Eagles handed first loss of season after messy game against Jets – NBC Sports Philadelphia

You Could Say…But Nah, It Was That Bad

You could say there’s nothing wrong with the Philadelphia Eagles’ 5-1 record. You could argue that losing a non-conference game isn’t a big deal. But let’s be real, this was a terrible loss. It was a missed opportunity to secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC and the Eagles should have dominated the New York Jets.

Jalen Hurts’ Uncharacteristically Bad Game

Normally consistent and reliable, Jalen Hurts had a rough day. His interception just after the two-minute warning was a rookie mistake. With the Eagles leading 14-12 on a crucial 3rd-and-9, Hurts made a poor decision, throwing a pass right into the hands of Jets safety Tony Adams. It was arguably the worst pass and interception of his career. Hurts ended the game with three interceptions, tying his career high, and although one interception wasn’t entirely his fault, he made some questionable decisions, especially on that last one. Considering the injuries to the offensive line, Hurts was under constant pressure, but he should be beyond this type of performance.

Lack of Fire and Energy

As the game progressed, it was evident that the Eagles were lacking in energy and fire. The Jets were the ones playing with emotion and confidence. It seemed like the Eagles were missing the spark and passion that we’re used to seeing from this team. This is a team that has dealt well with adversity in the past, but something was off on Sunday. Coach Nick Sirianni needs to address this issue because the upcoming schedule won’t be any easier.

Inefficient Offense

The Eagles’ offense had a brutal game. There’s no excuse for scoring only 14 points against a Jets defense that has been struggling. Whether it was Goedert’s fumble, D’Andre Swift’s costly mistake, or D’Vonta Smith’s dropped catch, the offense played sloppy football. Once Lane Johnson left the game, the offensive line had trouble protecting Hurts, putting him under constant pressure. Despite having offensive weapons, the Eagles couldn’t run their offense efficiently. The red-zone problems continued with a missed field goal. It was an ugly offensive performance that shouldn’t have happened.

Missed Opportunity to Exploit Weak Run Defense

The Jets defense has been struggling against the run, yet the Eagles failed to take advantage of it. They stopped running the ball after a few unsuccessful attempts and relied heavily on passing plays. With a talented group of running backs and a strong offensive line, it was a missed opportunity to dominate on the ground. The pass-heavy approach didn’t make sense, especially against a team that has been allowing significant rushing yards in recent weeks. The play-calling should have been more balanced.

Defense Held Their Ground

The defense cannot be blamed for this loss. They held the Jets to minimal yardage and limited them to field goals. With several key players missing due to injuries, the defense performed admirably. The lack of takeaways was the only concern. Overall, the blame falls on the offense for their lackluster performance.

Haason Reddick’s Remarkable Performance

Haason Reddick has been playing at a high level since getting rid of his cast. He has recorded 5 ½ sacks in the past three games and is on track to reach double digits for the season. He continues to be relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback and is making a case for a lucrative contract in the future.

Turnover Woes and Lack of Takeaways

The Eagles’ giveaway-takeaway ratio is a concern. They are currently minus-1 for the season and minus-5 over the past three weeks. In Sunday’s game, they committed four turnovers, which were a result of the Jets’ physical and aggressive play. Winning games becomes difficult when you can’t protect the ball or force turnovers.

A Questionable Last Offensive Play

The Eagles’ decision to throw a deep pass on 4th-and-8 with little time remaining was puzzling. There was still enough time on the clock to make shorter, more manageable gains. The play-call didn’t give them the best opportunity to convert and ultimately cost them the game.

Overall, this loss was a disappointment for the Eagles. They had a chance to solidify their position in the NFC but fell short. It’s important for them to learn from their mistakes and regroup for the tough challenges ahead.

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