The Philadelphia Eagles were able to snap their two-game losing streak with a 28-22 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately, that didn't stop any of the criticism of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, though.
In that victory, the Eagles had to rely on the passing attack, as quarterback Jalen Hurts was 19-of-23 for 326 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. Receiver DeVonta Smith posted a career-high 183 receiving yards in the win but also had to push for a play that resulted in him scoring a 79-yard touchdown grab.
DeVonta Smith Pushed for Play That Resulted in Big Play Touchdown
Following the game, Hurts told the media that Smith was speaking to everyone on the sideline to call that play action shot.
""He was chirping about it and it ended up getting called. Great feel by him. Great execution, and great call by KP to get to it.""Jalen Hurts
During Smith's media session after the win, he said that play was there "all game" long, via EJ Smith of PHLY Sports. After the play resulted in a touchdown, Jordan Mailata told Smith, "You called your shot.”
Smith continued to talk about how this play opens things up for the offense, as teams can't sell out to stop the run. While this is a great to see one of your best players advocating for a play and to see it work flawlessly, this can't paint a nice picture on Patullo.
Patullo has been heavily discussed thus far since taking over for Kellen Moore, as the offense had dealt with it's fair share of rough patches. One of the many complaints to this point in the season was that the Eagles' passing attack seemed to lack rhythm and didn't consistently get Brown and Smith involved.
Getting the ball into your playmakers hands is typically a recipe for success and, for one reason or another, Patullo struggled at times to do so.
Even in the first quarter of Sunday's win over Minnesota, the Eagles went for it on 4th and four but the route concepts didn't seem to create any space. Hurts and Brown had to improvise and that ended in a 37-yard touchdown.
On two of the biggest offensive plays of the game, Philadelphia's best players either made something happen or had to call the play in themselves.
You always want your coach to put your players in the best position to succeed but Patullo is struggling to do so at a consistent clip. The win over the Vikings is the latest example of that and doesn't put Patullo in the best light, despite the offense putting up 28 points.