Despite having one of the best records in the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles have dealt with quite a bit of turmoil this season. Much of that turmoil has been aimed at Pro Bowl quarterback Jalen Hurts in the form of frustration.
However, Hurts is not discouraged by criticism or backlash, even if it comes from within his own locker room.
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“I’m not surprised by anything. This is kind of the nature of the position,” Hurts said on Wednesday. “But I put my energy and my focus on trying to go out there and do my best and trying to learn, trying to build, trying to take in the things that I can to try and improve.”
Players have reportedly grown frustrated with Hurts’ approach and, seemingly, his lack of confidence throwing into tight windows. Wide receiver A.J. Brown’s concerns have continued to grow throughout the season about the direction of this Eagles offense. There was even a reported meeting between Brown and Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie recently to discuss the Pro Bowl wideouts’ issues with the offense.
Still, the offense has struggled, especially outside the red zone, which makes the team’s 8-2 record even more impressive. Philly’s offense ranks in the lower third of the league this year in total yards (300.1 per game), passing yards (184.9), and third-down conversion rate (33.87). Even with those below-average offensive numbers, the Eagles’ offense is the best in the NFL at converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns, at a rate of 75%.
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“I never run away from holding myself accountable, and I think that’s exactly what I’ve taken the approach of doing,” Hurts said. “I take great pride in how we go out there and play as a team and what our flow is. I think we’ve got work to do, and that obviously starts with me. That’s always my approach. That’s always me looking internally first in everything that we do and then in due time rising above.”
Even with all the drama and doubt surrounding the offense, Philadelphia holds a favorable lead in the NFC East as the only team currently above .500, and has a date with the rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 12. As long as head coach Nick Sirianni’s defense continues allowing 20 or fewer points per game, the Eagles could still go on another deep playoff run in a wide-open NFC.
Philadelphia and Dallas will face off at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday.
