Larry Henry Jr
The Philadelphia Eagles fell behind early and never recovered in a Week 4 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Nick Sirianni’s team fell to 2-2 in the 2024 NFL season after losing 33-16 at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Quarterback Jalen Hurts struggled without star wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith while Vic Fangio’s defense were constantly shredded by Baker Mayfield and the rest of Liam Coen’s offense.
With the team now heading into a Week 5 bye, it is crucial to get confidence back on the Eagles side before the Cleveland Browns come to town in Week 6.
Here are a few key takeaways from the Eagles shocking loss in Tampa Bay:
Buccaneers shred Vic Fangio’s defense en route to crucial bounce-back win
Pressure was already on Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio heading into Sunday’s game and that pressure certainly rose after it.
The Eagles allowed 445 total net yards and 29 first downs to the Buccaneers, letting up touchdowns on each of Tampa’s first three offensive drives. Mayfield was only sacked two times in the game while the Eagles missed a total of 10 tackles in the first half.
That number grew even more in the second half as the Buccaneers continued to pick apart the Eagles secondary.
Offseason acquisition Bryce Huff registered his first tackle (ouch) of the season, but continues to be a major disappointment so far.
Jalen Hurts struggled without Brown, Smith in receiving corps
Most of the NFL’s top quarterbacks would struggle without their top two wide receivers and unfortunately that was Jalen Hurts on Sunday.
Hurts was sacked six times, fumbled once, and completed only 18 of his 30 passing attempts for 158 yards. His decision making wasn’t the best on Sunday afternoon, taking numerous hits and failing to connect with any of his receivers more than four times (Parris Campbell led the Eagles wideouts with four receptions).
Since the start of the 2023 season, Hurts has committed 27 turnovers which are the most in the NFL.
You would think continued experiences in the NFL would lead to Hurts making fewer mistakes, but instead he is making more.
Hopefully the return of Smith, Brown, and right tackle Lane Johnson will help Hurts turning things around.
Saquon Barkley is the Eagles most consistent offensive threat right now
Saquon Barkley has quickly become a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Barkley totaled 116 yards in the loss, registering 100+ all-purpose yards for the fourth-straight game. The former New York Giant registered a 59-yard run in the fourth quarter, which was the key highlight of the Eagles rushing game on Sunday.
Barkley’s 351 rushing yards this season are the most in the NFL so far, while his 63 carries are ranked second.
He continues to make things happen when the ball is in his hands, which at least gives the team some offensive hope going forward.
Bye Week should help Eagles get healthy and back on track
Having a Bye Week this early in the season should be good for the Eagles.
Not only will it help A.J. Brown, Lane Johnson, and Devonta Smith get healthy, but it will also allow for some pressure to decrease on Hurts, Sirianni, and others. A full week of practice heading into a Week 6 showdown with the Cleveland Browns (currently 1-2) could be what helps turn things around for the brutal remaining stretch of the regular season.
Cleveland won’t be a pushover, but the Eagles should be able to get the job done at Lincoln Financial Field in two weeks time.
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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