PHILADELPHIA — Eagles cornerback Adoree’ Jackson had an optimistic perspective on the team’s recent three-game losing streak, which came to an emphatic end with a dominant 31-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
For Eagles fans, the pressure was palpable as they watched the team lose as many games in three weeks as they did throughout the entire previous season. The offense, led by Jalen Hurts and coach Nick Sirianni, had struggled, averaging just 16.2 points per game during that stretch. What looked like a promising season began to unravel, raising concerns about their chances of repeating as NFC East champions.
However, Jackson, who experienced a challenging season with the Giants last year, did not see panic among his teammates following the losses. Instead, he found a team that remained focused and committed to improvement. “It’s a team that keeps putting its head down and keeps working,” he remarked after the victory over the Raiders. “It’s about always competing and getting better.”
With the Cowboys’ loss to the Vikings later that Sunday, the Eagles have placed themselves just one win away from clinching a second consecutive NFC East title, which they can secure against the Washington Commanders on Saturday.
Having spent a significant portion of his career in a less successful environment, Jackson contrasted the culture enveloping the Eagles with that of the Giants. He noted the positive workplace atmosphere in Philadelphia—a stark difference from his previous experiences. “Coming here and seeing how they work and the joy they have in doing things really helped me get my mind out of a funk,” he stated.
While it wouldn’t be prudent to assume the Eagles are back to Super Bowl contender status based solely on their win against a struggling opponent, it’s a positive sign they can dominate when facing subpar teams. The Eagles quickly established control over the Raiders, scoring on their opening drive and dampening any chance of a comeback from their opponent.
Jalen Hurts, responding to previous scrutiny regarding his performance, showcased his resilience, throwing for three touchdowns and completing 80% of his passes, building a strong passer rating of 154.9. Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata acknowledged the need to celebrate successes, stating, “We haven’t played well, so you’ve got to celebrate the moments that we do execute.”
As Hurts put it, the moment was “just a natural reaction” to their improved play, emphasizing their commitment to treating each game as a pivotal opportunity to pursue excellence. This attitude is shared among teammates, with linebacker Nakobe Dean highlighting their strong defensive performance that limited the Raiders to just 75 total yards, the lowest since December 1955.
The Eagles have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, refusing to allow a losing streak to derail their season. According to Dean, a firm standard is upheld within the organization, ensuring that “anything below it” is not accepted. Despite the setbacks, the lessons learned have spurred them on, with Jackson reminding everyone to maintain a positive outlook even amid difficulties.
His sentiments resonate throughout the locker room, as players like Michael Carter II, who faced his own struggles with the Jets, echoed the importance of staying focused and consistent regardless of the challenges that arise.
With their path ahead clearer, the Eagles aim to build on their recent success as they approach crucial matchups. If the team can harness their resolve and maintain their positive atmosphere, they have the potential to emerge stronger than ever as they aspire towards the playoffs.