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    5 Reasons Not To Panic About the Eagles’ Slow Start

    The Eagles are 2-2 and it’s getting cloudy in Philadelphia, but there are reasons to be optimistic despite an uninspiring start.

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    As the Philadelphia Eagles attempt to enjoy a much-needed bye week, it’s getting awfully cloudy in the City of Brotherly Love. Following a 2-2 start to the regular season, many are focused on all of the negatives surrounding the Eagles right now.

    Despite Philadelphia’s uninspiring start, there are reasons to remain optimistic about the Eagles in 2024. Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t panic about the Eagles just yet.

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    Jalen Hurts Had the Worst Four-Game Stretch of His NFL Career

    Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts turned the ball over seven times in Philadelphia’s first four games of the regular season. According to TruMedia, that is just the second time in Hurts’ career that he has turned the ball over seven times in a four-game stretch.

    The only other time Hurts had seven turnovers in a four-game stretch was last season from Week 5 to Week 8. Yet, in 2023, Hurts also scored 11 total touchdowns and the Eagles went 3-1.

    That hasn’t been the case in 2024, as Hurts is responsible for just six total touchdowns and the Eagles are currently 2-2. Therefore, it’s fair to call this year’s four-game performance the worst statistical stretch of Hurts’ career in the NFL.

    After last season’s seven-turnover stretch, Hurts had nine turnovers in Philadelphia’s final nine games of the regular season. If Hurts can have a similar response in 2024, the Eagles will be in much better shape moving forward.

    Eagles Went 2–2 Despite Missing Three Key Starters on Offense

    It’s hard to mention Hurts’ struggles without pointing out Philadelphia’s depleted offense. Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown missed three games, while Lane Johnson and DeVonta Smith missed time in Week 3 and Week 4.

    Therefore, it’s surprising to see the Eagles still ranked highly in several major offensive statistical categories. Heading into the bye week, the Eagles are fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game (153.8) and seventh in the NFL in total yards per game (365.5).

    Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley has led Philadelphia’s rushing attack in 2024. He showcased his game-breaking ability with a 65-yard touchdown run against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.

    Despite Philadelphia’s passing attack being weighed down by the absence of several key players, the Eagles have still managed to put up respectable numbers through the first four weeks of the regular season.

    If Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni didn’t make a few questionable decisions and pass on field goals multiple times, Philadelphia’s points per game would be higher as well.

    Vic Fangio’s Defense Also Endured Slow Start in 2023

    Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has rightfully been the target of criticism following an inconsistent performance to start the regular season. Yet this isn’t unfamiliar territory for Fangio, who endured a questionable start as defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins just last season.

    In 2023, the Dolphins allowed 29.7 points and 382.5 total yards per game through the first four games of the regular season.

    Despite an uninspiring start, Fangio’s unit bounced back in Miami, as they allowed 20.9 points per game and 301 yards per game in the team’s final 13 games of the regular season.

    In his first four games as defensive coordinator of the Eagles, Fangio’s unit has allowed 24.0 points per game and 365.8 total yards per game. Given the potential return of Sydney Brown and Cooper DeJean’s possible promotion, Fangio’s defense could bounce back again.

    Easiest Strength of Schedule Remaining in the NFL

    According to Pro Football Network’s strength of schedule rankings, the Eagles have the easiest remaining regular-season schedule in 2024. After Week 4, Philadelphia is slated to play just two teams that currently have a winning record.

    The Washington Commanders and the Pittsburgh Steelers are each 3-1 through the first four weeks of the regular season, although the Eagles will face several tough opponents that have underwhelmed to start 2024.

    Following Philadelphia’s bye week, the Eagles’ next four opponents currently have a combined record of 3-13. If the Eagles are going to turn things around, they will surely have the opportunity to do so immediately after a much-needed week off.

    The Eagles must take advantage of this part of their regular-season schedule, as they’ll be tasked with playing the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys twice, Commanders twice, and the Steelers over their final nine games.

    The Falcons and Buccaneers Are Simply Better Than Expected

    While many believed the Eagles would defeat the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of those matchups, both of those teams have exceeded expectations. It’s easy to say what the Eagles should have done, but maybe the Falcons and Buccaneers are simply better than we all expected them to be.

    Both teams put their potential on display for the world to see on Thursday Night Football in Week 5. While the Falcons eventually won, 36-30, in overtime, Tampa Bay put up quite a fight.

    Both Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield are playing like two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now. The NFL is always full of surprises, especially to start the regular season. In 2024, the unexpectedly strong play of the Falcons and Buccaneers is certainly at the top of that list.

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