Eagles are slowly ‘piecing things together’ to become an elite team: ‘I don’t think we’re there yet’

The Eagles passed a big test on Sunday when they beat the Bengals, 37-17, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
After defeating a woeful Browns team and the 2-5 Giants in consecutive weeks, the Eagles had a 4-2 record going into Week 8. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said after the Bengals’ game that “it’s hard to win in this league,” so they celebrate all victories the same. However, not all wins are made equal.
BUY EAGLES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER
Philadelphia’s performance against Cleveland and New York didn’t move them into the elite category of NFL teams. But after dismantling a formidable Bengals team, the Eagles might be considered one of the league’s best teams.
Here are NJ Advance Media’s biggest takeaways from the Eagles’ blowout win:
Jalen Hurts’ MVP form
After finishing second in the 2022 MVP vote, Hurts was considered one of the league’s best quarterbacks. The 26-year-old regressed last season and has struggled at times this season, so he’s no longer viewed as elite.
Hurts might re-enter that conversation after outplaying Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in one of his best performances since 2022. He completed 16 of 20 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for three touchdowns.
“That’s the league. I have standards for myself as well,” Hurts said about playing well against Burrow, who is considered a top-five quarterback.
During the third quarter, the Eagles went up seven points (24-17) when Hurts threw a 45-yard touchdown to wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who was tightly covered by Bengals safety Jordan Battle in the end zone.
Hurts made throws over the middle of the field and completed difficult passes in tight windows. He had a completion percentage over expectation of +20.2%, the highest of his career, per Next Gen Stats.
Eagles’ offense has elite potential
Coming 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 the second best rushing offense (166.7 yards per game) through seven weeks, but the passing game was too out of sync for them to be elite.
The Eagles got off to another slow start against the Bengals — kicking a field goal on their first drive and punting on their next possession — but they scored points on all five of their second-half drives, including scoring touchdowns on the first two series.
Smith caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown, A.J. Brown grabbed five receptions for 84 yards, and Saquon Barkley amassed 108 rushing yards behind a banged-up offensive line. Philadelphia scored a season-high 37 points, amassed 397 yards and went on a 12-play touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.
The Eagles have an elite wide receiver duo and running back, a top-end offensive line and a good quarterback. Philadelphia’s offense could become a top-three unit but consistency has been the problem.
“Just being able to trend forward. I don’t think we’re there yet,” Hurts said. “I think we’re slowly finding it and trying to piece things together. Ultimately, it comes down to cadence, rhythm, and how we play. And then in the end, optimizing all of the talent we have.”
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman had a good offseason
Roseman’s newest additions made big plays.
With 45 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Eagles rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean tackled Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for a loss of two on fourth down. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who reunited with the Eagles on a three-year deal in March, intercepted Burrow on Cincinnati’s next drive. Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, who signed a one-year contract, forced a fumble on the ensuing series.
Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, who joined the Eagles last summer and served a year-long suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy, batted the ball into Gardner-Johnson’s hands on 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 has improved
The Eagles made critical defensive stops and caused turnovers, held the Bengals to 58 rushing yards and only allowed 54 yards to Chase. Philadelphia’s defense has only allowed two touchdowns since Week 6.
Before making game-winning plays in the final 20 minutes, the Eagles struggled to stop the Bengals. 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’ pass rush and secondary has to continue getting better.
Nick Sirianni 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 is the third-best among active coaches, trailing Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh and Packers coach Matt LaFleur. Despite speculation that Sirianni could get fired after the 2024 season, he has nothing to worry about so far.