The Philadelphia Eagles have hit some adversity already this season, and how they respond will determine how the season will unfold. The Eagles are set to travel and play the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5.
Their passing game has left a ton to be desired, but this matchup should give them room to get things back on track. The Eagles will likely be without Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith on offense, yet they should still be able to move the ball.
Eagles' struggling pass game could finally find its spark vs. Jaguars
Entering this game, the Jaguars have been susceptible to the pass. They are 31st in the NFL in pass defense (280.3), showcasing that this is an area the Eagles can attack. Especially with both Barkley and Tank Bigsby sidelined, Jalen Hurts will need to take full control.
In addition, the Jags' run defense is fierce. They are second in the league in run defense (74.3). Jacksonville has gone 21 straight games without allowing more than 75 rushing yards. Philly's pathway to victory will need to come through the air, and the results show that.
This season alone, several receivers have found success against that defense, and a lot of them aren't the stars you'd expect.
Denzel Boston: two catches, 59 receiving yards, one touchdown
KC Concepcion: four catches, 43 receiving yards
Jaylen Waddle: eight catches,138 receiving yards
Mack Hollins: six catches, 87 receiving yards
Romeo Doubs: three catches, 49 receiving yards
Tee Higgins: 11 catches, 157 receiving yards
Dohnte Meyers: seven catches, 82 receiving yards
Higgins and Waddle are the best of the bunch, but when you take a step back, no one on this list has made the Pro Bowl, let alone been an All-Pro selection.
That proves that there's room for the Eagles to get more production through the air. Dontayvion Wicks, Darius Cooper, and Makai Lemon will likely be the top three receivers. It isn't ideal to be down your WR1, but that doesn't mean Philadelphia can't find success.
The last month proved that teams can pass the ball against Jacksonville. It'll be up to offensive coordinator Sean Mannion to draw up some good plays, and Hurts must elevate his play. The one caveat that should catch fans' attention is the Jags zone coverage usage.
They run zone on 74.1 percent of their defensive snaps, to just 19.7 man coverage reps, per Sharp Football Analysis. Hurts has been more successful against man coverage in his NFL career, but he will need to play with anticipation and poise in this contest.
Read more: Eagles' Cam Jurgens trade to Ravens is first step to Howie Roseman's rebuild
There will be opportunities to make plays in the air, but Hurts and the pass catchers will need to bring their A-game.
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