The Philadelphia Eagles suffered their third straight loss on Monday night, falling 20-17 to the Seattle Seahawks. The defeat drops the Eagles to 12-3 on the season and raises concerns in Philadelphia about the team’s Super Bowl hopes.
Offensive Struggles Continue for Eagles
The Eagles offense has sputtered over the last three games, failing to top 20 points in any contest. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has battled through a shoulder injury but looked healthy against Seattle, throwing for 247 yards. However, the Eagles managed just 57 rushing yards against a porous Seahawks run defense that entered the game last in the NFL.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown was a lone bright spot, catching 6 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. But outside of Brown, Hurts failed to connect with his other top targets. DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert combined for just 5 catches and 48 yards. After the game, Hurts questioned the commitment level of the team during their losing skid:
“We lacked a lot of execution. There were spurts we did some good things, but we didn’t do enough. I know it starts with me. I will be better. We have to be committed to the small details in everything we do. It’s definitely concerning when you’re not on your stuff at this point of the season.”
Other Eagles echoed Hurts’ concerns about the team’s focus and execution. Center Jason Kelce admitted, “Right now, we are an inconsistent group”. Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon also cited a lack of consistency as the main issue during the three-game swoon.
Locker Room Turmoil Behind Eagles’ Skid?
According to reports, tensions have been building in the Eagles locker room over the last month, coming to a head during the losing streak. Sources describe the 10-1 Eagles as the “most miserable” team in the NFL, with “internal turmoil” plaguing the organization.
The unrest seems to trace back to the hiring of assistant coach Matthew Patricia in February. As seen in the table below, the Eagles defense has declined significantly since Patricia’s arrival:
| Stat | 2021 Season | 2022 Season |
|---|---|---|
| Points Allowed | 326 (10th in NFL) | 338 (15th in NFL) |
| Yards Allowed | 5,125 (9th in NFL) | 5,180 (14th in NFL) |
| Takeaways | 27 | 16 |
Defensive players have reportedly complained about Patricia’s coaching style and playcalling. After recent losses, frustration appears to have spread to the offensive side as well. Sources say that coaches have asked Hurts to take on more of a leadership role and “bring the locker room together.” But the third-year quarterback seems to be struggling with the pressure and scrutiny of being “the guy” in Philadelphia.
What’s Next for the Eagles?
With two games left before the playoffs, the Eagles need to right the ship quickly. They host the struggling Saints on Sunday before closing the regular season on the road against the playoff-hungry Giants.
On paper, the Eagles remain one of the most talented teams in the NFC. But the tension enveloping the organization threatens to derail their championship hopes. Philly fans know all too well that talented rosters and regular season success does not always lead to playoff victories and Super Bowl titles.
Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni must find ways to renew focus and re-establish trust in the locker room. Getting back injured defensive stars like Avonte Maddox and Josh Sweat would also help stabilize the declining defense.
Ultimately though, the Eagles’ fortunes rest on the shoulders of Hurts. Entering his first full year as QB1, he’s drawn praise for his work ethic, toughness and leadership. But his sporadic passing and recent post-game comments raise questions about whether he can handle the pressure cooker in Philadelphia.
Over the next few weeks, Hurts has the chance to answer his critics and cement his status as a true franchise quarterback. Or he may show that he lacks the mental fortitude and consistency to guide the Eagles on a championship run. The whole city is watching and waiting to see how the young signal caller responds.
So while the Eagles remain atop the NFC East, their internal dysfunction casts shadows over their ultimate postseason fate. Can the Eagles pull together as a team down the stretch? Or are Philadelphia fans headed for another disappointing January? The coming games will provide the answers.
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