Jalen Hurts’ Eagles face passing-game doubts after lackluster start

Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles opened the season with a passing attack that lacks the explosive edge expected from a top-tier NFL offense. The Eagles’ Week 1 loss to the Rams showed glimpses of promise but few moments of genuine downfield danger.

What happened in Week 1?

The Eagles fell 24–20 to the Los Angeles Rams on 8 September 2025 at SoFi Stadium, a game that exposed the limits of Philadelphia’s passing game. Jalen Hurts finished 23-of-36 for 248 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception, while the Eagles managed just 182 yards through the air. The lack of explosive plays—no passes longer than 15 yards—left analysts questioning whether Hurts and his receivers can stretch defenses the way they did in 2024.

Why it matters for Jalen Hurts

Hurts entered 2025 as the reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Year, but his early-season struggles raise doubts about his supporting cast. The Eagles’ receiving corps, already thin after DeVonta Smith’s holdout, lost Jalen McMillan to injury in the Rams game. The absence of a true deep threat forces Hurts to rely on short-area throws, a style that neutralizes his mobility and playmaking ability. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore now faces pressure to adjust the scheme before the Eagles face the 49ers in Week 2.

Can the Eagles fix their passing issues?

The Eagles’ coaching staff insists the issues are fixable. Moore pointed to “execution, not scheme” after the Rams loss, while Hurts called the performance “unacceptable.” The team’s next two games—against San Francisco and at Arizona—will test whether the passing game can rediscover its rhythm. If Hurts continues to struggle, the Eagles risk falling behind early in a brutal NFC West schedule.

What comes next for Jalen Hurts?

Hurts and the Eagles need a bounce-back performance to silence critics. Their next game, a home tilt against the 49ers on 15 September 2025, offers a chance to prove the Week 1 struggles were an aberration. If the passing attack remains stagnant, Philadelphia’s Super Bowl aspirations could take an early hit.