
Despite maintaining a 4-0 start, the Philadelphia Eagles‘ recent victories have exposed concerning patterns as Jalen Hurts has struggled to maintain momentum after halftime, sparking fears of papering over the cracks.
Jordan Mailata addressed the issue candidly when asked about the team’s halftime inconsistencies as the offensive tackle pointed out that the team has to improve in the latter portion of the game moving forwards.
“Definitely the good halves. Points never lie,” Mailata said. “I thought we played a great first half.
“Now, we have to find ways to extend drives in the second half, but that was a hell of a game we played today. That was a great win today. The Bucs, they’re not bums.
“And winning games down in Tampa is a big deal. Because we haven’t. We’ve been humiliated. We’ve been on that side of the ball. So this is a plus for me.”
The game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers illustrated the issue clearly. Philadelphia opened with a dominant 24-6 lead at halftime, only to be outscored 19-7 in the second half.
But while the 31-25 final score suggests a controlled performance, a closer look highlights a pattern of losing focus after the break – a pattern mirroring the team’s Week 3 contest against the Los Angeles Rams.
There, the Eagles trailed 26-7 before rallying to a 33-26 comeback, revealing volatility in performance across halves, with their special teams units contributed significantly to preserving the lead.
For example, on September 28, Sydney Brown‘s blocked punt return for a touchdown disrupted Tampa’s momentum and prevented the game from slipping further away. However, the offense’s disappearance in the latter half underscores the challenge.
“That first half is about as good as you can play,” Sirianni noted, cryptically avoiding commenting on the final two quarters of the game where the team was out-scored 19-7 by the Floridian side.
Hurts ghosts vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hurts‘ production post-halftime remains the most glaring concern. In Tampa, he began 15-of-16, demonstrating efficiency and command. Yet, after halftime, his performance stalled completely, going 0-for-8 and failing to convert multiple drives.
Across the second half, the offense produced just 33 yards, including one short-field touchdown and a late 34-yard clock-killing run. The unit also endured five consecutive three-and-outs and another short drive barely exceeding five plays.
Compounding the issue, the running game struggled to support Hurts’ passing collapse. Saquon Barkley was limited to 43 yards on 19 carries, the fewest yards he has ever recorded with that workload, according to The Athletic.
The combined ineffectiveness of both passing and rushing plays in the latter half signals a structural problem that requires immediate attention from the coaching staff if they hope to retain their Super Bowl crown.
Philadelphia’s current record may project confidence, but the team’s inconsistent execution after halftime suggests there is little room for complacency.
Sustaining offensive efficiency and minimizing lapses will be critical as the Eagles face stronger competition in the coming weeks, taking on the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions from October 19-November 17.
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