The Eagles passed a big test on Sunday when they beat the Bengals, 37-17, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

After defeating a dismal Browns team And the 2-5 giants in consecutive weeks, the Eagles were 4-2 heading into Week 8. Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni said after the Bengals game that “it’s hard to win in this league,” so they celebrate all wins the same way. However, not all victories are equal.

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Philadelphia’s performance against Cleveland and New York did not propel them into the elite tier of NFL teams. But after dismantling a formidable Bengals team, the Eagles could be considered one of the best teams in the league.

Here are NJ Advance Media’s key takeaways from the Eagles’ blowout victory:

Jalen hurts MVP form

After finishing second in the 2022 MVP voting, Hurts was considered one of the best quarterbacks in the league. The 26-year-old regressed last season and has struggled at times this season, so he is no longer considered elite.

Hurts could re-enter this conversation after dominating the Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in one of his best performances since 2022. He completed 16 of 20 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for three touchdowns.

“It’s the league. I have standards for myself, too,” Hurts said of his strong play against Burrow, who is considered a top-five quarterback.

During the third quarter, the Eagles were up by seven points (24-17) when Hurts threw a 45-yard touchdown to wide receiver. DeVonta Smithwho was closely covered by Bengals security Battle of Jordan in the end zone.

Hurts made throws to the middle of the field and made tough passes into tight windows. He had a better-than-expected completion percentage of +20.2%, the highest of his career, according to new generation statistics.

Eagles offense has elite potential

Heading into Week 8, the Eagles’ passing offense ranked 22nd in the league, averaging 195.5 yards per game. Overall, the Eagles had the ninth-best total offense (362.2 yards per game) and second-best rushing attack (166.7 yards per game) through seven weeks, but the passing game was too out of sync to let them be elite.

The Eagles got off to another slow start against the Bengals – kicking a field goal on their first drive and scoring on their next possession – but they scored points on all five of their second-half drives, including touchdowns on the first two series .

Smith caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown, AJ Brown caught five receptions for 84 yards, and Saquon Barkley had 108 rushing yards behind a broken offensive line. Philadelphia scored a season-high 37 points, rushed for 397 yards and went on a 12-play touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.

The Eagles have an elite receiver and running back duo, a high-end offensive line and a good quarterback. Philadelphia’s offense could become a top-three unit, but consistency has been the problem.

“Just being able to move forward. I don’t think we’re there yet,” Hurts said. “I think we’re slowly finding it and trying to piece things together. At the end of the day, it’s all about cadence, rhythm and how we play. And then, ultimately, optimizing all the talent that we have.

General Manager of the Eagles Howie Roseman I had a good offseason

Roseman’s new additions made some big plays.

With 45 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Eagles rookie cornerback Cooper De Jean tackled Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase for a loss of two on the fourth try. Security CJ Gardner-Johnsonwho returned to the Eagles on a three-year contract in March, intercepted Burrow on Cincinnati’s next drive. Eagles linebacker Zack Baunwho signed a one-year contract, forced a fumble on the ensuing series.

Cornerback Isaiah Rodgerswho joined the Eagles last summer and served a one-year suspension for violating the league’s playing policy, knocked the ball into Gardner-Johnson’s hands on the interception.

Barkley ran for 57 yards, including a 19-yard, 17-yard run, in the Eagles’ 12-play touchdown drive.

Philadelphia’s defense has improved

The Eagles made critical defensive stops and forced turnovers, held the Bengals to 58 yards rushing and allowed just 54 yards to Chase. Philadelphia’s defense has allowed just two touchdowns since Week 6.

Before making game-winning plays in the final 20 minutes, the Eagles struggled to stop the Bengals. Cincinnati went 10 of 13 on third down conversions and scored on three of its first five drives. Over the next 10 weeks, the Eagles pass rush and secondary must continue to improve.

Nick Sirianni’s CV strengthens

Sirianni, who has been criticized for his sideline antics and poor coaching decisions this season, won his 39th game with the Eagles. His .672 winning percentage is third best among active coaches, behind the Chargers coach. Jim Harbaugh and coach of the Packers Matt LaFleur. Despite speculation that Sirianni could be fired after the 2024 season, he has nothing to worry about as of yet.