The Philadelphia Eagles lost a close game at home last Sunday 27-24 to the Los Angeles Chargers. The offense looked better and continued to to build off a more balanced attack between running and passing the football. Doing so, definitely took some pressure of Jalen Hurts and gave us a little sense of optimism in head coach Nick Sirianni to make adjustments to help the team. 

On defense, same story, different day. Justin Herbert torched the Eagles defense. The Eagles have allowed five quarterbacks to complete 80% of their passes this season. Over the last 70 YEARS, they have only allowed six QBs to accomplish this feat before this season. SEVENTY YEARS.

Hurts definitely missed a few throws during the game, but when it mattered most, he drove the Eagles down the field and found Devonta Smith for a game-tying touchdown with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Hurts and the Eagles’ offense didn’t see the field for the rest of the game, as the defense allowed the Chargers to march down the field and kick a last second field goal to win. 

Speaking of DeVonta Smith, he was fantastic all game and if it wasn’t for a few missed throws from Hurts, his stat sheet would have even been more spectacular than it already was. Looking at PFF rankings, Smith was atop of the list in almost every category for a wide receiver in Week 9. 

• #1 PFF receiving grade- 92.3
• #1 PFF offensive grade- 92.6
• Tied #1 receiving yards- 116
• Ties #1 first downs- 5
• #4 yards per reception- 23.2
• 1 of 4 players with a perfect passer rating (158.3) when targeted

Smith finished the game with five receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown and was definitely the player of the week for the Philadelphia Eagles.

It was a huge performance for Smith, who had a tough week off the field with news of his good friend Henry Ruggs and everything that happened with him in a tragic car accident in Las Vegas earlier last week. After the game Smith, acknowledged Ruggs in an Instagram post, with several other players replying in the comments.

It was great to see DeVonta Smith and the Eagles’ offense get things back on track. The defense however, is another story.