After an ugly end to last season, the Philadelphia Eagles hired Kellen Moore to replace Brian Johnson as their offensive coordinator. Moore, who was the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator from 2019-2023, had success with Dak Prescott.
He was expected to improve Jalen Hurts’ play, but so far, that has not happened. The Eagles are 2-2 on the season and are in a must-win situation in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns.
The Eagles lost 33-16 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their last game, and Julian Edelman wants the Eagles to have a different approach on offense.
Julian Edelman Urges Kellen Moore To Change Strategy
Philadelphia was without A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in Week 4’s game against the Buccaneers, yet Hurts threw the ball 30 times. Edelman wants Moore to utilize Saquon Barkley much more than he has done so far this season, and that will open up the field for the entire offense.
“Philadelphia, let’s go. We got to get back to the basics. Two or three years ago, we used to force the ball and run the ball and set up the play action, and that’s what Kellen Moore has not been doing at all this time,” Edelman said. “Saquon Barkley only had 12 touches last week, and you’re missing your two best receivers. They didn’t play last week, and Jalen Hurts threw the ball 30 times.”
“But let’s get back to the fundamentals: Hand the ball to Saquon, set up our play action, and build our toughness. Kellen Moore needs to get that going.”
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Barkley signed a three-year $37.75 million contract with the Eagles this offseason and has played quite well so far. In four games, he has rushed for 435 yards and four touchdowns on 73 carries, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. He also has 12 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown.
The 27-year-old running back had his fewest carries of the season against the Buccaneers, and it turned out to be a disaster for the Eagles. It might have been because right tackle Lane Johnson did not play that game. However, now that he is back alongside Smith and Brown, Moore should prioritize using Barkley much more against the Browns.
A Closer Look at Jalen Hurts and Eagles’ Offensive Struggles
The Eagles’ offense is averaging 21.5 points and 153.8 rushing yards per game this season. It is evident that Barkley is playing at a high level behind Philadelphia’s offensive line, and the team should not avoid running the ball.
Hurts has had a poor start to the season,throwing four interceptions and fumbling the ball five times in four games. Having both star wide receivers back on the field will help the 26-year-old quarterback, but he needs to be careful with the football.
If the Eagles lose to the Browns this week, Nick Sirianni could get fired. Philadelphia is coming off of a bye, and they need to make a statement against Cleveland. Hurts, Moore, and Sirianni need to put together a sound game plan and be on the same page on Sunday, as all three of them have not been at their best this season.
