Jalen Hurts set a Philadelphia Eagles training camp record for consecutive throws without an interception this past summer.
It’s the throws that actually count, however, that have alarm bells sounding in the 215.
Hurts has another turnover-related streak going entering Philly’s bye week, and it’s not the good kind. He’s now committed at least one turnover in nine consecutive games dating back to 2023.
The Eagles have been dealing with key injuries at offensive line and wide receiver, and they’re still breaking in a new offensive coordinator in Kellen Moore. But they have just three wins in their last 10 regular season games, and the giveaway category is the most common denominator.
The Eagles have not won the turnover battle for 12 consecutive games. They’re unsurprisingly 4-8 over that span. To make matters worse, three of Hurts’ seven total turnovers this season have come in the red zone.
Philadelphia can mitigate those issues with one simple fix to the game plan, according to Eagles reporter Tim McManus. Here’s his take on the situation for ESPN:
Hurts threw just one interception during training camp this summer while he was mostly playing what he calls "point guard" -- getting the ball out of his hands quickly with short rhythm throws to his playmakers. It has been a different story through four games, as Hurts' average time before throws of 3.1 seconds ranks 32nd among all quarterbacks. He has five fumbles (three lost) and four interceptions over four games.
The one constant in this offense has been running back Saquon Barkley, who ranks third in rushing yards (435) and is averaging 6.0 yards per carry. Leaning into the ground game and putting Hurts in more favorable second- and third-down situations will help keep the turnovers to a minimum.
McManus is not the only NFL analyst questioning the Eagles approach on offense, especially since No. 1 wide receiver A.J. Brown went out with a hamstring injury in Week 2.
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky skewered Moore and the Eagles' coaching staff for their game plan in last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hurts dropped back to pass on seven of the Eagles’ first nine plays of the game, as the Bucs raced out to a 24-0 lead in the first half.
Hurts has been holding onto the ball too long, and his lack of trust and chemistry in Jahan Dotson, Parris Campbell and Johnny Wilson was evident against Tampa Bay.
Getting Brown and DeVonta Smith back in the lineup should help, but it would behoove the Eagles to lean on their patented run game, especially with the Cleveland Browns and their elite pass rush coming to the Linc on Oct. 13.
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