Eagles slowly ‘putting things together’ to become elite team: ‘I don’t think we’re there yet’

Eagles he passed an important exam on Sunday defeated the Bengals 37-17 at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

After defeating Terrible Browns team AND 2-5 Giants in the following weeks, the Eagles were 4-2 at the start of Week 8. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni they said after the Bengals game that “it’s hard to win in this league,” so they celebrate every victory the same. However, not all victories are created equal.

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Philadelphia’s performances against Cleveland and New York did not move them into the elite category of NFL teams. However, with the dissolution of the powerful Bengals team, the Eagles can be considered one of the best teams in the league.

Here are NJ Advance Media’s top takeaways from the Eagles’ victory:

Jalen Hurts MVP form

After finishing second in the 2022 MVP voting, Hurts was recognized as one of the league’s best point guards. The 26-year-old suffered regression last season and has struggled at times this season, which is why he is no longer seen as an elite player.

Team Hurts may be back in that conversation after beating the Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had one of his best performances since 2022. He completed 16 of 20 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown and also ran for three touchdowns.

“That’s the league. I have standards for myself, too,” Hurts said of playing well against Burrow, who is considered a top-five quarterback.

In the third quarter, the Eagles were up seven points (24-17) when Hurts scored from 45 yards to the wide receiver. DeVonta Smithwho was tightly covered by the Bengals safety Battle Jordan in the end zone.

Hurts took shots over midfield and made difficult passes in tight windows. His completion percentage exceeded expectations at +20.2%, the highest of his career. according to Next Generation Statistics.

The Eagles’ offense has elite potential

Heading into Week 8, the Eagles’ passing attack ranked 22nd in the league, averaging 195.5 yards per game. Overall, the Eagles had the ninth-best total offense (362.2 yards per game) and second-best rushing offense (166.7 yards per game) through seven weeks, but the passing game was too out of sync to keep them elite.

The Eagles got off to another slow start against the Bengals – kicking a field goal on the first drive and punting on the next possession – but scored on all five drives in the second half, including touchdowns on the first two series.

Smith caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown, AJ Brown caught five receptions for 84 yards and Saquon Barkley he amassed 108 rushing yards behind a banged-up offensive line. Philadelphia scored a season-high 37 points, 397 yards and scored 12 fourth-quarter touchdowns.

The Eagles have an elite duo of wingers and attackers, a top-notch offensive line and a good playmaker. Philadelphia’s offense could be a top-three team, but consistency was an issue.

“I’m just able to keep moving forward. I don’t think we’re there yet,” Hurts said. “I think we’re slowly finding it and trying to put it all together. Ultimately, it all comes down to rhythm, rhythm and the way we play. And finally, optimizing all the talent we have.”

General director of Orłów Howie Roseman had a good offseason

Roseman’s latest acquisitions have made a great impression.

With 45 seconds left in the third quarter, the Eagles’ rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean hit the Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for losing two on fourth down. Security CJ Gardner-Johnsonwho reunited with the Eagles in March on a three-year contract, intercepted Burrow on the next drive to Cincinnati. Defender of the Eagles Zack Baunwho signed a one-year contract, forced a failure in the next series.

Corner Isaiah Rodgerswho joined the Eagles last summer and served a one-year suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy, deflected the ball into Gardner-Johnson’s hands during an interception.

Barkley ran for 57 yards, including scores of 19 and 17, for the Eagles in 12 plays and scored a touchdown.

Philadelphia’s defense has improved

The Eagles made critical defensive stops and caused turnovers, held the Bengals to 58 yards rushing and allowed Chase only 54 yards. Since Week 6, Philadelphia’s defense has allowed just two touchdowns.

Before making the game-winning drive in the final 20 minutes, the Eagles had a hard time stopping the Bengals. Cincinnati converted 10 of 13 on third down and scored on three of its first five drives. Over the next 10 weeks, the Eagles’ pass rush and secondary play must continue to improve.

Nick Sirianni’s resume is getting stronger

Sirianni, who has been criticized for his on-field antics and poor coaching decisions this season, won his 39th game with the Eagles. His .672 winning percentage is third-best among active coaches, behind only the Chargers’ coach Jim Harbaugh and the Packers coach Matt LaFleur. Despite speculation that Sirianni could be fired after the 2024 season, there is nothing to worry about for now.