The Philadelphia Eagles have been on an impressive run, winning four straight games after an early-season hiccup. Their victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars—a team that’s shown flashes of brilliance this season—was another solid statement, reinforcing their place among the top contenders in the NFC. But as the Eagles ride this wave of success, the question remains: Do we have more or less faith in them now than we did before their current streak?
The answer isn’t as simple as it might seem. While the Eagles have certainly improved and look primed for a playoff push, there are still some lingering questions that need to be answered. Let’s break down what we know so far and whether their recent form makes them more or less trustworthy as the season progresses.
The Four-Game Win Streak: Confidence Boost or Fool’s Gold?
There’s no denying that winning four games in a row is a positive sign. For a team that started the season with a mix of strong performances and some struggles, this streak represents a level of consistency that had previously been absent. During this stretch, the Eagles have shown they can win in different ways, whether it’s dominating opponents on the ground, relying on Jalen Hurts’ arm, or making key stops when it matters most.
The win against the Jaguars was especially noteworthy because Jacksonville has proven to be a solid team under head coach Doug Pederson. The Jaguars’ defense has been a strong point for them this season, but the Eagles managed to break through, with Hurts and Saquon Barkley continuing to shine. The Eagles’ offense was efficient, and despite not being flawless, they got the job done. The defense also had its moments, limiting Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ attack at key points in the game.
However, there’s a fine line between genuine championship form and catching a lucky streak. The Eagles’ recent wins haven’t been perfect, and some of their victories have been against teams with weaker records. While it’s hard to overlook the fact that they’ve shown resilience and managed to grind out wins, there’s still a sense that their overall consistency is still a work in progress.
Jalen Hurts: The Key to the Eagles’ Success
One of the biggest reasons for the Eagles’ four-game win streak is Jalen Hurts’ play at quarterback. Hurts has been exceptional, showing growth as both a passer and a leader. His ability to command the offense, especially with the threat of his legs on the ground, gives the Eagles a unique advantage. While he’s not always going to light up the stat sheet, Hurts makes the right decisions at the right time, and his leadership in critical moments is invaluable.
In the win against the Jaguars, Hurts threw for over 200 yards, showing his ability to make key throws when needed, but what stood out more was his ability to control the pace of the game. Whether it’s handing the ball off to Saquon Barkley, running it himself, or making a big third-down throw, Hurts is doing everything necessary to keep the Eagles competitive.
However, there is still a sense that Hurts needs to keep developing in certain areas. While his arm talent has improved, some inconsistencies with his accuracy and his decision-making under pressure have occasionally been exposed. If the Eagles are going to make a deep playoff run, Hurts will need to continue to make strides in those areas.
Saquon Barkley: An MVP-Caliber Presence in the Backfield
One of the most significant additions to the Eagles this season has been Saquon Barkley. His play has been nothing short of spectacular, with his ability to break tackles, explode into open space, and catch passes out of the backfield transforming this offense into one of the most dangerous in the league. Barkley has been an absolute force, and his impact cannot be overstated.
Against the Jaguars, Barkley rushed for over 100 yards and scored a crucial touchdown, once again proving that he’s not just a complementary piece—he’s a centerpiece of this offense. His dynamic play has allowed the Eagles to establish the run game and open up passing lanes for Hurts. With Barkley at full health, the Eagles’ offense has become much more balanced, making them difficult to defend.
The concern with Barkley, however, is his health. He’s been injury-prone in the past, and the Eagles will need him to stay on the field if they want to be a true Super Bowl contender. If he can stay healthy and continue his dominant play, the Eagles’ offense becomes one of the most potent in the league.
Defense: Still a Work in Progress
The Eagles’ defense has been solid but far from perfect. The unit ranks highly in several key defensive categories, including total defense and scoring defense, but there have been moments where the defense has looked vulnerable. Against a more explosive offense like the Dallas Cowboys or San Francisco 49ers, the Eagles’ defense may struggle to contain some of the top-tier players in the league. The secondary has been solid, but there have been times when quarterbacks have been able to pick them apart.
The defensive line, while talented, has been inconsistent at times. Players like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham are still capable of causing havoc, but they’ve yet to consistently impose their will on opposing offenses. The pass rush has shown flashes of dominance, but for the Eagles to be truly elite, they’ll need to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and close out games with critical stops.
Coaching: Sirianni’s Aggressive Approach Under Scrutiny
Another factor to consider is Nick Sirianni’s coaching decisions. While Sirianni has earned praise for his aggressive play-calling, especially on 4th downs, there have been moments when his decision-making has been questionable. His reliance on the tush push play, while effective, raises concerns if it gets neutralized in the postseason. Additionally, some of his decisions on when to kick field goals versus go for it on 4th downs have been met with mixed reactions.
While Sirianni has managed to keep the team competitive, there is still doubt about his ability to manage tight playoff games. In the heat of the postseason, will he be able to make the right calls when it matters most? The coaching staff’s ability to adjust in the big moments will be a deciding factor in how far the Eagles can go.
More Faith or Less Faith?
After a four-game win streak and a victory over the Jaguars, the Eagles are trending in the right direction, but there are still reasons to be cautious. On one hand, they have a talented quarterback in Jalen Hurts, a game-changing backfield with Saquon Barkley, and a defense that, while imperfect, is still capable of making plays. Their win streak is a testament to their growth, resilience, and ability to find ways to win.
On the other hand, questions remain about their coaching consistency, the overall health of their roster, and whether they can continue to play at this high level against top-tier opponents. The defensive inconsistencies and coaching decisions could come back to haunt them in the postseason, where every mistake is magnified.
In the end, I have more faith in the Eagles now than I did before the streak began. Hurts continues to prove he’s capable of carrying this team, and Barkley’s presence adds a new dimension to the offense. But there are still some concerns, and whether they can navigate those concerns in the postseason remains to be seen.
For now, they look like one of the top teams in the NFC, and if they keep playing this way, they’ll be a tough opponent for anyone come playoff time. But will it be enough to make another Super Bowl run? Only time will tell.
