The NFL will see a new Super Bowl champion crowned this season following the Philadelphia Eagles’ unexpected exit from the playoffs. The defending champions faced the San Francisco 49ers but succumbed to a 23-19 defeat, marking a dramatic shift from their dominant performance during their Super Bowl 59 run last year.
Throughout the 2023 season, the Eagles struggled with a lackluster offense, a concern that came back to haunt them during the playoff matchup. Last season, the team averaged an impressive 36.3 points and 361 yards per game during the playoffs. However, against the 49ers, Philadelphia managed a mere 19 points and only 307 total yards, averaging just 4.3 yards per play.
The Eagles’ offense had a last chance to reclaim the lead in the final minutes, but dropped passes from wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith hindered their efforts. Quarterback Jalen Hurts faced a daunting fourth-and-11 from the 49ers’ 21-yard line, but the series ended with an incompletion, sealing the team’s fate.
The issues that plagued Philadelphia throughout the regular season were glaringly evident in this matchup. Hurts, who struggled to connect downfield, threw for just 168 yards on 35 attempts, falling short of the team’s seasonal average of 194.3 passing yards per game. Despite being a key player, Brown had only three receptions for 25 yards and was not targeted after the first quarter, leading to a visible frustration that erupted into a sideline dispute with head coach Nick Sirianni.
The Eagles’ running game, which previously thrived, faltered as well, averaging under 4 yards per carry in the game. Last season, the team boasted a robust 5 yards per rush during the playoffs, showcasing a stark contrast to their current struggles.
Despite finishing the regular season with 11 wins, the Eagles faced mounting concerns regarding their offensive direction under new coordinator Kevin Patullo. They ranked 19th in the NFL in points per game, 24th in yards per game, and 22nd in yards per play.
Hurts expressed his frustrations regarding the offensive strategy leading up to the game, hinting at challenges with the way plays were called. As the offseason approaches, the Eagles will need to focus on rebuilding their offense, which has significantly dropped in performance since their championship run. The offseason presents an opportunity for the Eagles to regroup and refine their game strategy, ultimately aiming for a return to championship form in the upcoming season.