DeVonta Smith Highlights Eagles Struggles with Passing Game in First Season Loss
## Eagles Struggle with Passing Game Coordination in Their Loss to the Broncos
The Philadelphia Eagles’ receiver DeVonta Smith acknowledged issues within the team’s passing game after a narrow 21-17 defeat against the Denver Broncos. Smith mentioned that the offense wasn’t “on the same page” at times, despite making some improvements, resulting in missed opportunities during the game.
Statistical Highlights and Game Dynamics
During the matchup, Jalen Hurts achieved his best passing performance of the season by completing 23 of 38 passes for 280 yards, including two touchdowns. However, the offense experienced breakdowns, leading to four consecutive punts in the second half and squandering a 17-3 lead.
Communication Challenges Among Receivers
Smith pointed out that communication issues were prevalent, referencing situations where receivers missed Hurts’ hand signals before the snap. “We have to be on the same page,” he emphasized, stating the need for better anticipation of presnap signals.
Missed Opportunities and Their Implications
A crucial missed opportunity occurred late in the third quarter when receiver A.J. Brown hesitated during a route, causing Hurts’ pass to fall out of reach. Both Hurts and Brown acknowledged the missed connection, with Brown explaining his perspective by saying, “We just missed.”
Receivers’ Perspectives on Passing Game Execution
Hurts and Brown both reflected on the game’s dynamics but offered differing views. While Hurts didn’t recall the specific issues highlighted by Smith, Brown speculated that the breakdowns pertained more to Smith’s and Hurts’ interactions. Brown noted that the passing game showed early promise but lacked consistency to maintain momentum.
Current Performance and Future Expectations for the Eagles
Heading into Week 5, the Eagles’ passing game ranked 31st in the NFL. Despite their previous 4-0 record, the Eagles have faced challenges with long periods of offensive silence. Their success has been attributed to a high-efficiency red zone offense, strong special teams, a formidable defense, and maintaining a positive turnover differential.
With these issues now in focus, the Eagles aim to strengthen their coordination and consistency in upcoming matches. As Hurts put it, “Some things don’t get you until they get you,” highlighting the importance of learning from these experiences.
