The Philadelphia Eagles are one of many hottest groups within the NFL. On Sunday, they prolonged their successful streak to 9 video games and formally clinched a playoff spot for the fourth straight season. Running again Saquon Barkley additionally set the franchise single-season report for speeding yards, with Eric Dickerson’s NFL report nonetheless inside attain.
But not everyone seems to be completely satisfied in Philadelphia after the Eagles (11-2) earned a 22-16 residence win over the Carolina Panthers (3-10). In truth, AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, among the best receiver tandems within the league, had been visibly pissed off with the passing sport after the win.
When requested what the Eagles want to enhance, Brown responded with one phrase: “Passing.”
Brown completed with 4 catches for 43 yards and threw his helmet as soon as after a three-and-out. The three-time Pro Bowler, who recorded 1,456 complete receiving yards in 2023, has topped 100 yards in a single sport simply 4 occasions this yr.
Smith added that their greatest drawback was “being on the identical web page.”
Smith made 4 receptions for 37 yards and a landing on Sunday. After back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner has totaled simply 553 receiving yards in 13 video games.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts was 14-of-21 passing for 108 yards and took 4 sacks. He hasn’t thrown for greater than 200 yards in a sport since a Week 11 win over the Washington Commanders.
“I play my position in how we execute,” Hurts stated. “But in the end it relies on the place we put ourselves in. It’s not my selection.”
One one who may agree with him is coach Nick Sirianni.
“I feel it is truthful that the questions are about our passing sport proper now,” Sirianni informed reporters Sunday.
So whose fault is it: Sirianni, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, the offensive line, or Hurts?
The hosts of FS1’s “The Facility” suppose the reply is Hurts.
Longtime NFL quarterback Chase Daniel broke down a number of performs in Sunday’s sport that confirmed Brown open, together with as soon as ultimately zone, and Hurts did not throw him the ball.
“You must get AJ Brown concerned,” Daniel stated. “AJ Brown is not concerned sufficient.”
Former Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho agreed with Daniel’s sentiment.
“Jalen Hurts is without doubt one of the prime three winners within the sport of soccer,” Acho stated. “But he isn’t an extremely environment friendly passer.”
“AJ Brown’s frustration is a giant deal. Number one, shoutout to AJ Brown as a result of he is been biting his tongue for weeks now.”
Acho then requested co-host James Jones, a Super Bowl-winning receiver with the Green Bay Packers, the place Brown ranks amongst present NFL wideouts.
“Top 5 and he’s not 5,” Jones responded.
“If AJ Brown is a top-five receiver, why on earth does he rank forty third in targets per sport at 6.6?” Acho continued.
“Also, let me dismantle this misnomer that it is due to Saquon Barkley that AJ Brown would not eat. Everyone can eat,” Acho added earlier than evaluating the Eagles to the Lions and Ravens.
The Eagles lead the NFL in carries (473), whereas the Lions (423) and Ravens (407) aren’t far behind. However, these two groups considerably outnumber the Eagles in touchdowns and passing yards. Baltimore and Detroit rank within the NFL’s prime 5 in each classes; Philadelphia is not any. 23 in passing touchdowns and no. 31 in passing yards.
“If AJ wasn’t pissed off, he would not be human and he would not be a competitor. I perceive that the Eagles are successful and AJ needs to win. But as a competitor, you additionally wish to assist your crew win.”
Next Sunday, the Eagles might must throw the ball after they host the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) in a nationwide showdown. Through Week 14, Pittsburgh’s protection ranks fourth within the league in speeding yards allowed, however simply 18th in passing yards. The sport will air at 4:25pm ET on FOX, with Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady on the decision.
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