is already seeing his snaps reduced. Josh Sweat has seen a decline in his play since his 11-sack season in 2022. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis are also not as far along as hoped. The defensive line was supposed to be a strength, but so far this season it has not.
Outlook
The Eagles have a talented roster, but they are under pressure. Changes could be on the horizon if the Eagles do not make a playoff run. Nick Sirianni is on the hot seat, and a loss this week to a floundering Browns team would turn up the heat. However, despite bad play, the team is still 2-2 and has plenty of time. This is the week for the Eagles to start their turnaround and establish themselves in a wide-open NFC.
Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
