With five games left in the regular season, the Philadelphia Eagles are focusing on correcting their mistakes and preparing for a key stretch that will determine their playoff positioning. The team currently holds an 8-4 record and remains at the top of the NFC East.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts addressed the team’s mindset after a recent loss, saying, “We have to definitely stay together. Stay committed to what the team is trying to accomplish. In the end, no one ever said it was going to be easy, and we’ve got to embrace the challenge. We’ve got to embrace this time and respond to it the right way.”
Players returned to practice at NovaCare Complex with a clear understanding of areas needing improvement. Linebacker Nakobe Dean commented on moving forward from defeat: “Keep fighting. Figure things out. Teams go through a lot throughout a season and that’s where we are now. Nothing you can do but get up off the floor and come back better and hungrier. This isn’t a good feeling, so let’s find a way to work and come together and correct the mistakes we’re making.”
The Eagles will use extra preparation time following their mini-bye weekend as they travel for Monday Night Football against Los Angeles Chargers, who are also dealing with adversity due to quarterback Justin Herbert’s recent hand surgery.
Defensive tackle Jordan Davis highlighted internal focus as key for recovery: “Every person in this room knows that the only way to come back is to stay together and take care of your own business. We have the right coaches. We have the right guys. We have to play better as a football team. We’re making too many mistakes, not playing the kind of football that we know we can play. That’s what it is. We’re making the kind of mistakes that you just can’t make. So, we have to correct those mistakes and get back to playing Eagles football.”
Running back Saquon Barkley emphasized persistence: “We have to find out what works moving forward and keep working at things and having the belief that it is going to click,” he said. “That’s the thing about the NFL: You know it can all change fast and if you keep working, keep staying humble and hungry, you are going to be where you want to be. Everyone stays together, everyone works together, and that’s what we’re going to do.
“We have another challenge ahead of us and we have to shake off this loss and get back to work and play better football, play the way we play. That’s how you get through this and move on. It isn’t easy, but this isn’t an easy league. Every team wants the same thing.”
The Eagles’ remaining schedule includes games against Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders (twice), and Buffalo Bills.
With all goals still attainable heading into December games, players say they intend on taking each day as it comes in pursuit of postseason success.