PHILADELPHIA — A convincing win over the Miami Dolphins Sunday night leaves the Philadelphia Eagles as one of the elite teams in the NFL again, erasing any doubt on their status as a Super Bowl contender. The Eagles held the Dolphins offense to 10 points and 244 yards, making “The Greatest Show on Surf” mortal in their most impressive victory of the year.
Even in victory, there are still some things the Eagles need to settle over the week — particularly the status of franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts. This week’s overreactions and reality checks focus on Hurts’ injury and some secondary changes the Eagles might need to make going forward.
Jalen Hurts’ knee injury isn’t a concern
Overreaction or reality: Overreaction
The extent of Hurts’ knee injury is something he’ll play through, but even the Eagles quarterback admitted after Sunday night’s win the injury could present a challenge. Hurts responded “I hope not” when asked if the knee brace could be a problem, leaving the extent of his injury uncertain.
This is an injury Hurts can manage, but it could get worse as the season goes on if Hurts isn’t careful. Hurts’ mobility is already affected by the injury, as he had just 11 carries for 21 yards in the win — with the 1.9 yards per carry being a season low.
For the time being, Hurts will have to use his strengths in the pocket. Hurts was 21 of 28 (75%) in the pocket Sunday, with two touchdowns and an interception (106.5 rating).
The Eagles badly miss Shane Steichen
Overreaction or reality: Overreaction
The turnovers from Jalen Hurts are a concern, especially since he has 10 in seven games (eight interceptions and two lost fumbles), yet the Eagles offense is fourth in points per game (26.6), third in yards per game (389.3), first in time per possession (3:22), first in plays per possession (7.05), and second in yards per possession (37.3).
The Eagles control the ball really well, having four games where they held time of possession for over 36 minutes. They are first in the league in average time of possession and hold the ball for 34:25 — a formula to stop high-flying offenses and keep them off the field.
Philadelphia is second in third-down conversion rate (48.5%) and third in fourth-down conversion rate (71.4%). The only area the Eagles have to improve is in the red zone, where they are ranked 20th (50%).
Johnson’s red zone play calling leaves a lot to be desired, but he’s also only seven games in. If the red zone offense was better, this discussion wouldn’t be brought up (the Eagles were 4 of 6 in the red zone Sunday).
Overreaction or reality: Overreaction
Brown made his first NFL start Sunday night, getting the opportunity to finally play safety thanks to the number of injuries at the position. With Reed Blankenship (ribs) out and Justin Evans on injured reserve, Brown started and performed well.
Brown wasn’t targeted in coverage in his 34 coverage snaps and had three tackles (two solo) with one missed tackle. Brown was solid when the Eagles needed him to be, just like how Blankenship is when he plays.
When Reed Blankenship does return, the Eagles are now set up to be even stronger in the secondary. The Eagles traded Terrell Edmunds to the Tennessee Titans Monday (along with a 2024 fifth- and sixth-round pick) for Kevin Byard, giving Byard the starting spot next to Blankenship. Brown will be the No. 3 safety once Byard gets acclimated with the defense. Without Byard, Brown would have deserved an opportunity to start. Now, the Eagles can move Brown to the slot at times along with a third safety in box-nickel packages.
Brown had shown he’s solid enough to deserve a starting spot, as long as he can stay healthy. His coverage skills will be tested soon enough.
Eli Ricks deserves more playing time in the slot
Overreaction or reality: Reality
With all the injuries in the slot (Avonte Maddox and Zech McPhearson are out for the year), the Eagles gave Mario Goodrich an opportunity in the slot at first. Goodrich wasn’t working out as the Eagles would have liked, so veteran cornerback Bradley Roby got an opportunity after signing with the practice squad.
Roby’s shoulder injury caused him to miss Sunday’s game, giving Ricks a rare chance to play — as he moved inside for the opportunity. Ricks was targeted three times in coverage, allowing no completions with a pass breakup. He was as reliable in coverage as the Eagles could have in the slot, splitting time with Josiah Scott (who the Eagles brought back last week).
Ricks clearly earned playing time over Scott, but what about Roby? Based on his development, he also earned time in the slot cornerback rotation. When Roby returns, Ricks will become an excellent complement for him — making the Eagles cornerback group stronger.
The Eagles know Ricks is a part of their future. The undrafted rookie displayed how soon he can help this team in 2023.
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