The Eagles are 6-7 and third in the NFC East, but in no way are they out of the playoff conversation. With current injuries and an inevitable controversy, Philadelphia's bye week couldn't have come at a better time. If head coach Nick Sirianni and the Birds capitalize on this off time, they could boost their chances at a playoff run. Here's the three storylines to follow that will make or break the Eagles' season.
1. Do not attempt a quarterback competition
Jalen Hurts injured his ankle in Week 12, leading to backup quarterback Gardner Minshew's first start for the Eagles. He had a solid performance in the Eagles' win over the Jets in Week 13 with 242 passing yards and two touchdown passes. There is no doubt in my mind that an infamous Philadelphia quarterback controversy cloud is lingering over Lincoln Financial Field right now. Sirianni, let the storm pass, Hurts is your guy.
Of course, we have seen it before, and we have seen it again. Carson Wentz got hurt, Nick Foles came in and led the team to the Super Bowl in 2018. A couple years after, Wentz faced another quarterback controversy with Jalen Hurts. The organization ultimately stuck with Hurts as their QB1, sending Wentz to the Colts. If the Eagles want to keep the positive chemistry in the locker room, they will stick to this decision.
Why is it that every single time a backup quarterback in Philadelphia does their job, it causes in issue? Minshew had a great game, but the team was built upon the strengths of Hurts. Since preseason, he has led the Eagles offense, and plays have been rendered to the capabilities of him and his squad. The only thing Philadelphia should be talking about is how they are fortunate to have a solid backup quarterback if needed.
Hurts is still listed as questionable for Week 15, so it will be interesting to see who takes the majority of snaps at practice over the next two weeks.
2. The potential for a full power run game
The Eagles have found their identity in their explosive run game. In their last six games, they have average about 210 rushing yards each. However, utilizing the run game has led to multiple injuries to key running backs. Since Week 8, the Eagles have dealt with numerous holes in the running back position. From Week 8 to Week 10, it was Miles Sanders, who suffered an ankle injury. Most recently, Jordan Howard missed Week 12 and Week 13 with a knee injury.
Although Sanders played in Week 13, he ended up re-injuring his ankle towards the end of the game. Now, both Howard and Sanders are nursing their respective injuries during the bye week. Hopefully, this extra time will allow them to rest and prepare to take the game day field in Week 15.
3. The status of Jason Kelce
Veteran center Jason Kelce also suffered an injury in the Birds' Week 13 win. He left the field towards the very end of the game with a left leg injury. This is just one week after he missed game time due to a knee injury in Week 12. Kelce's health is crucial for the success of the Eagles' offensive line. If his injury is more serious than the one he suffered in Week 12, it would be a huge blow for the team.
Fortunately, Sirianni had optimistic news on the status of Kelce's injury. “We're hopeful after the bye he'll be ready to go,” he told the media.
The Eagles will be in good shape for Week 15 if they can focus on the health of their original QB1, their running backs, and their veteran center.
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