A goal-line stand by the Rams defense kicked Philly’s demise into overdrive, but it truly began, once again, with a dreadful start to the second half. For the second week in a row, Philadelphia was held scoreless in the third and fourth quarters.
After entering halftime with a 20-10 advantage, the Eagles (2-2) gained 19 yards on three third-quarter drives (10 plays), including two three-and-outs and a turnover on downs at their own 38-yard line.
The defense could only hold up for so long before the Rams figured things out, whereas the Eagles found no solutions. It’s beyond troubling that Philadelphia’s offense continues to regress in second halves of games. Per Sumer Sports data, entering the late-afternoon window, the Eagles are tied for last with the Miami Dolphins (0-4) in expected points added (EPA) per play in the second half. For a team as talented as Philly, that’s inexcusable. It speaks to poor coaching — an inability to make effect in-game adjustments, most prominently — that the issues arise week after week.
Head coach Nick Sirianni and the offensive staff’s continued failures cost Philadelphia in Week 4. With a difficult international game against the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday, the Eagles may soon find themselves with a losing record if they can’t find a solution to their second-half woes.
Worst quarterback performance: Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts
While Philly’s coaching leaves plenty to be desired, Hurts deserves his own share of criticism after one of the worst starts of his career. When factoring in his rushing totals and sacks, Hurts averaged a stunningly low 2.4 yards per play against the Rams. He completed just 12-of-27 (44.4 percent) of his passes for 93 yards, including 10 in the second half, while losing 25 yards on four sacks and gaining 18 on five rush attempts.
The former Super Bowl MVP was painfully mediocre through three games, but Sunday marked his nadir. With Hurts playing the way he is, the Eagles are more pretender than contender.
Worst defensive performance: Indianapolis Colts cornerback Ahmad Gardner
Ahmad Gardner was once selected fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. Gardner was also once acquired by the Colts for two future first-rounders. During Sunday’s 30-13 international win over the Washington Commanders (1-3), Gardner was beat badly by Commanders third-string quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and wide receivers Dyami Brown and Treylon Burks.
At least he provided value as a cheerleader.