It's been a rough start to the season for the Philadelphia Eagles after they recorded their third loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. This wasn't a game Philadelphia was expected to win, but falling to 1-3 is never a good thing. It's time to continue our NFL takeaways series with an Eagles Week 4 takeaway.
This is a rebuilding franchise, so the Eagles are bound to lose more often than not this season. The goal should be to notice steady improvements from the prospects on the roster. In that retrospect, Philly fans should be excited about the future of the franchise.
The offense has the tools in place to become a thrilling contender in a couple of years. It's early on in his career, but DeVonta Smith has looked as advertised through four games. Additionally, the running back position has played out quite differently than many believed. Lastly, Jalen Hurts has been fantastic for this team but has yet to generate wins. With that said, here are three Eagles Week 4 takeaways from their game against the Chiefs.
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Eagles Week 4 Takeaways
3. DeVonta Smith is a stud
The Heisman Trophy winner has looked phenomenal to kick off his NFL career. DeVonta Smith is clearly the top wide receiver on the roster and proved that in Week 4. Smith reeled in seven receptions for 122 yards, leading his team in both categories.
Many doubted DeVonta Smith would succeed at the next level due to his lack of size. However, he's proven to be a speed demon and he's beating defenders with crisp route running. Smith is bound to improve as his career progresses. The Eagles got a good one as Smith's future looks bright in the City of Brotherly Love.
2. Kenneth Gainwell seems to be the best running back on the roster
Philadelphia has struggled running the ball recently as the team has shown they prefer to throw the ball. For whatever reason, the coaching staff has diminished Miles Sanders's role on the team, even though he's technically the starting running back. He received just seven carries and recorded a pathetic 13 rushing yards. On the other hand, the rookie Kenneth Gainwell received just three rush attempts but gained a solid 31 yards and scored a touchdown.
On top of that, Gainwell gets involved in the passing game, as he ended the game with six receptions for 58 receiving yards. The Eagles' rookie running back has been much more efficient with fewer opportunities. If anything, we might see Gainwell's role expand in the coming weeks. If that's the case, look for Sanders to serve as a high-end backup rather than the starting running back.
1. Jalen Hurts is the real deal
Even though the Eagles are losing and playing from behind most of the time, Jalen Hurts is giving it his all and providing Philadelphia with solid quarterback play. Not only did he finish the day with 387 passing yards and two touchdowns, but Hurts also led the team in rushing with 47 yards on the ground.
He's having to play catch up though, but that was almost expected to be the case for this Eagles team. His efforts have not translated to wins just yet, but Jalen Hurts has all of the potential in the world. As long as the Eagles are patient and continue building the roster, this franchise should be in good hands in a couple of years.
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