Despite a strong 2-0 start for the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles, Jalen Hurts’ passing game hasn't been in tip-top shape as of yet, and star wide receiver duo DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown haven't had the sharpest start to their seasons. As a team who thrives off the run game, and a team who rushes the ball so effectively, Jalen Hurts neglecting the passing game could hurt Philly in the future.
Heading into week three, Jalen Hurts is currently tied at 31st for the most passing yards so far, totalling only 253 as of yet, with no passing touchdowns either. Even though he is clocking in at a 75.6% passer rating after completing 34 passes over 45 attempts, his passing game is something that the Eagles need to get in check quickly, and Hurts can't continue to mask his passing game behind his solid rushing performances.
Not only is it the team who is suffering as a whole due to the lack of passing, but not utilising two of the best receivers in the league is an asset that could just make them good enough to repeat their Super Bowl success, and although a week two victory over rivals Kansas City was a comfortable one, the passing game was a clear hole in the offense, and is something that needs to be cleaned up.
One area of the offense that has clearly been shy of activity so far this season is star receiver AJ Brown, a player who was vital for the Eagles success last season, and a player who contributed more than enough chunk plays, and plays that make that offense complete. So far over two weeks of play, Brown has been targeted nine times for a total of six receptions, putting up only 35 total yards as the fourth highest receiving contributor on the team. Sitting behind tight end Dallas Goedert who was injured last week, Jahan Dotson who is the third receiver on the depth chart isn't the kind of start you want from your number one receiver, however it is Hurts’ style of play which is holding their game back.
Sure handing the ball off to Saquon Barkely is an easy yard gainer, and often the perfect recipe for chunk plays, however leaving Brown and Smith in the dust is the last thing the Eagles need, and is something that needs to be corrected soon. You can only get so far with the run game, and receivers are there to make the big plays. Whether it is over dependency on the run game, or Hurts’ lack of ability to be a top five passing QB, things need to change, and Hurts needs to start airing out the ball.
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