In their last three games — all wins — Hurts is averaging just 135 passing yards. There isn’t much to go around, and Brown has grown tired of it.
What most are likely overlooking, though, is the presence of and massive contribution from offseason addition Saquon Barkley, who is making a strong case for NFL Most Valuable Player in 2024. He leads the NFL with nine 100-plus rushing yard games in 2024, including four straight such performances, and is currently on pace to set the single-season NFL rushing record.
Simply, Philadelphia’s offense has evolved. The Eagles don’t need their quarterback to play the hero in order to win. And in case those focused on the drama haven’t noticed, they’re 11-2. It’s working.
“Things change as dynamics change, and the dynamic of our team has changed,” Hurts said. “We had a great addition in Saquon Barkley, and he’s been able to impact this team in a tremendous way. We’ve always been able to run the ball at a high level. He’s taken it to the next level.
“It hasn’t changed the main thing ultimately. We’re looking at a piece of our game that we need to be better at. … There’s always this ongoing challenge in that, but ultimately there’s a different team every year, different dynamics every year. You have different coaches, different voices and different visions. So ultimately, you want to come together and try to find the best common ground to go out there and be successful for the team.”
Although the air attack isn’t prolific (or consistent), the Eagles continue to stack wins. That’s more than they could say about their team at this time last year. Changing that identity in order to please a player or two would be foolish.
Hurts seems to understand that and believes everyone else will get on board with it.
“I mean, it’s about the team in the end. I think overall that’s where my focus is,” Hurts said. “I think that’s where everyone’s focus is at heart and trying to do what’s best for the team. Ultimately, everyone cares about the team success. Whenever something happens, whatever it is, I look at myself first because everything starts and ends with me. I take great pride in what I do.
“I take great pride and responsibilities that I have, what I am to the city and to this and I challenge myself on that. I’m my best when I’m my biggest critic, and I have to continue to challenge myself on being critical on some things so I can be better. In the end, everyone expresses themselves differently and I respect that and I accept how anyone shows up. But ultimately, I look at myself first and I say how can I be better, what do I need to be better and ultimately play at the highest level I can play.”