The Eagles offense was able to get some things going against the Rams, at least enough to go up by almost three scores, but ultimately, they stalled in the second half (again) and ended up losing. Quarterback Jalen Hurts spoke after the game and didn’t blame injuries or the new scheme for their uneven performances, and expressed confidence that the group will continue to grow together.
Hurts didn’t need a lot of extra words when asked about the offense’s struggles in the second half, and on third
downs, citing “Poor execution” for both.
“Poor execution. I don’t think there’s any other way to put it.”
Here’s what else the QB had to say:
On injuries stacking up
Hurts said that those skill players always have an immediate impact when they are on the field, but it’s still up to the people out there to execute at a high level, regardless.
“I’ve got to be better. I’ve got to figure it out. However it looks, whatever that means, find a way to win the game. We had our opportunities, and we didn’t take advantage of them. This is an event that we can learn from, that I’ll learn from, and we’ll use. I’ll use.”
The QB was also asked about Lane Johnson being unavailable on Sunday, and Hurts said it was very unfortunate, but they have a next man up mentality. They kept the focus on the team and on trying to go out there and do their best.
“A lot of respect for everyone that stepped in unexpectedly and even throughout the week, different roles, new opportunities, taking advantage of those in the end. This is one that you can learn from, obviously.”
He also later rejected the idea that the injuries held them back at all, with the QB saying he never felt that they were too much to overcome. They still had an opportunity to make it a three-score game, and they didn’t do it, so he’s not going to blame injuries.
On the 4th-and-2 failed QB sneak
“Well, we had a bad exchange on the snap the play before. Comes down to very little things, executing at a high level. So, I think in the end, it comes back to alignment, connectedness to what we’re doing and everybody executing. I think in the end, it comes down to executing.
Third down was not good enough, not good enough at all. Situationally, we were not good enough. So, us as a team, we’ve been really good when we’ve been able to be dominant in situational football and we’ve just got to be better and point towards the little things. We point towards the small things that build up to those moments, kind of clean things up when we get in those situations typically. We’re not doing that right now.”
On their struggles in the ground game
Hurts said that they are still finding their flow, and ultimately it all comes down to execution. He expects everyone in the locker room to first look internally when asking those questions, and then controlling the things they can control and execute better.
The QB didn’t want to blame the new scheme for their issues, and said it was an executing thing, instead.
On his message to the team
“Get up.”
On his confidence in the team
“I think it’s less about being even-keeled and more about doubling down on the work and controlling the things that you can. This is a team that is building and finding its way — it’s obviously a work in progress. I have the utmost confidence in this team. I have the utmost confidence in this group. We just have to remain enduring, be persistent, keep committing to one another, and keep committing to the work of becoming a better group together. We’ve just got to continue to grow and go on that journey.”
