Philadelphia Eagles reporter Ed Kracz offers a detailed examination of the team’s upcoming matchup against the New York Giants in Week 7, providing insights into the state of the Eagles and their challenges.
Head coach Nick Sirianni seems to be under increasing scrutiny as some fans have voiced their frustrations. Recently, Sirianni’s interactions with fans during games have been controversial, drawing criticism regardless of whether the fans were Eagles supporters or not. This behavior, reminiscent of a previous incident involving Kansas City fans last season, indicates a growing tension between the coach and the fanbase. Despite these external pressures, comments from within the locker room suggest that Sirianni has maintained the trust of his players. He entered the season facing a significant challenge after a disappointing finish to the last season, where the Eagles collapsed from a strong 10-1 start to a 1-6 record. His ability to keep his job can largely be attributed to his previous successes, including playoff appearances in each of his first three seasons and a Super Bowl run two years ago. However, that goodwill may evaporate quickly if the team fails to capitalize on its talent and make a meaningful playoff run this year.
On the field, quarterback Jalen Hurts has been dealing with ball security issues, leading to questions about the team’s long-term confidence in him following his contract extension. Nevertheless, it appears that the organization is still firmly behind him. It is suggested that last year’s dysfunction within the coaching staff adversely affected his performance, pushing him to play outside the established game plan. Despite his talent, Hurts’s tendency to hold onto the ball too long has been problematic, especially for a quarterback in his fifth year. However, there is a glimmer of hope as he recently ended a streak of turnovers in nine consecutive games, suggesting progress.
In terms of personnel, the Eagles have seen significant contributions from running back Saquon Barkley, especially during a challenging stretch when both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were sidelined due to injuries. Barkley’s leadership and on-field performance have been invaluable, highlighted by his five touchdowns and impressive rushing statistics, ranking him fourth in the league despite playing only four games this season.
The Eagles are also grappling with injuries that could impact their performance in the upcoming game against the Giants. Left tackle Jordan Mailata is expected to miss time due to a hamstring injury, ending his streak of 34 consecutive starts. His absence is a notable concern as backup Fred Johnson has shown strength in run blocking but struggles in pass protection. To mitigate this, the Eagles might shift Mekhi Becton to left tackle while bringing in Tyler Steen at guard, providing some depth to their offensive line.
Tight end Dallas Goedert is also nursing an injury, which could significantly affect the offense since the team has historically seen diminished production from backups when Goedert is unavailable.
The Eagles’ pass rush, which had shown signs of life recently, remains a topic of concern. Although they recorded five sacks against Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns, there are questions about the performance of free-agent acquisition Bryce Huff, who has not yet met expectations. The coaching staff’s adjustments under first-year defensive coordinator Vic Fangio could also be contributing to the pass rush struggles, as players adjust to new roles. This situation highlights the possible overvaluation of some players, particularly former first-round picks like Nolan Smith and Jordan Davis, who may be underperforming compared to their draft status.
As the Eagles prepare to face the Giants, they must address these injuries and performance issues to maintain their competitive edge in the NFC East. For more in-depth coverage, you can check out Ed Kracz’s full report.
