Eagles’ problems against blitz will exacerbate wild card round
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 25: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles scrambles during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Jalen Hurts is blitzed more than pretty much any player in the NFL. In Week 18 at MetLife Stadium, the Eagles faced a defensive coordinator known for blitzing, a lot. However, the Eagles looked like they had never seen a blitz before, and it got ugly.
This has been a problem all season long.
This season, Hurts was blitzed at the second-highest rate in the NFL of full-time starting quarterbacks, receiving it in 38.7% of his dropbacks. Teams are undoubtedly motivated to blitz Hurts because this offense has no answers for it.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their head coach Todd Bowles are sure to put tons of pressure on Hurts Monday night. Bowles is known for his aggressive defenses.
Just two teams blitzed at a more elevated rate than the Buccaneers this season.
Vikings: 47.3%
Giants: 42.2%
Buccaneers: 37.9%
Even though the Eagles picked up a win over the Buccaneers in Week 3 down in Tampa on Monday Night Football, it was obvious that was Bowles’ plan against Hurts, as they blitzed him on 75% of his dropbacks in that game. The Eagles still got the victory, but they are obviously a much different team than they were in late September.
Hurts’ stats this season with and without the blitz are as follows:
Not blitzed: 61.3% of dropbacks, 220/327 (67.3%), 2,367 yards, 15 TDs, 7 INTs
Blitzed: 38.7% of dropbacks, 132/211 (62.6%), 1,491 yards, 8 TDs, 8 INTs
Going back to the wild card game between the Eagles and Buccaneers in Tampa back in 2021, Bowles blitzed Hurts on 50% of his dropbacks in that game and Hurts threw two interceptions on those plays. The Eagles got crushed.
The same thing could absolutely beat Hurts and this offense two years later.
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