How Do the Philadelphia Eagles Keep Getting Away With This? The Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith Connection

The Philadelphia Eagles are arguably the most complete team in the NFL right now, and much of their success can be attributed to the dynamic play of quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Despite facing stiff competition across the league, the Eagles continue to win games and look like serious Super Bowl contenders year after year. But the question on everyone’s mind is: how do they keep getting away with this?

This season, the connection between Hurts and Smith has been a huge part of the Eagles’ offensive dominance. Their chemistry on the field has become a force that other teams are struggling to defend, and it’s only getting stronger as the season progresses. Here’s why the duo of Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith is one of the most dangerous in the NFL, and how the Eagles continue to make it look so easy.

Jalen Hurts: The Dual Threat Leader

Jalen Hurts has emerged as one of the most complete quarterbacks in the NFL. His growth as a passer and his ability to make plays with his legs have made him nearly unstoppable.

Evolution as a Passer

Hurts has taken his game to another level in recent seasons, particularly in terms of his passing accuracy and decision-making. After an MVP-caliber 2022 season, Hurts is back at it in 2024, leading the Eagles with poise and precision. His growth as a passer has been a game-changer for the Eagles.

Improved Accuracy: Hurts has dramatically improved his accuracy, completing over 65% of his passes. He’s consistently making throws in tight windows, showing that he’s not just a running quarterback.
Read Progressions: Hurts’ ability to read defenses and make the right throw is what sets him apart. He’s shown an increased comfort in going through his progressions, often finding his top targets, including DeVonta Smith, with ease.
Clutch Factor: When it comes down to crunch time, Hurts has proven to be clutch, leading game-winning drives and putting his team in positions to succeed, making him one of the top quarterbacks in the league.

Hurts’ dual-threat ability as both a passer and a runner makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL, and it’s a big reason why the Eagles are so hard to beat.

DeVonta Smith: The Silent Assassin

While much of the Eagles’ offense is built around Hurts’ playmaking ability, DeVonta Smith’s rise as a top-tier wide receiver has been a key factor in their success. Known for his elite route running and precise hands, Smith has emerged as Hurts’ go-to weapon in critical moments.

Route Running Mastery

DeVonta Smith’s ability to get open is unparalleled. He’s a technician when it comes to running routes, and his smooth footwork allows him to gain separation from defenders in even the most difficult situations.

Separation: Smith’s ability to separate from cornerbacks, even in tight coverage, makes him a reliable option for Hurts on all levels of the field.
Deep Threat: Smith’s speed and ability to track the ball deep downfield allow Hurts to stretch the defense, opening up opportunities for other players in the offense as well.
Reliable Hands: Whether it’s making tough catches over the middle or catching passes in the end zone, Smith’s hands are reliable in all situations.

What sets Smith apart is not just his ability to make big plays but also his consistency. He’s a player who can turn small gains into big yardage with his agility, and he’s become an essential part of the Eagles’ offense.

The Hurts-Smith Connection: The Perfect Duo

The relationship between Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith is more than just statistical. It’s about trust, timing, and consistency, which have allowed the Eagles’ offense to thrive week in and week out.

Trust and Chemistry

Since their time together at Alabama, Hurts and Smith have developed a deep connection, and it’s apparent every time they take the field. Hurts knows exactly where Smith will be, and Smith trusts that Hurts will put the ball where only he can catch it. This chemistry makes them one of the most lethal QB-WR combos in the NFL.

Timing: Hurts and Smith have an uncanny ability to sync up on timing routes, especially on quick slants, back-shoulder fades, and deep balls.
Improvised Plays: Even when plays break down, Hurts and Smith can create magic. Hurts’ ability to extend plays with his legs and Smith’s knack for finding open space make them dangerous even when the pocket collapses.
Clutch Performances: The duo has delivered in critical moments, whether it’s a touchdown catch in a close game or a game-winning drive. Smith’s ability to come through when it matters most is another testament to his and Hurts’ exceptional chemistry.

When Hurts and Smith are on the same page, they’re nearly impossible to stop. Their ability to execute both scripted plays and improvisational moments makes them a nightmare for defenses.

How the Eagles Keep Getting Away With It

So, how do the Philadelphia Eagles keep getting away with it? It’s simple: Hurts and Smith are playing at a level that makes it look easy. The combination of Hurts’ elite dual-threat ability and Smith’s route-running precision has made the Eagles’ offense nearly unstoppable.

Offensive Balance

The Eagles have one of the most balanced offenses in the NFL. While Hurts and Smith are the focal points, they also have a strong running game and an offensive line that can protect Hurts and open up lanes for the backs. This balance makes them unpredictable and difficult to defend against, as they can beat you in multiple ways.

Run Game: The Eagles have a solid running back group, and Hurts himself is a significant threat on the ground. His ability to run the ball adds another layer to the offense, preventing defenses from keying in on Smith or the passing game.
Offensive Line: The Eagles’ offensive line is one of the best in the league, providing Hurts with ample time to throw and enabling the running backs to gain positive yards on the ground.

Defensive Adjustments

The Eagles have an aggressive defense that can get after the quarterback and create turnovers, which often leads to short fields for their offense. This allows Hurts and Smith to capitalize on opportunities and score quickly.

Conclusion

The Philadelphia Eagles have set the bar high for the rest of the NFL. With Jalen Hurts playing at an MVP level and DeVonta Smith proving himself as one of the best young receivers in the league, the Eagles are a complete team with very few weaknesses. Their connection on the field, coupled with a well-rounded roster, has allowed them to remain one of the top teams in the NFC.

As long as Hurts and Smith continue their dominance, the Eagles will keep getting away with it, and they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the playoff picture. The NFL will have to take notice because, with this duo leading the charge, the Eagles are here to stay.