The Eagles snapped a three-game losing streak Sunday with a 31-0 win over the 2-12 Las Vegas Raiders, and they won for many reasons.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw three touchdowns, running backs Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby combined for 135 rushing yards and Philadelphia‘s defense only allowed 75 yards.
But there was another big reason Philadelphia won for the first time since Mid-November. According to NFL legend Jeff Saturday, the Eagles made star wide receiver A.J. Brown less of a priority and it helped the offense rediscover its identity as a run-first unit.
“They go make A.J. Brown the leading receiver for three games, and they lose them all,” Saturday said on Tuesday’s episode of ESPN’s First Take. “Now you get back to how you win. What is your philosophy of winning? That’s run the football, reduce your risk profile and play great defense and having a shot to win it in every game at the end of the fourth quarter. That’s how the Eagles can (still be the best team in the NFC).”
Brown finished with 100 or more yards in losses to the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers, while he only recorded two catches for 41 yards against the Raiders.
So maybe there is some truth to what Saturday said.
Brown has been frustrated with his role in the offense throughout the season, but the Eagles have done a better job of getting him involved over the last month.
However, the offense somehow got worst during that period, and it appears that making Brown the focal point is not the Eagles’ best formula for success.
The Eagles still need to feed Brown because he’s one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, but developing a good run game could unlock their offensive potential and should be the team’s first priority.