Eagles slowly putting it all together to become an elite team: ‘I don’t think we’re there yet’

eagles He passed a big test on Sunday Beat the Bengals 37-17 at Paycor Stadium In Cincinnati, Ohio.

After being defeated a pathetic Browns team And 2-5 Giants The Eagles have posted a 4-2 record heading into Week 8 in consecutive weeks. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni He said after the Bengals game that “it’s hard to win in this league” and that’s why they celebrate all victories the same way. But not all wins are equal.

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Philadelphia’s performance against Cleveland and New York did not move them into the elite category of NFL teams. But after dismantling a terrific Bengals team, the Eagles can be considered one of the best teams in the league.

Here are NJ Advance Media’s biggest takeaways from the Eagles’ blowout win:

‘Jalen Hurts’ MVP form

Hurts, who finished second in the 2022 MVP voting, was considered one of the league’s best point guards. The 26-year-old suffered a regression last season and has struggled at times this season, so he is no longer considered elite.

Hurts may re-enter this conversation after outpacing Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow He had one of his best performances since 2022. He completed 16 of 20 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown and also rushed for three touchdowns.

“This is the league. “I have standards for myself, too,” Hurts said, adding that he played well against Burrow, who is considered one of the top five point guards.

In the third quarter, the Eagles took a seven-point (24-17) lead when Hurts hit a 45-yard field goal to wide receiver. DeVonta SmithHeavily guarded by Bengals security Jordanian War in the end zone.

Hurts made shots from the middle of the field and completed tough passes through tight windows. His completion percentage above expectations reached a career high of +20.2%. According to New Generation Statistics.

Eagles’ offense has elite potential

Heading into Week 8, the Eagles’ passing offense ranked 22nd in the league, averaging 195.5 yards per game. Overall, the Eagles had the ninth-best total offense (362.2 yards per game) and second-best rushing offense (166.7 yards per game) through seven weeks, but the passing game was too out of sync to be elite.

The Eagles again got off to a slow start against the Bengals — they kicked a field goal on their first drive and punted on their next possession — but they scored points on all five of their second-half drives, including touchdowns on the first two series.

Smith caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. A.J. Brown He had five receptions for 84 yards and Saquon Barkley He amassed 108 rushing yards behind a scrambled offensive line. Philadelphia scored a season-high 37 points, accumulated 397 yards and went on a 12-play touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.

The Eagles have an elite duo of wide receivers and running backs, a top-tier offensive line and a good quarterback. Philadelphia’s offense may rank in the top three, but consistency has been an issue.

“Just being able to move forward. I don’t think we’re there yet,” Hurts said. “I think we’re slowly finding it and trying to put the pieces together. Ultimately it depends on the cadence, the rhythm and how we play. And we end up optimizing all the capabilities we have.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman I had a good offseason.

Roseman’s newest additions have been huge successes.

Eagles rookie cornerback with 45 seconds left in the third quarter Cooper DeJean Tackled Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase with two losses in the fourth. Safety C.J. Gardner-JohnsonReunited with the Eagles on a three-year deal in March, he intercepted Burrow on Cincinnati’s next road trip. Eagles linebacker Zack BaunSigning a one-year contract, he forced the subsequent series into failure.

corner Isaiah Rodgerswho joined the Eagles last summer and was suspended for a year for violating the league’s gambling policy, put the ball in Gardner-Johnson’s hands during the interception.

Barkley rushed for 57 yards, including a run of 19 yards and 17 yards, on the Eagles’ 12-play touchdown drive.

Philadelphia’s defense improved

The Eagles made critical defensive stops and forced turnovers, holding the Bengals to 58 yards and allowing only 54 yards to Chase. Philadelphia’s defense has allowed just two touchdowns since Week 6.

The Eagles struggled to stop the Bengals before making game-winning plays in the final 20 minutes. Cincinnati went 10 of 13 on third-down conversions and scored on three of its first five drives. Over the next 10 weeks, the Eagles’ passing offense and secondary should continue to improve.

Nick Sirianni’s resume gets stronger

Sirianni, who has been criticized for his sideline antics and poor coaching decisions this season, won his 39th game with the Eagles. His .672 winning percentage ranks third-best among active coaches, behind the Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh and Packers coach Matt LaFleur. Despite speculation that Sirianni could be fired after the 2024 season, there is nothing to worry about so far.