The Philadelphia Eagles appeared to be spiraling out of control following a 33-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. Yet the Eagles were able to gather themselves during a much-needed bye week and have now won three consecutive games to improve to 5-2.
After turning the ball over seven times through Philadelphia’s first four games, Jalen Hurts returned to MVP form and outdueled Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in a 37-17 win on the road in Week 8.
Despite struggling early in the regular season, both Hurts and the Eagles appear to be returning to their dominant form that they showcased in 2022.
Jalen Hurts Returns to MVP Form As Eagles Improve to 5–2
While the Eagles went into Cincinnati on a two-game winning streak, you would have never guessed that based on the narratives surrounding Hurts. Philadelphia’s starting quarterback was criticized throughout the week, with Greg Cosell of NFL Films stating that Hurts “can’t execute basic concepts.”
Yet, despite the questions surrounding Hurts and the Eagles, Philadelphia put together a dominant performance on the road in Week 8. Hurts was efficient both in the air and on the ground, scoring four total touchdowns.
Hurts completed 16 of 20 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing 10 times for 37 yards and three touchdowns. Eagles fans were rightfully excited about the quarterback’s performance, as Kei stated that it was a “bad day for Jalen Hurts haters” on X (formerly Twitter).
BAD DAY FOR JALEN HURTS HATERS.
— Kei (@RealMamaEagle) October 27, 2024
According to the PFN Insights QB+ Metric, Hurts received the highest grade among all quarterbacks following the afternoon slate of games in Week 8. Hurts received a QB+ letter grade of A and a QB+ score of 80.5, which ranked comfortably ahead of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins for the top performance.
Hurts’ performance in Cincinnati is even more impressive when you factor in the injuries along Philadelphia’s offensive line. The Eagles won convincingly despite missing starting left tackle Jordan Mailata and starting right guard Mekhi Becton.
Eagles Dominated Bengals in Most Impressive Win of 2024
While Hurts’ performance in Cincinnati was certainly impressive, it was a total team performance for the Eagles as well. Through the first six games of the regular season, it appeared as though Philadelphia was never operating in unison.
That wasn’t an issue in Week 8, as the Eagles dominated the Bengals in all three phases of the game in Cincinnati. Although Burrow and the Bengals got off to a hot start on their first offensive possession, Philadelphia’s defense bounced back.
Burrow completed 11 of 12 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown on the Bengals’ opening possession. Burrow completed just 14 of 25 passes for 167 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception the remainder of the game.
While many will point to the absence of wide receiver Tee Higgins for the Bengals, Philadelphia was without several starters on offense as well. Not only were Mailata and Becton out along the offensive line, Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert also missed the game.
Eagles starting cornerback Darius Slay was also injured during the game and replaced on the outside by Isaiah Rodgers. In a moment that perfectly encapsulated Philadelphia’s total team effort in Cincinnati, Rodgers broke up a pass intended for Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, which was then intercepted by C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
After failing to win a single game by more than eight points in nearly a full calendar year, the Eagles have now won by multiple possessions in back-to-back games. If Hurts and the Eagles can continue to play at an elite level, the rest of the NFL should watch out.