Eagles soar but Hurts struggles with long passes as Philly’s air attack sputters despite 2-0 start
Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves at an impressive 2-0 to start the season. However, beneath that winning record lies a notable concern regarding Hurts’ performance, particularly in the deep passing game.
Troubling Statistics for Hurts
Despite the undefeated start, Hurts has managed to complete only two passes exceeding 10 air yards this season. This dismal statistic places him tied for 34th in the NFL, sharing that rank with Jets backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Such a ranking raises eyebrows, especially for a starting quarterback in a league with 32 teams.
To clarify, air yards are a metric that measures the distance the ball travels in the air on a pass. This stat is crucial as it indicates a quarterback’s ability to stretch the field and take risks with deeper throws, rather than relying heavily on yards gained after the catch by receivers.
A Stagnant Passing Game
The implications of Hurts’ struggles are significant. His inability to connect on deep passes has stifled the potential impact of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, the Eagles’ star receiving duo. Both players have the talent to change the game, yet they find themselves limited in their opportunities to make big plays due to Hurts’ current struggles.
While fans and analysts alike might expect Hurts to regain his deep-ball prowess as the season progresses, the question remains: what has changed? Why is he unable to replicate the success he had last season?
A Need for Improvement
Until Hurts finds a rhythm and begins to exploit the deep portions of the field, there will be a lingering sense of unease surrounding Philadelphia’s passing attack. The Eagles have shown flashes of brilliance, yet the passing game appears to be out of sync at this early stage of the season.
As the weeks advance, the urgency for Hurts to elevate his performance becomes increasingly apparent. The Eagles are winning now, but for them to truly soar, they will need their quarterback to rediscover his deep-ball accuracy and unleash the full potential of his talented receiving corps.
