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Hurts' Career-Low Passing Targets Stifle Eagles' Star Receivers
5 Sep
Summary
- Jalen Hurts targeted wide receivers on just 35% of his passes
- A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith had quiet nights, with Brown catching only 1 pass
- Jahan Dotson led the Eagles' receivers with 3 catches for 59 yards
On September 5th, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles secured a victory, but their top wide receivers, A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith, had one of the quietest nights of their careers. The reason for this can be largely attributed to quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had the lowest target rate to wide receivers in his NFL career, according to Sharp Football Analysis.
Hurts targeted WRs on just 35% of his passes, a concerning statistic for an offense that relies heavily on its star receiving duo. While Jahan Dotson, the No. 3 receiver, stepped up with a 51-yard reception and three catches for 59 yards, Brown and Smith were largely absent from the passing game. Brown managed just one catch for 8 yards, while Smith had three receptions for 16 yards.
The Eagles' offense appeared content to operate with their star wideouts doing almost nothing, as Hurts frequently targeted tight end Dallas Goedert and running back Saquon Barkley instead. If this trend continues, it could be an odd season for the Eagles' offense, which has relied on the explosive playmaking of Brown and Smith in the past.
