5 Eagles Storylines We’re Not Buying After First Two Weeks

The first two weeks of the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2023 season have certainly brought some issues to light. No year is ever perfect, but it’s been strange to see Philadelphia stumble a bit out of the gate, especially after a magical run in 2022.

Still, there are some early talking points around this team that we’re just not buying right now.

Early 2023 Eagles Trends We’re Not Buying

1. Jalen Hurts has regressed as a passer

Jalen Hurts hasn’t been great throwing the ball to begin the 2023 campaign, but we should give him a bit more time before hitting the panic button.

Hurts’ struggles have been obvious over the first two weeks. He and the passing offense haven’t been nearly as effective as they were in 2022, with even first downs being tougher to come by than they were previously. The deep ball hasn’t hit nearly as frequently either, which has been a source of frustration for A.J. Brown (more on him later) after he and Hurts wreaked havoc in that department a year ago.

However, it’s just two games! Did we all forget what Hurts did during his MVP-worthy season last year? Here’s a reminder: career highs in completion percentage (66.5%), passing yards (3,701) and passing touchdowns (22), plus just 6 interceptions.

This is a guy that we’ve all seen get better every single season since entering the league. A step back in play would be wildly out of character for one of the hardest-working players in the NFL.

It’s worth considering how Hurts’ right shoulder injury and ensuing surgery this offseason might be playing a role in a quieter start. He’s also getting used to a new offensive coordinator in Brian Johnson after Shane Steichen became head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

Given those two major obstacles, maybe we should’ve expected some rust. But now Hurts gets a long week coming off of Thursday Night Football to review how he’s played and make adjustments. For all we know, he could come out firing and look like 2022 Hurts in Week 3.