The Eagles' recent uptick in their pass offense against the Chargers, particularly quarterback Jalen Hurts, has raised questions about whether this is a sustainable trend or just a fleeting moment of growth. The team's attempt to modernize its offense and incorporate more complex concepts has shown promising signs, but the four interceptions hurled by Hurts during Monday's game suggest that there may be work to be done.
Scheming against the Chargers' heavy dose of zone defense, the Eagles employed various flood concepts aimed at overwhelming their opponents on one side of the field. One play in particular stands out: a 16-yard connection between Hurts and tight end Dallas Goedert set up by a four-strong concept that created multiple routes for the ball to be thrown to. The throw was pinpoint accurate, with Hurts planting his back foot before releasing the ball. This design put pressure on Chargers safety Elijah Molden, who struggled to wrap up Goedert, allowing yards after the catch.
Another four-strong concept followed shortly after, featuring different personnel and formations. However, it was not until the Eagles transitioned to a spread empty formation that they began to find success against the Chargers' defense. A 22-yard gain by wide receiver A.J. Brown on this play showcased Hurts's ability to deliver the ball between the numbers, creating an opening for Brown to make a big play.
While Monday's game did not result in sustained growth from the Eagles' pass offense, there were moments where Hurts found and hit receivers over the middle from newer route concepts, providing opportunities for yards after catch. The 28-yard dime to DeVonta Smith in overtime was particularly impressive, as it converted 3rd-and-16 against a tough Cover 2 defense.
The question now is whether the Eagles' recent uptick is due to improved execution of their passing game or just an unfortunate coincidence. Can Hurts continue to develop and refine his skills, or will these glimpses of success prove to be isolated incidents? Only time will tell if the Eagles can build on this momentum and establish a more consistent pass offense moving forward.
Scheming against the Chargers' heavy dose of zone defense, the Eagles employed various flood concepts aimed at overwhelming their opponents on one side of the field. One play in particular stands out: a 16-yard connection between Hurts and tight end Dallas Goedert set up by a four-strong concept that created multiple routes for the ball to be thrown to. The throw was pinpoint accurate, with Hurts planting his back foot before releasing the ball. This design put pressure on Chargers safety Elijah Molden, who struggled to wrap up Goedert, allowing yards after the catch.
Another four-strong concept followed shortly after, featuring different personnel and formations. However, it was not until the Eagles transitioned to a spread empty formation that they began to find success against the Chargers' defense. A 22-yard gain by wide receiver A.J. Brown on this play showcased Hurts's ability to deliver the ball between the numbers, creating an opening for Brown to make a big play.
While Monday's game did not result in sustained growth from the Eagles' pass offense, there were moments where Hurts found and hit receivers over the middle from newer route concepts, providing opportunities for yards after catch. The 28-yard dime to DeVonta Smith in overtime was particularly impressive, as it converted 3rd-and-16 against a tough Cover 2 defense.
The question now is whether the Eagles' recent uptick is due to improved execution of their passing game or just an unfortunate coincidence. Can Hurts continue to develop and refine his skills, or will these glimpses of success prove to be isolated incidents? Only time will tell if the Eagles can build on this momentum and establish a more consistent pass offense moving forward.