Since when did winning become a problem? For the Philadelphia Eagles this season, it seems the gripe is not that they win but how they do it. The reigning Super Bowl champions are 8-2, tied for the NFC lead and all but certain to win their division, yet social media impatience, a vocal minority and analyst nitpicking have painted a picture of turmoil.
Their résumé remains impressive: wins over the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers and, most recently, the Detroit Lions, whose high-powered offense was limited to nine points. Still, the offense has sputtered at times, prompting scrutiny of quarterback Jalen Hurts and first-year offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Critics say the system has been predictable, too conservative and has under‑used elite playmakers.
Stat lines underline those concerns. Hurts has thrown for under 200 yards in six games, including 135 and a 50% completion rate vs Detroit, and has topped 300 yards just once. He ranks 19th in total passing yards and has 180 completions through the season so far. Yet the fuller picture tempers the alarm: Hurts has thrown 16 touchdowns against only one interception and remains among the league’s best on deep throws, ranking fifth in completion percentage on passes 20+ yards.
The offense’s struggles have affected weapons. AJ Brown has logged 38 receptions from 65 targets for 457 yards and three touchdowns, with 130 yards coming in two games; his public frustrations have been noted. Saquon Barkley, coming off a 2024 season that led the league in scrimmage yards, has 662 rushing yards this season with one 100-yard game and four touchdowns. Critics worry creativity and aggression are lacking, especially on third downs, where the unit has been below expectations.
Yet the Eagles’ identity and strengths offer reasons for calm. Head coach Nick Sirianni dismissed the doom narrative after the Detroit game, saying the team “takes pride in just winning” and contrasting teams that “wait to lose” with the Eagles “waiting to win.” Hurts’ track record in big moments supports that view—he is 31-15 against teams with a winning record for his career, has worked with 10 different play-callers since 2016, and has shown an ability to elevate his game in January.
Inside the locker room, players have pushed back on reports of internal unrest. Tackle Jordan Mailata called suggestions that teammates had complained about Hurts “kinda crazy,” saying the focus remains on doing his job. Sirianni has also publicly downplayed debate over Hurts’ talent.
Where the Eagles have been most dominant is on defense under Vic Fangio. Against Detroit, they generated 20 quarterback pressures, seven QB hits and two sacks, limiting the Lions to three of 13 on third down and stopping every fourth‑down attempt. Recent trade addition Jaelan Phillips has been impactful, and Nolan Smith Jr.’s return plus an unretired Brandon Graham have bolstered a disruptive unit. Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell has been exceptional in coverage, allowing a minuscule completion rate on targets this year and blanking Amon‑Ra St. Brown in the Detroit game (two catches from 12 targets).
That balance—an elite defense paired with a roster deep in playmakers—helps explain why the current rough patch hasn’t translated into panic. The Eagles have a championship mentality and the personnel to grind out wins even when the offense isn’t humming. History suggests their season often begins in earnest in January, and Hurts has repeatedly shown he can be the decisive player on the biggest stages.
This isn’t to ignore issues: play-calling creativity, target distribution and third‑down efficiency are real concerns that likely need addressing. But the broader context—roster strength, defensive excellence, a winning culture and Hurts’ proven poise—means the criticism feels overblown. For now, the Eagles keep finding ways to win, and that is usually what matters most.