As the Philadelphia Eagles continue to flounder in the final weeks of the regular season, it is clear that all options must be on the table. Fans can at least take heart in the fact that there are three incredibly winnable games ahead, with the schedule offering two matchups against the Washington Commanders and one against the tanking Las Vegas Raiders. Still, there is no questioning that this is a franchise in need of meaningful changes.
The bulk of the concern has been on an offense that cannot get out of its own way. Negative plays and mistakes have defined a group that needs to make three changes in the season's final weeks if they have any hope of turning around the year and defending last season's Super Bowl run.
1. Run Hurry Up More Often
So often, the Philly offense feels plodding and without a sense of identity or urgency. With this in mind, the Eagles must opt to change how quickly they get to the line and get to the next play. Philadelphia waited too late in the season to change the playbook or adopt major offensive changes, but there can be a higher collective sense of urgency.
The Eagles can utilize the hurry up just as they did against the Chicago Bears in garbage time to help get the short passing game rolling and stay ahead of the chains. It is clear that it helped remove struggles for Hurts as well, who has dealt with turnover issues and errant passes. Even if Philly doesn't want to utilize it consistently long term, it could be a tool against the struggling defenses of the Raiders and Commanders to build up Hurts' confidence.
At this point, the Eagles simply have nothing to lose and should be throwing every possible answer at the wall. This includes running its offense with a higher sense of urgency and allowing Hurts the chance to build confidence heading into the playoffs.
2. Lessen Saquon Barkley's Carries
While this might seem counterproductive with Hurts not playing well, part of what has held back Philly's offense is far too many negative plays. Handing the ball up the middle to Saquon Barkley on first down is predictable, and when the offense is going to turn the playmaker. It is time to lessen the star's role and to admit that this simply isn't working.
Philadelphia needs to lean on the passing attack or even get Tank Bigsby more involved, giving Barkley a chance to regain his legs after tallying 631 touches between the last two regular seasons. Keeping the star RB off the field more often will make it more impactful whenever he's in the game, as he'll be more rested, giving him a chance to hurt opposing defenses like only he can.
For Barkley to be great again, first, the back must be less involved and give Hurts time to gain confidence and force the defense to respect the passing game.
3. More Offensive Plays on Fourth Down
Going for it on fourth down is always a risk, but it might be one the Eagles need to take more often. As it stands, Philly is tied for the sixth-fewest fourth-down attempts this season (17) despite having the ninth-best conversion rate (64.7%) in those scenarios. If anything, it sounds like the Eagles are holding themselves back from something they're good at.
More fourth-down tries will go a long way in negating negative plays, setting up a third and final step the Eagles should take in the coming weeks. Giving Hurts and the offense as many opportunities to succeed could be exactly what the unit needs to get back on track after averaging just 20.0 points in the last four games.
Philadelphia isn't going to defend its Super Bowl title leaning on defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to carry them through the playoffs. The offense must do its part, and with this in mind, it is time to push the panic button and attempt every reasonable change, including being willing to utilize all four downs the rest of the way.