Why Jalen Hurts thinks Eagles can soar even higher after 37-17 win

As Philadelphia systematically pulled away in a 37-17 win at Cincinnati on Sunday, the team followed the same path as its road to a perfect October. After sputtering at first, the Eagles rolled to 5-2 by catching their stride at the right time, playing with clear intentions offensively and defensively. 

In fact, the team got its best offensive performance this season, with Jalen Hurts and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore more and more on the same page with each passing week. Sunday’s win – Philadelphia’s third straight following its Week 5 bye – was also the team’s most balanced, with 397 total yards of offense (236 passing, 161 rushing). The Eagles, who converted six of 11 third downs, averaged 6.7 yards per play in dismantling the Bengals.

“The No. 1 goal that has been on our mind to achieve is just to find our rhythm,” Hurts told CBS sideline reporter Evan Washburn after the win, “and I think we haven’t really had that all year, not to the level that we wanted. But we put out a good showing today and we are getting really close to where we want to be.” 

They were really close on Sunday to scoring in the first quarter, something that has eluded the Eagles all season. But they did score on their opening drive for the first time and, from there, hit on every cylinder. Philadelphia scored on six of its seven overall possessions, punting only once, and scored on all five of its second-half drives. Hurts was perfect in the second half, going 9 of 9 for 150 yards with a spectacular 45-yard touchdown to DeVonta Smith, and a 155.8 rating. He finished the game 16 of 20 for 236 yards, and added 37 yards on 10 carries. The quarterback also matched a single-game career best with three rushing touchdowns.

And just like the Eagles’ offense, their defense started slowly but finished with an exclamation point. After allowing an opening-drive touchdown, the Eagles played a physical and tough brand of football. They held Joe Burrow and the prolific Bengals offense to just one second-half touchdown.

“The vibes are very high right now,” safety Reed Blankenship said.

Those vibes, especially the energy and effort, have also grown with each passing week. Since the Week 5 bye, the Eagles lead the NFL in both fewest points and yards allowed, playing with a clear understanding of their defensive identity under coordinator Vic Fangio.

“The identity of this team is physical,” head coach Nick Sirianni said, “and that’s what we’re going to try to play by each week, is physical.”

Sirianni and his passionate style have now produced a 13-4 record during his career in October games. And now that October has ended and the season is already at the halfway point, Philadelphia is just a half game behind Washington (6-2) in the NFC East. The Eagles get a chance to build on their winning streak and continue to play that brand next week at home against former head coach Doug Pederson and the Jaguars.