Dissecting the Eagles disappointing start: The good, bad, and downright ugly

After a tough loss in Tampa Bay last Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles get a needed break with their bye this week. It's only been four weeks, but it sure has felt like it's been longer. Thank the ups and downs the regular season has provided for that being the case.

We'll hopefully see more polished efforts after the break. Until then, we all could use a week off. While doing so, let's look at some of the good and bad we have seen so far in the 2024 season.

The Eagles' first four games have offered varying results, and the takeaways are plentiful.

The Good: Saquon Barkley, Dallas Goedert, and Zack Baun

Saquon Barkley was worth every penny as he has been doing everything he can to get his boys a win. Barkley has rushed for 495 rushing yards in four games and has eclipsed the century mark twice this season. He has four rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown this year. You can't ask for much more than he's offered.

There was the crucial drop at the end of the Falcons game, but that loss can't be blamed on him. Other than that, he has been the spark to what has been an inconsistent offense.

After barely being targeted during the first two games of the season, Dallas Goedert has shown why he should be one of the focal points of the Birds' offense. He has tallied 17 receptions and 232 receiving yards in the last two contests.

An unexpected name has been the brightest for the Eagles on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker Zack Braun has been a wrecking ball flying all over the field. He has collected the fifth most tackles in the league with 43. He also has two sacks in four games. He'll work his way into an extension as the season's end if this continues.

The Bad: Vic Fangio's defense, all of those Georgia Bulldogs)

The Eagles' defense was supposed to improve under Vic Fangio. It has not. Philadelphia has given up the fourth most yards in the NFL (1,463). Much of that results from them getting burned by opponents passing game. They have given up the sixth most passing yards a game this season (948).

Speaking of the defense, where have all of the former Georgia stars been? The production hasn't matched the hype. Nakobe Dean has shown up (somewhat). He is the team's second-leading tackler (26). Four tackles have resulted in a loss of yardage.

Nolan Smith Jr., Jalen Carter, and Jordan Davis haven't contributed much, combining for 26 tackles on the year and Davis's sack. Kelee Ringo has been relegated to practice squad duty but recently returned a blocked extra-point attempt for two points in Week 4.

The Ugly: Jalen Hurts' turnovers and the injury concerns

Well, we have to talk about Jalen Hurt. He was awful versus Tampa Bay again. He has turned the ball over at an alarming rate with two fumbles lost and four interceptions thrown. He is also holding on to the ball too long. Opposing defenses are eating him alive. He's been sacked 13 times this season and looks confused more often than not.

Where has the guy gone who went toe to toe with Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl? Can anyone help us find him because the player on the field in 2024 isn't the same player

Injuries are a part of the game, but they have really hurt the team's progression, particularly on offense. This unit is a different machine when their top wideout A.J. Brown pushes defenders around. The Eagles were also without DeVonta Smith and Lane Johnson at the end of Week 3 and throughout Week 4.

Losing Smith for a week stalled things in the passing game. Philly's roller coaster ride of inconsistency has led to a hotter seat for head coach Nick Sirianni. Criticism has gotten louder for his decision-making in games.

There is hope!

All hope isn't lost. Philly is smack dab in the thick of things. 13 games remain in the regular season. If they can get on a roll they'll be fine. Let's just hope things turn sooner rather thn later.

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