Despite sitting at 4-1, the Philadelphia Eagles' offense has been the more disappointing units in the NFL this season. Only the Titans are averaging fewer passing yards per game than the reigning Super Bowl champs, as Jalen Hurts has been off to a slow start in 2025.
Both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have been vocal in their frustration due to their lack of usage in new Eagles' OC Kevin Patullo's system, which led to Philadelphia throwing the ball a season-high 38 times in their Week 5 loss to the Broncos. Unfortunately, if that trend continues, that could be bad news for the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football.
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Jaxson Dart's first-career primetime start coming against this defense is enough cause for concern, but it's Big Blue's defense that will be the reason that Week 6 gets ugly. With Paulson Adebo on Brown and Cor'Dale Flott or Deonte Banks on Smith, it will be the aerial attack that will once again make defensive coordinator Shane Bowen look foolish.
Two Eagles' receivers could be in for a massive game on Thursday night against Giants
The Giants' pass-rush looked incredible in their sole victory back in Week 3, but the secondary has been porous all year long. Despite the G-Men paying both Adebo and Jevon Holland this offseason, the pass defense has somehow gotten worse from last year.
Adebo has surrendered the third-most receptions among all cornerbacks this season, but Brown has been off to an unusually slow start through five weeks.
The three-time Pro Bowler amassed 19 receptions for 194 yards and a touchdown on 36 targets this season, while surprising players like Kayshon Boutte, Brenton Strange, and Kendrick Bourne have out-gained him.
However, a matchup with one of the worst-graded cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus provides a clear get-right opportunity not just for the 28-year-old but the entire Philadelphia offense.
Shane Bowen’s unit has been among the league’s worst through five weeks, surrendering over 25 points per game while boasting one of the NFL's most vulnerable pass defenses. Fans have been calling for Bowen's job, and if Hurts picks apart this defense, those discussions will only grow louder.
The reigning Super Bowl MVP threw for as season-high 280 yards and two scores against the stout Broncos' pass defense, and the offense showed signs of life through the air despite the loss.
Smith shined with 114 yards on eight catches, but Brown struggled due to the shadow coverage from Patrick Surtain II—and his QB1 missed him on a long touchdown.
That emphasis on the passing game saw former Giant Saquon Barkley logged just nine touches, so Hurt's rhythm is predicated on getting all of the playmakers going through the air.
If the Giants' defense gets torched under the primetime—and it sounds like they will—it could spell the end for Bowen (and potentially Brian Daboll) in New York.