The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense got off to an ugly start in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The offense did not look in sync; they couldn’t run the ball successfully, and the offensive line struggled in pass pro, which the Rams exploited. It looked like the same old story from offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.
However, something clicked for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense in the second half, as they looked like a completely different team in their final four possessions. Instead of playing timidly, the Eagles were the aggressors, taking shots down the field to A.J. Brown, and finally letting Hurts loose.
After the thrilling comeback win over the Los Angeles Rams, Brown and Hurts voiced their thoughts on their unit. Both made it clear they weren't happy with the offense, which should have the attention of both Patullo and head coach Nick Sirianni.
A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts Send Poignant Message to Coaching Staff After Week 3 Win
“We have so many good players. At times, it feels like we're being conservative. I don't think it should be like that. Let your killers do their things. Play fast and play aggressive,” Brown said to reporters (h/t Thomas Peterson).
Brown isn’t wrong with his assessment, as many Eagles fans expected this team to be more explosive given the talent at the skill positions. We understand that this Eagles team is built to be a run-first and pass-second operation, which Patullo has leaned on.
However, when you have Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, Saquon Barkley, and even Jahan Dotson, this offense is capable of so many special things in the passing game, if you just let them do their thing.
Meanwhile, Hurts was asked about his sideline exchange with Patullo, which caught everyone off guard as he’s not that animated or vocal during a game. The veteran quarterback didn’t shy away from it and instead kept in on the main thing: winning.
“It was a complete team effort.. If it meant getting out of character given a situation, it's about doing it. Only thing we ever care about is finding a way to win the game,” Hurts said (h/t Eagles Nation).
When Hurts had that exchange with Patullo on the sidelines, the Eagles completed a 13-play, 87-yard TD drive, which ended with a nine-yard TD catch by Brown.
Eagles fans hope that the coaches really take in what their stars said on Sunday, and apply it going forward. With the weapons they have on offense, the Eagles should be getting off to quick starts and asserting their will against opposing defenses.
The fact Philly changed its approach to great results on Sunday should be all the evidence Sirianni and co. need to make some tweaks based on a frustrating first three games. We’ll see if Patullo and Sirianni have learned their lesson, though, in a tough Week 4 test against the undefeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Otherwise, Hurts and Brown may be forced to take matters into their own hands again.