The Eagles need Jalen Hurts to help settle an offense that struggled to find answers in Chicago. With DeVonta Smith and Hollywood Brown unlikely to play against the Rams, Sunday’s matchup could require him to do that with fewer familiar options.
Smith is expected to miss the game with a hamstring injury, while Brown remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Their potential absences would put more responsibility on Hurts and offensive coordinator Sean Mannion to create manageable situations for Philadelphia’s remaining receivers.
This is another “quarterbacky” test for Hurts: identifying what the defense is allowing, moving through his reads and making the decision that keeps the possession alive.
Find the next answer when the first read is covered.
Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon could become larger
parts of the passing game, but Hurts cannot force the offense through one receiver. When the first option is covered, Philadelphia needs him to find the next available target or use his legs when the opportunity presents itself. An underneath completion that creates a manageable third down can be just as valuable as a more aggressive throw.
Mannion must help the quarterback.
The responsibility extends beyond Hurts. Mannion needs to give his quarterback clear answers through formations, motion, and route combinations that get available receivers open.
Philadelphia cannot afford repeated possessions in which one unsuccessful play leaves the offense struggling to recover.
Turn completions into sustained drives.
The Eagles need more than isolated big plays against Los Angeles. They need an offense that stays on schedule, protects the football, and finishes possessions. Hurts’ decisions will be central to that effort. With the receiving group hurting, his ability to keep the offense moving becomes even more important.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Can Jalen Hurts get Eagles’ passing game back on track vs. Rams?
