Eagles' Numbers Tell a Tale of Two Opponents as Jalen Hurts Looks to Revitalize Offense Against the Lions
The Philadelphia Eagles are set to take on the Detroit Lions in one of the biggest NFC games of the season, with Sunday night's prime-time matchup offering a glimpse into just how far the team has come and how far it still needs to go. The Eagles' 7-2 record is an impressive one, but the lackluster performance against the Packers last week raises questions about whether they're truly living up to their Super Bowl championship potential.
Jalen Hurts, the team's star quarterback, is at the center of much of this debate, particularly when it comes to his tight window throw rate. At 16.6% per game, according to Next Gen Data, Hurts' numbers are among the best in the league - and yet, the Eagles continue to struggle with a conservative approach that leaves many wondering why they're not unlocking more from their talented quarterback.
The answer may lie in the numbers themselves, which suggest that there's still untapped potential for Hurts to make plays when he has open receivers. Tight window throws, defined as passes where the targeted receiver has less than one yard of separation when the pass arrives, are a key area where Hurts excels - and yet, despite being in the same neighborhood as some top quarterbacks, the Eagles continue to limit him with conservative play-calling.
On the other hand, the Lions' attack may be exactly what the Eagles need to see. With a 5.81 yards-per-carry average over their last two games against Detroit, running back Saquon Barkley has been in top form - and his speed and agility make him a nightmare for defenses. The question is whether the Eagles can find ways to give Barkley more space on the field, rather than trying to get him involved in shorter passes that often don't showcase his full range of skills.
Other numbers from this game are also worth watching, particularly when it comes to the Eagles' cornerback play and their overall three-and-out rate. The Lions' offense may be looking for ways to exploit any weaknesses in the Eagles' secondary - but if Quinyon Mitchell can continue to hold down speed threats like Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown, then the team's defense will have a chance to show off its mettle.
Ultimately, Sunday night's game against the Lions is less about just winning than it is about showing that the Eagles are truly living up to their Super Bowl championship potential. With numbers suggesting that they still have room for growth - particularly when it comes to their tight window throws and overall three-and-out rate - can Jalen Hurts lead his team to victory and prove themselves as a true contender in the NFC East? Only time will tell.
The Philadelphia Eagles are set to take on the Detroit Lions in one of the biggest NFC games of the season, with Sunday night's prime-time matchup offering a glimpse into just how far the team has come and how far it still needs to go. The Eagles' 7-2 record is an impressive one, but the lackluster performance against the Packers last week raises questions about whether they're truly living up to their Super Bowl championship potential.
Jalen Hurts, the team's star quarterback, is at the center of much of this debate, particularly when it comes to his tight window throw rate. At 16.6% per game, according to Next Gen Data, Hurts' numbers are among the best in the league - and yet, the Eagles continue to struggle with a conservative approach that leaves many wondering why they're not unlocking more from their talented quarterback.
The answer may lie in the numbers themselves, which suggest that there's still untapped potential for Hurts to make plays when he has open receivers. Tight window throws, defined as passes where the targeted receiver has less than one yard of separation when the pass arrives, are a key area where Hurts excels - and yet, despite being in the same neighborhood as some top quarterbacks, the Eagles continue to limit him with conservative play-calling.
On the other hand, the Lions' attack may be exactly what the Eagles need to see. With a 5.81 yards-per-carry average over their last two games against Detroit, running back Saquon Barkley has been in top form - and his speed and agility make him a nightmare for defenses. The question is whether the Eagles can find ways to give Barkley more space on the field, rather than trying to get him involved in shorter passes that often don't showcase his full range of skills.
Other numbers from this game are also worth watching, particularly when it comes to the Eagles' cornerback play and their overall three-and-out rate. The Lions' offense may be looking for ways to exploit any weaknesses in the Eagles' secondary - but if Quinyon Mitchell can continue to hold down speed threats like Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown, then the team's defense will have a chance to show off its mettle.
Ultimately, Sunday night's game against the Lions is less about just winning than it is about showing that the Eagles are truly living up to their Super Bowl championship potential. With numbers suggesting that they still have room for growth - particularly when it comes to their tight window throws and overall three-and-out rate - can Jalen Hurts lead his team to victory and prove themselves as a true contender in the NFC East? Only time will tell.