It has undoubtedly been tough sledding for the Philadelphia Eagles' offense, which has been taking their licks from playing some good defenses over the last two games. Or is it a lack of efficiency from the 11 guys on that side of the ball?
After a great two-game stretch before the bye week with stellar offensive performances against the Minnesota Vikings and the rematch against the New York Giants, the wheels have fallen off the wagon for the Eagles' offense in the last two games against the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. Only 26 points total to show, and averaging less than 300 yards per game.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was asked by the media about the offense over the last two games. Barkley was honest about it, but stayed optimistic that things could turn around.
"The last two games before, it seemed like we figured everything out and everything was clicking. The last two games on offense, we didn't play to the level of expectation we have. I don't say too much changed...but you come to work every single day, continue to fall in love with the process, and you have to go out there and produce. That's where we're at right now. Tired of talking about."
Not everything has been awful for Eagles' offense the last two games
The biggest problem with the Eagles' offense has been the passing game and the lack of efficiency with it. They have had two consecutive games where Jalen Hurts threw under 185 yards and only one touchdown to show for it.
While the longest run by the Eagles in the last two weeks was a 17-yard run by Tank Bigsby, the running game has not been as bad as some might think. The Eagles are averaging 129 yards per game on the ground over the last two games, with Barkley leading the way with 143 yards. Philly is averaging only 3.5 yards per carry, but those runs have been efficient.
Barkley, Bigsby, Hurts, and Will Shipley have been picking up the tough yards despite issues with a lack of a passing game and inconsistencies with the offensive line. It may not be the explosive runs the Eagles had a season ago, but they are using those three to four yards per carry to do one thing: win the time of possession.
Philly had the ball for over 32 minutes against the Packers and over 35 minutes against the Lions. That limits the amount of time their opponent's offenses are on the field and keeping their defense rested. The Eagles' defense has shown that the strategy has paid off, with only 16 points allowed in the last two games.
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Many may not be as excited about what's going on with the Eagles' offense, which is fair, but the running game is staying consistent and helping them figure out how to fix the passing game.