Why are the Philadelphia Eagles Struggling This Season?
The Philadelphia Eagles are often considered one of the most resilient teams in the NFL, yet they have been facing consistent challenges this season. Recent performances, characterized by a focus on passing instead of running, have raised questions about the team's current state and strategy. These issues are not new; they stem from significant changes in the offseason, including losing their defensive coordinator (DC) and offensive coordinator (OC).
Offseason Changes and Adjustments
The Eagles lost their DC and OC during the off-season, leading to a period of transition and adjustment. While this disruption is perfectly normal for any team, it has been particularly noticeable on the field. At halftime of the matchup against the New York Giants, Jalen Hurts, dealing with a finger injury that affected his grip, had thrown 20 pass attempts, while the Eagles had attempted the run only five times. This emphasis on passing can be seen as a strategic choice to mitigate the impact of Hurts' injury, but it also highlights the ongoing difficulties in adapting to the new offensive scheme.
Perception of Team Performance
Despite these internal struggles, the Eagles currently hold the best record in both conferences after 12 games, with a 10-2 record. This impressive streak is one of the best forecasts by analysts, indicating that the team is performing better than many anticipated. One of their losses, while significant, does not detract from their overall performance.
Comparing the Current Team to the Super Bowl Team
The success of the Eagles' 2018 Super Bowl-winning team was a product of several factors. They had a powerful running back, LaGarrette Blount, and a reliable tight end, Brent Celek, who were both key assets. The offensive line provided a strong foundation, allowing quarterback Nick Foles to stay in the pocket and take advantage of run-pass options designed by Frank Reich, a former backup quarterback from the Buffalo Bills. This combination led to a championship-caliber offense.
However, the current Eagles team lacks these key components. The absence of a dominant running back and the transition from veteran tight ends to more pass-catching specialists means that the offense lacks the physicality that defined the Super Bowl-winning team. Additionally, the coaching staff, led by Doug Pederson, opts for high-risk, high-reward strategies such as frequently going for two points and gambling on fourth down. While these tactics can be effective, they also come with significant risks and have been criticized for their perceived inconsistency.
Key Changes and Their Impact
The retirement or departure of key leaders like Malcolm Jenkins and Frank Reich has also had an impact on team dynamics. These individuals were crucial in instilling toughness and resilience into the team, both on and off the field. With these veterans no longer leading the squad, the team may be struggling to maintain the same level of discipline and determination that characterized previous performances.
The departure of such important figures, along with the lack of standout players like emergence quarterback Jalen Hurts still finding his footing, has resulted in a team that, while highly skilled, has lost some of its edge. The current lineup, while impressive in many ways, is perceived as softer and less resilient compared to the team that brought them to the Super Bowl.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Eagles' struggles this season can be attributed to a combination of recent coaching changes, the loss of key players, and the necessary period of adjustment that comes with such significant shifts. Despite their impressive overall record, the team faces several challenges that could potentially affect their performance in the long run. For fans and analysts alike, the question remains: will the Eagles return to their former powerhouse status, or is this a temporary setback?