What doomed the Eagles came in the form of a familiar story
Life without Jalen Hurts is rough. Just ask the Philadelphia Eagles, who managed to lose 20-10 to the hapless New Orleans Saints in a game that would have clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFL playoffs. The Eagles can still clinch with one win. It comes down to Week 18. Regardless, this is a […]
Life without Jalen Hurts is rough.
Just ask the Philadelphia Eagles, who managed to lose 20-10 to the hapless New Orleans Saints in a game that would have clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFL playoffs. The Eagles can still clinch with one win. It comes down to Week 18.
Regardless, this is a tale that is familiar to NFL fans throughout history: The great regular season team that peaks a bit too early to win big games.
That may be what is happening with Philadelphia right now. The injuries are mounting: Josh Sweat, Hurts, and Lane Johnson. The offense looks stagnant. And Miles Sanders isn't running the same way he was for most of the year (12 carries for 61 yards against New Orleans).
How the offense stalled
Hurts' replacement, Gardner Minshew, has done a fine job trying to replace Hurts' production. But he just hasn't played well enough. For every good thing he does on the field, he also makes a throw that induces head scratches.
Minshew was 18 of 32 passing for 274 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in his second straight start.
Late in the fourth quarter, with New Orleans leading 13-10, Minshew threw a pick-six on a throw where his pass was entirely too late.
It was later found out the mistake came by way of a miscommunication.
This is a team that looks disinterested in the game plan, and with one week left in the regular season, now is not the time to lose focus.
The Eagles are exhibiting all the hallmarks of a team that peaked too soon. They jumped out of the gates fast. But like any sprint, near the end of the race, runners are just trying to hold on.
After losing two straight for the first time all season, that seems like Philadelphia.
Life without Hurts… hurts.
Related Philadelphia Eagles reading
"Philadelphia Eagles make unlikely NFL history in Week 17."
"Eagles fans witness something no one wants to see."
Feature image via Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
